Itching and burning in the genital area usually accompany thrush. Such a diagnosis is more characteristic of women, but it also occurs in men. The main cause of the development of the disease is the fungal microflora of the genus Candida. It is always present in a healthy body. However, under the influence of a number of factors (decreased immunity, hypothermia, stress, etc.) it begins to multiply intensively. One of the most popular anti-thrush medications is Clotrimazole Cream. Instructions for use for men suggest using it for other purposes.
general information
As a result of a decrease in immunity, the fungus begins to multiply actively. This leads to the appearance of unpleasant symptoms in the form of burning, itching in the genital area, cheesy discharge. The causative agent of thrush affects not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes. In order to avoid the transformation of the disease into a chronic form, it is necessary to proceed to its treatment in a timely manner. For this purpose, various antifungal ointments or creams for men are used. Clotrimazole is one of them. Let us consider in more detail what the drug is, what are its indications and contraindications for use.
Composition and form of release
"Clotrimazole" is available in several dosage forms, such as: tablets, suppositories, cream, gel. The active ingredient in them is the substance of the same name; auxiliary components and scope may vary.
Candles and tablets are used intravaginally, so they are not prescribed to men. For the treatment of representatives of the stronger sex, the drug is most often prescribed in the form of a cream. It has a white or yellowish color. Available in aluminum tubes of 15, 20, 30 or 50 g. Tubes are packed in cardboard boxes with instructions. The concentration of the active substance is 10 mg / g.
Pharmacological properties
Cream "Clotrimazole" for men, the instruction considers as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. It is active in most pathogenic fungi, including the Candida genus. Depending on the amount of active substance it is characterized by the following properties:
- Fungistatic (noted at low concentrations). The growth of fungal structures is suspended, which prevents the further spread of the disease.
- Fungicidal (fixed at high doses of the substance). Reproduction of fungal cells stops.
The mechanism of action of the drug is quite simple. Its active substance blocks the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and ergosterol. These components are responsible for the construction of membranes of microorganisms. As a result, cells of the pathogenic flora are damaged and destroyed.
Indications for appointment
In what cases do doctors prescribe Clotrimazole cream for men? Instructions for use contain comprehensive information on this subject. The drug is recommended for the treatment of various pathologies of fungal etiology. General indications for the appointment are the following conditions:
- Urogenital candidiasis in the form of balanoposthitis, balanitis.
- Damage to the skin and mucous membranes caused by thrush.
- The exclusion of relapse of the disease against the background of prolonged use of antibiotics
- Fungal skin lesions with trichophytosis, microsporia.
- Ringworm / pityriasis.
In case of urogenital infection, a urologist prescribes a course of treatment. With other variants of mycoses, a dermatologist consultation is required.
Instructions for use
Cream "Clotrimazole" for men is recommended to be used according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor. In this case, the doctor must take into account the form of the disease, the localization of the pathological process, the variant of the course of fungal infection. Standard protocols offer the following treatment regimens:
- In the case of an acute course of the disease (urethritis, balanoposthitis, balanitis), the drug is recommended to be applied to the genital area and foreskin with a thin layer. The procedure should be repeated 2 to 4 times a day. The duration of treatment is 1-2 weeks.
- In case of chronic thrush, the cream should also be carefully distributed over the genital area. However, in this case, the duration of therapy can be up to 1 month.
- In order to prevent thrush and relapse, Clotrimazole must be used up to two times a day for two weeks.
Doctors do not recommend using the drug for more than one month. If the symptoms of the disease persist and there is no improvement, you need to contact a specialist again, if necessary, undergo an additional examination and review the treatment regimen.
Features of applying cream
How to apply Clotrimazole cream to men correctly? To speed up the healing process, you must adhere to the recommendations below:
- Before starting treatment, it is important to undergo an examination with a specialized specialist in order to determine the causative agent of the disease, the degree of its sensitivity to the main component of the cream - imidazole.
- Immediately before applying the drug, it is recommended to rinse the areas of tissue affected by the fungus. To do this, it is better to use soap suds and running water.
- After the skin dries, gently wipe it with a clean towel.
- The cream is applied in a thin layer with the obligatory capture of healthy tissues. Surplus can not be removed.
- Underwear is important to change daily. Preference should be given to natural fabric options. Additionally, it can be ironed with a hot iron.
During treatment, you should observe sexual rest. This is necessary to prevent infection of the partner. Doctors also advise giving up alcohol.
Contraindications and side effects
One of the advantages of Clotrimazole cream for men is the almost complete absence of contraindications. It is suitable for all patients. An exception to this rule is the individual intolerance of the components that make up the drug, severe liver damage.
If you use the product in accordance with the instructions and in the dosage prescribed by your doctor, the risk of side effects will be minimal. Despite their good tolerance, some patients experience the following complications:
- Formation of blisters on cream treated areas.
- Itching and burning of the skin.
- Swelling of soft tissues against the background of allergies.
- Excessive dryness, peeling of the skin.
- Tingling in the groin.
In rare cases, patients complain of pain during urination during intercourse. When these symptoms appear, they should be immediately told to the attending physician.
Drug interaction
Do not neglect the instructions for use with Clotrimazole cream for men. It provides information on the interaction of the drug with other medicines. For example, it is not recommended to be used together with polyene antibiotics ("Nystatin", "Natamycin"). They suppress each other's activity.
Separately, it should be said about cases of overdose. Clotrimazole enters the bloodstream in small amounts. Therefore, its local use does not cause intoxication. If the patient randomly took the medicine orally, nausea, gastralgia, and vomiting may occur. In rare cases, drowsiness, hallucinations, pollakiuria are observed. To stop the symptoms of overdose, symptomatic therapy is prescribed, involving the use of enterosorbents.
Analogues of the drug
In the absence of the effect of the therapy or the appearance of side effects, the doctor selects an analogue of Clotrimazole cream for men. How to apply, at what dosage the new drug should be told by a specialist at a consultation. Self-medication is categorically unacceptable.
A direct analogue of Clotrimazole is Candide. There are no significant differences between medicines, since the same substance acts as the main component. Other popular drug analogues are as follows:
- Pimafucin.
- "Fungal."
- "Candizol."
- "Imidil."
The presented funds differ in price, duration of application.
Patient Reviews
Reviews of men about the cream "Clotrimazole" for the most part have a positive characteristic. Among its main advantages is a relatively low price (150-200 rubles). One such tube is enough for a full course of therapy. A medicine is sold in all pharmacy chains, a prescription from a doctor is not required.
The cream is convenient to use: apply a thin layer on the affected area, wait for its final absorption. A pronounced therapeutic effect is usually observed 2-3 days after the start of use. This reduces the number of pathological discharge. The drug well relieves itching and burning, eliminates painful discomfort.
Negative reviews from representatives of the stronger sex also occur. As a rule, they are associated with the duration of use in the case of prevention of relapse of the disease. At the same time, men are forced to abandon an intimate life on the recommendation of a doctor. However, after the end of such therapy, a decrease in libido or other problems of a sexual nature are not observed.
According to doctors, the cream "Clotrimazole" for men (and other diseases similar in etiology) from thrush has worked well. The drug has long been used in medical practice and has already managed to prove its effectiveness and safety. An important advantage is the almost complete absence of contraindications. Side effects from the use of the medication are rare. Compliance with the recommendations for the use of this antifungal agent allows to achieve patient recovery in the shortest possible time, reduces the likelihood of the formation of a chronic disease.