Clotrimazole is an extended-spectrum antifungal agent for use in certain places affected by the fungus. This drug disrupts the synthesis of ergosterol - a substance that is part of its cell membrane. This effect changes the permeability of the membrane, which causes the destruction of fungal cells.
The presented drug is available in various forms. It can be vaginal tablets or suppositories, a solution, gel or ointment for external use, as well as Clotrimazole Cream. Instructions for use, enclosed in each box with it, disclose the pharmacokinetic properties and composition of the drug in more detail, so it makes no sense to dwell on this in detail here.
Indications for use
Clotrimazole is indicated for genital infections caused by yeast-like fungi Trichomonas vaginalis and / or Candida - trichomoniasis or candidal vulvovaginitis. Against infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to clotrimazole, as well as for the rehabilitation of the birth canal, immediately before delivery, “Clotrimazole” is used - a vaginal cream. This tool is active against molds, as well as pathogens of erythrasma and lichen multicolor. The antimicrobial effect of clotrimazole is directed against gram-negative (e.g. Gardnerella vaginalis) and gram-positive (streptococci, staphylococci) bacteria.
However, the listed list of diseases does not limit the scope of the drug "Clotrimazole" (cream). Instructions for use also disclose other indications for the use of the drug. Ailments such as dermatomycosis of skin folds, smooth skin, mustache and beard, scalp; mycosis complicated by secondary pyoderma; onychomycosis, pityriasis versicolor, foot epidermophytosis or inguinal epidermophytosis can also be neutralized with this cream.
"Clotrimazole" (cream): instructions for use and dosage
Affected areas of the skin must be cleaned before applying the medicine, using a soap with a neutral pH, and dried. Apply the cream 2-3 times a day. The total duration of the course of treatment directly depends on the localization of the pathology, the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of the use of the drug “Clotrimazole” (cream) in therapy. Instructions for use show that it usually takes about four weeks to treat dermatomycosis, and in the case of pityriasis versicolor, from one week to three. The skin of the feet with fungal diseases is treated with the cream for about two weeks after the elimination of the external symptoms of the disease.
Contraindications, side effects, drug interactions and special instructions
Cream "Clotrimazole" should not be used in the first months of pregnancy, during menstruation, as well as in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Side effects of the cream “Clotrimazole” are manifested in allergic reactions to the skin, such as irritation and peeling, burning and swelling, as well as blisters and erythematous rashes, itching and urticaria.
With simultaneous use with Nystatin Cream, the activity of Clotrimazole may decrease.
To prevent relapse of genital fungal infections, both partners need to undergo a simultaneous course of treatment. With trichomoniasis, to increase the effectiveness of the action, along with the drug “Clotrimazole”, other agents with a systemic effect (for example, metronidazole inside) should be used.
Experimental studies have not shown a negative effect of the drug in question on the health of a pregnant woman or fetus. However, in any case, you should first consult with your doctor.
And yet, despite contraindications and side effects, among the patients who used Clotrimazole (cream) in the treatment, the reviews were mostly positive.