One of the common ailments that can be found in young children is thrush. Fungal infection of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity - candidiasis - is well treated with special antifungal drugs. One such remedy is Fluconazole. It can be given to a child without any fear. The drug copes with various types of fungi and is completely safe for the baby’s body.
Description of the medication
Means "Fluconazole" has a fairly pronounced antifungal effect. It is possible to suppress the development of pathology with the help of the drug by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of pathogenic microorganisms. The active ingredients block the transition of the lanosterol of the fungal cell to ergosterol, increase membrane permeability and inhibit cell growth.
It should be noted that similar processes in the human body are not affected at all by the drug, which makes it absolutely safe and allows prescribing "Fluconazole" to the child.
Structure
The drug has a wide range of therapeutic effects. It is possible to achieve a similar effect thanks to the components that make up the antifungal drug. The active substance is fluconazole, which belongs to the group of triazoles. The component is able to suppress the synthesis of sterols in fungi at the cellular level.
In addition to this component, the composition of the tablets includes substances such as magnesium (or calcium) stearate, povidone, potato starch, lactose monohydrate and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Prescribe "Fluconazole" to children with thrush can in different forms, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the condition. The manufacturer produces the medicine in the form of tablets, coated with a special film coating, capsules and a solution for infusion. The main active ingredient in tablets and capsules may contain 50, 100 and 150 mg. In 1 ml of the solution there are 2 mg of fluconazole and some auxiliary components: sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, water for injection.
Indications for the use of the drug "Fluconazole": instructions
For preschool children, the drug "Fluconazole" is usually prescribed if necessary, treatment of stomatitis and thrush. Oral candidiasis develops against a background of a weak immune system and infection by fungi of the genus Candida albicans.
Also, the drug helps to cope with other pathologies caused by fungal pathogens. According to the instructions, "Fluconazole" can be prescribed in cases of diseases such as:
- cryptococcosis;
- cryptococcal meningitis ;
- pityriasis versicolor;
- candida balanitis;
- onychomycosis;
- genital and vaginal candidiasis;
- candidiasis of the esophagus and pharynx;
- various forms of invasive candidiasis ;
- dermatomycosis;
- Candiduria
The antifungal drug has been successfully used to treat babies in their first year of life. In this case, the dosage of the medicine should be calculated by a specialist.
Symptoms of candidiasis in the child's mouth
An unpleasant ailment develops quickly enough. The first signs are the appearance on the mucous membrane of the mouth of dark red spots. After a while, white flakes resembling cottage cheese begin to appear on them. The baby begins to experience discomfort and pain. Checking the child’s mouth is necessary if he began to refuse food, is naughty and cries for no reason.
It is forbidden to remove white plaque from the mucous surface. This can lead to damage to the inflamed mucosa and the appearance of bleeding. Having found such symptoms in a child, you should consult a doctor. After examination, a specialist may prescribe Fluconazole for treatment.
Can children be given such a strong antifungal medication? The manufacturer of the drug claims that Fluconazole has passed all the necessary clinical trials and is safe for small patients.
Dosage
The daily dose of an antifungal medication is determined depending on the weight of the baby, the nature and severity of the pathology. It is usually necessary to take the drug once a day. A large dose of the drug can be divided into several doses. The specialist must determine in what form to give "Fluconazole" to children.
The dosage of the drug in the treatment of stomatitis is 6 mg of the active substance per kilogram of the child’s weight. Such an amount of the drug will be needed only on the first day of treatment. On the second day, the dose is reduced to 3 mg. The duration of taking an antifungal agent is 10-14 days.
The maximum dose of the drug - 400 mg per day - is given to the child in severe cases of cryptococcal meningitis. A more accurate dose should be determined by a specialist. The course of treatment of such a serious illness should be at least 10 weeks.
When treating newborn babies, the time interval between doses of the fluconazole antifungal medication should be maintained. Children can take this medicine in a dosage calculated depending on body weight, and with an interval of 72 hours between doses. For babies aged 3-4 weeks, the interval is reduced to 48 hours. The need for a time period is due to the fact that the drug is removed from a small organism slowly.
Contraindications
Do not give "Fluconazole" to a child who has an increased sensitivity to the components of the drug. If an allergic reaction occurs, it is necessary to completely stop the treatment with the drug and seek help from a doctor. The drug in capsules is not prescribed for the treatment of children under 4 years old.
With extreme caution, an antifungal agent should be taken for children suffering from pathologies of the kidneys, liver and cardiovascular system. How to give "Fluconazole" to a child with impaired renal function? The specific dosage of the medicine is determined by the doctor, taking into account the creatinine clearance.
The first dose of the drug will be maximum. Depending on the speed of creatinine, the specialist will calculate the treatment regimen for a particular child.
It should be borne in mind that the drug enhances the therapeutic effect of anticoagulants, hypothiazide, and oral hypoglycemic drugs.
"Fluconazole" for children: reviews
For the treatment of candidiasis of the oral cavity, stomatitis and other diseases caused by fungi, the medicine "Fluconazole" is considered the most effective. According to experts, the drug is often used to eliminate the symptoms of similar pathologies in children of all age groups, including newborns. To avoid side effects, it is important to strictly observe the dosage recommended by the doctor and not to violate the time interval between doses.
"Fluconazole" to the child may be prescribed after prolonged antibiotic therapy. In order for the antifungal therapy to be truly effective, it is recommended not to interrupt the course of treatment even if the condition improves.