In the article we will figure out what is better - ointment or cream “Clotrimazole”.
Very often, the fair sex is forced to encounter different fungal pathologies of the genitourinary system. At the same time, someone begins to drink expensive drugs, while others go headlong into traditional medicine.
Infections of the fungal type are widespread everywhere, every fourth inhabitant of our planet suffers from this or that type of fungus, so everyone is interested in effective means of combating such pathologies. Clotrimazole, which has several forms of release, belongs to the group of effective drugs.
Ointment is an external type of a popular synthetic imidazole product that is designed to fight fungi.
Many people wonder what is better - ointment, cream, or Clotrimazole gel.
What is the effectiveness?
Its effectiveness is determined by the ability to block the synthesis of the main structural element of the fungal cell (ergosterol). The active substance disrupts the cellular metabolic processes in the body of the parasite, leads to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in a concentration that is toxic to the cell. Because of this, the destruction of cellular organelles occurs, they necrotize - they die.
The drug "Clotrimazole" is described by the instructions as a tool that acts on actively growing and dividing organisms. It allows you to restrain the growth of colonies of microorganisms and causes the death of already present fungal cells. According to the instructions, both ointment and other forms of release of the medication are characterized as broad-spectrum agents that are active against yeast, mold and similar types of fungi, as well as against dimorphic fungi, dermatomycetes, a number of microorganisms and bacteria that cause trichomoniasis and multi-colored lichen.
Which is better - ointment or cream "Clotrimazole" in a specific clinical case, it is better to check with your doctor.
Composition and release forms
The medication is available in the form of vaginal tablets, cream, ointment, solution for external use.
Vaginal tablets. One piece contains: the active ingredient clotrimazole in an amount of 100 mg; excipients: corn starch, lactose, soda, aerosil, magnesium stearic acid, tartaric acid.
Ointment for clotrimazole fungus. 100 grams of the drug for local use contains: the active component clotrimazole (one gram); excipients: polyethylene oxide 1500, propylene glycol, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (nipagin) or methyl paraben, polyethylene oxide 400.
Cream "Clotrimazole". In one gram of cream there is: the active ingredient clotrimazole - ten milligrams; excipients: benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, eutanol G, synthetic albrot, span 60, purified water.
Which is better - ointment, cream, or Clotrimazole gel, is not indicated in the instructions.
Solution for external use "Clotrimazole". One milliliter of the drug includes: active component: 10 milligrams of clotrimazole; excipients: anhydrous ethanol, isopropyl myristinate.
The purpose of the use of "Clotrimazole"
The drug "Clotrimazole" is a broad-spectrum medicine that is used in medical treatment aimed at combating fungal infections provoked by mold and yeast-like fungi, dermatophytes.
In addition, he is actively struggling with pathogens of lichen and erythrasma. The active ingredient produces an antibacterial effect, affecting gram-positive microorganisms. Their list includes: staphylococci, corynebacteria, streptococci.
Also, the presented remedy is prescribed for determining: vaginal infections, balanoposthitis, lichen, candidiasis vulvitis, skin mycosis (including secondary infection), erosion and fungal diaper rash, urogenital candidiasis. With all such diseases, the ointment “Clotrimazole” fights. Instructions for use for women has a more advanced version. That is why the drug is prescribed for the prevention of the return of various kinds of fungal pathologies of the genitourinary system. They most often appear due to long and constant courses of antibiotic use.
It should be noted that this tool is produced in various forms with the aim of ease of use and scope. Patients are assigned several drugs at once with the same active component, since this accelerates the recovery process.
Tablets are prescribed for women to get rid of thrush, infections of the genital tract, and are also used for vaginal debridement in preparation for childbirth. Before using the drug, you need to soak them a little in water. An agent in this form has a minimal probability of side effects, they are used only at night.
Very simple instructions for use of "Clotrimazole" in the form of an ointment. It is applied in a thin layer to inflamed skin areas twice a day. For this form of release, an overdose is not characteristic. The drug should be stored in a cool and dry place.
It is very important to know that the minimum therapeutic course is equal to a week. If a woman is diagnosed with a fungal disease (thrush), her partner also needs to undergo treatment.
For the treatment of men, a release form such as a cream is best suited, since it has a concentration of 2%.
Dosage and method of application of the solution "Clotrimazole"
The solution for external use is used topically. Children and adults apply a few drops of the drug with a thin layer on dry and cleaned affected and adjacent areas of the skin twice a day (morning and evening), rub well. When pronounced symptoms are eliminated, therapy should be continued for up to four weeks, if the patient has dermatomycosis of the feet - two weeks after the elimination of all manifestations of the pathology.
Vaginal pills
They are inserted deep into the vagina, in the supine position, the legs should be slightly bent. One tablet is used per day (preferably in the evening) for six days. You can repeat the treatment course only after medical consultation.
