Candide medicine (trade name clotrimazole) is a popular treatment for infections of the skin and oral mucosa, as well as urogenital pathologies of fungal origin. The manufacturer of this drug is a pharmaceutical company from India.
Candide Gel is an antimycotic agent that successfully helps fight most dermatophytes, molds and yeasts, some bacteria and germs. It destroys staphylococcal, streptococcal flora, and other pathogenic gram-positive microorganisms. Also with fungi of the genus Candida copes quite successfully.
Clotrimazole has fungicidal activity - it inhibits the reproduction of fungi by acting on the cell membranes of these microorganisms. For external use, it is poorly absorbed into the mucous membranes and skin. The bulk of the substance accumulates in the stratum corneum.
Candide gel is used for topical application - it is applied to the skin or mucous membranes, and is also introduced into the vaginal cavity during the treatment of fungal infections. Upon contact with the mucous membrane of the vagina, mouth and head of the penis, approximately 10% of the active substance is absorbed.
The composition of the drug
What is the composition of the Candide gel? We will examine in more detail in this matter.
One gram of this antifungal gel contains 20 mg of the active substance (clotrimazole). Also contains the following components:
- sodium hydroxide;
- carbopol;
- benzyl and cetyl alcohol;
- propylene glycol;
- cetomacrogol emulsion wax;
- water;
- chlorocresol.
Indications for the appointment of the drug
Gel "Candide" is indicated for use in case of development of the following diseases:
- candidal stomatitis - fungal pathology of the oral mucosa;
- urogenital trichomoniasis - a disease that is caused by a fungal infection caused by the bacterium Trichomonas;
- color or pityriasis versicolor - an infection of the skin on the chest and trunk;
- foot fungus;
- fungal infection of the nails;
- vaginal candidiasis (the so-called thrush);
- vaginitis, vulvitis (infection of the female external organs);
- fungal balanitis (pathology of the skin of the head of the foreskin and penis);
- superficial mycosis of the skin.
Also, the drug is used to implement the rehabilitation of the birth canal.
Release Forms
Candide medicine is produced in various forms, which are intended for local use: gel, cream, vaginal tablets, powders, solutions. In this medicament in the form of a gel, 1 g contains 10 mg of clotrimazole.
Instruction for use
Indications for the use of Candide gel should be strictly observed.
The medication is applied to different parts of the body depending on the location of the lesion (feet, skin around the nails, folds of the skin, the head of the penis) or is introduced into the vagina using an applicator.
For the oral cavity with candidal stomatitis, a gel is used as a local remedy, as well as a solution that is applied to the affected areas of the mucous membrane with a cotton swab several times a day.
The course of treatment is 5 days or until the symptoms of fungal infection of the mucous membranes and skin are completely eliminated.
For open areas
In the treatment of skin mycoses, fungi of the genus Candida, pityriasis or colored lichen, which manifest as rashes, redness, age spots and itching in the skin folds, the product is used as follows:
- on the surface, it is necessary to apply a small amount of therapeutic substance 1-2 times a day after hygiene procedures.
The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks, plus another 2 weeks to consolidate a positive result.
Treatment of genital diseases
With such pathologies, Candide gel can be used by both women to eliminate mycoses of the vagina, vulva, urethra, and men with balanitis, inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis. With these pathologies, the agent is applied to the surface of the head three times a day.
Does Candide gel help against thrush? Yes, moreover, with infections of the vulva (external genitalia of women), a gel or powder is used, applied 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
With vaginal candidiasis, you can use not only a gel, but also any dosage forms of this medication that are introduced into the female organ. The treatment regimen according to the annotation is 500 mg once. The gel is injected deep into the vagina in the supine position using the vaginal applicator, which is present in the package with the drug.
This pharmacological agent is best administered intravaginally after hygienic procedures before bedtime.
For infections of the urethra, gels and solutions are used, which should be introduced into the urethra using an applicator. These medications must be used daily for 5 days.
Contraindications
The drug "Candide" is not recommended for use with high sensitivity to the active element.
During pregnancy, it is allowed to use it in the treatment of infectious lesions only in open areas of the skin - hands or feet. The medicine is not recommended in the 1st trimester of the term, since there is no data on the effect of the main substance on the developing fetus. In the 2-3rd trimesters, the use of the gel is intravaginally conditionally allowed according to the recommendation of a specialist, however, it is undesirable to use an applicator with a plunger.
During lactation, this medication is also not prescribed, since it is not known about its ability to pass into breast milk. If there is a need to use this antifungal drug to treat stomatitis or thrush during breastfeeding, you must first consult your doctor. Gel is also not used during menstrual flow.
When prescribing a medication to treat balanitis in men or vulvitis in women, it is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse. There is evidence that a gel based on clotrimazole has a direct effect on the structure of latex and may reduce the effectiveness of this type of contraceptive. In the treatment of genital infections, the course of the drug is recommended for both partners in order to avoid re-infection.
Treatment of balanitis in men with this tool is considered quite effective.
Side effects
Adverse reactions noted by the manufacturer in the instructions for use with the external use of the drug “Candide” include:
- for external use - redness, burning sensation, peeling or swelling of the skin;
- in the treatment of fungal urogenital pathologies - burning, swelling of the genitals, frequent urination, discharge from the genital tract, pain during intercourse;
- in the treatment of candidal stomatitis - itching, redness or irritation of the mucous membrane in the area of application.
If the described side effects occur, it is recommended that you stop using Candide and other medications containing clotrimazole. Dermatologists recommend choosing a pharmacological agent based on another antimycotic element.
Cost
Gel "Candide" has a cost of approximately 65 - 85 rubles. The exact price varies by region.
Analogs
This medicine has the following analogues:
- "Candide B6";
- "Clotrimazole";
- "Canison";
- Candibene;
- Amiklon;
- "Imidil";
- Canesten
- "Factody";
- Livarol;
- Lamican
- Exoderyl
- "Fungoterbin";
- Mycozone.
The medicines described above are complete structural analogues or synonyms, because they have the same basic substance.
Drug interaction
According to the instructions for the use of Candide gel, the intravaginal use of this medication can significantly reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of amphotericin B, as well as other varieties of antibiotics of the polyene category.
Concomitant treatment with medicines containing nystatin or natamycin may decrease the functionality of the active ingredient in the gel. With medicines for oral use, this tool is allowed to be used without restrictions.