To carry out the rehabilitation of the birth canal, you need to enter once one tablet.
Ointment
It is applied externally. Apply 2-3 times a day with a thin layer to previously cleaned (using a pH-neutral soap) and dry inflamed skin areas, gently rubbed. According to the instructions, ointment "Clotrimazole" for men and women is used for the period of time that will be determined by the doctor. The duration of the treatment course is determined by the severity of the disease, the location of the pathological changes and the effectiveness of the therapy. Dermatomycosis is treated for at least four weeks, and pityriasis versicolor - from one to three weeks. Fungal skin diseases of the legs require continued treatment for at least another two weeks after the elimination of the symptoms of the pathology.
Cream
Apply a thin layer 2-3 times a day to previously cleaned (using a pH-neutral soap) affected dry skin areas, gently rubbed. The duration of treatment is determined by the severity of the disease, the localization of the disorders and the effectiveness of the drug.
Dermatomycosis can be treated within a month, and pityriasis versicolor can be cured in two weeks. For fungal pathologies of the skin of the lower extremities, treatment should preferably be continued for at least another two weeks after the elimination of the pathogenic symptoms.
Cream or ointment "Clotrimazole": which is better?
Is there a difference between them? The fact is that the indications for use, the active active substance and contraindications are similar. Then what is the difference, and is it at all?
Clotrimazole ointment for women and men is made on the basis of petroleum jelly. It is thanks to him that its oily structure is noted. This form of release of the drug is absorbed much longer, and therefore is prescribed to owners of irritated and sensitive skin when it is necessary to soften the damaged layers of the dermis.
The cream has a very light structure, thanks to which it is quickly absorbed, the clothes do not get dirty, it allows you to start working on your usual business faster. It is not so thick because it contains water. But most importantly, among its components are alcohols. This means that the medication of this variety slightly dries up the painful areas. In addition, it is still considered more convenient to use in the fight against fungal infections.
You also need to remember that any form of release of this drug is contraindicated for use by patients during the first trimester of pregnancy. Before the appointment of “Clotrimazole” in the second and third trimester, specialists take into account all circumstances and prescribe a remedy only when absolutely necessary.
What else does the instruction for Clotrimazole ointment for women and men tell us?
The specifics of using ointments during pregnancy
Regarding the ointment, it should be noted that the instructions for use for patients in position do not differ from the prescriptions described above. In the second and third trimesters, for best results, vaginal tablets are often prescribed along with an external agent. In this case, enter candles (tablets) without an applicator. The drug is used very carefully when breastfeeding , because it is currently unknown whether the substance passes into the mother’s milk.
Ointment "Clotrimazole Akrikhin" against thrush
Often, experts advise using a domestic ointment. It is more affordable, but it is twice as effective in fighting thrush. Everyone knows that any woman after the birth of a child forgets about her health and is completely devoted to raising her baby. But the thrush is able to overtake both the mother herself and her child.
“Clotrimazole Akrikhin” literally in a few days helps to get rid of fungi such as candida, which can appear in the baby’s mouth. The drug does not have a pronounced taste and unpleasant odor, which is very significant when used in pediatrics. How to cure thrush with Clotrimazole Akrikhin ointment? Moisten a cotton pad in a weak soda solution. Carefully eliminate white plaque in the baby's mouth. Apply the drug in a very thin layer to the affected area.
Use twice a day. Improvements will be noticeable on the second day of application. If the plaque disappears completely, you need to continue treatment for two days to fix the result.
It should be noted that there is not a word about the treatment of thrush in women in the instructions for use for ointment "Clotrimazole".
Doctors reviews
They say about the drug as an effective tool in the fight against fungus. If a fungal pathology on the genitals was diagnosed, then the ointment works fine.
Before the appointment, it is advisable to produce bacterial inoculation from the pathological focus to confirm the type of pathogen and determine its sensitivity to the drug. If zero sensitivity is reflected, then there is no sense in the purpose.
After application, the external forms can spread and leave marks, that is, during the day its use causes inconvenience. The instructions for the ointment "Clotrimazole" reviews of experts are not presented.
Patient Reviews
For patients, the affordable cost and effectiveness of the drug is crucial. That is why, at present, Clotrimazole ointment is so popular. Patients note the simplicity of the instructions, the absence of significant side effects and contraindications. This tool has a lot of positive reviews. The substance of the drug acts quickly, the condition improves after several uses.
Sometimes patients talk about the appearance of burning and redness of the skin after applying ointment or cream. This indicates an individual reaction of the body.
So what is better - ointment or cream "Clotrimazole"? Each form of release has its advantages and disadvantages, their therapeutic effect is practically no different. So it’s worth focusing only on ease of use.