What is a remedy like Clotrimazole (ointment)? What is it used for and how should it be used? This is what we will talk about in this article.
Form, description, composition
Ointment "Clotrimazole" - what helps? Before answering this simple question, you should tell what this drug is. As you know, it is intended for skin application. A homogeneous 1% ointment has a white or slightly creamy color, and also contains an active substance such as clotrimazole.
In addition to the main component, this medicine also includes auxiliary ingredients in the form of polyethylene oxide 1500, propylene glycol, nipagin (methyl parahydroxybenzoate), polyethylene oxide 400 and methyl paraben.
In what packaging is the ointment "Clotrimazole" sold (what this remedy helps from, you can find out from the attached instructions)? According to consumer claims, this product can be purchased in 30 g tubes of aluminum, which are placed in packs of cardboard.
Pharmacological characteristics
What is remarkable means "Clotrimazole" (ointment)? What helps this drug? Experts argue that this tool is an antifungal medication for topical use, which has a wide spectrum of action.
What is the reason for the antimycotic property of this drug? This effect is associated with the active component of the ointment, an imidazole derivative.
After applying the local medication, ergosterol synthesis is disturbed, which is part of most cell membranes of fungi. Such a process changes their permeability, and then causes lysis of the cell.
How does the drug Clotrimazole (ointment) work? What helps this medication? In high concentrations, the drug acts fungicidal, and in small - fungistatic.
It should also be noted that this medicine affects not only proliferating cells. According to experts, in fungicidal concentrations it interacts with mitochondrial and peroxidase enzymes. As a result, there is an increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which reaches a toxic level. It is this process that contributes to the death of fungal cells.
For which mushrooms is Clotrimazole the most effective? What helps this medication? According to the instructions, it works well against dermatophytes, lichen multicolor pathogens, mold and yeast-like fungi, as well as the pathogen of erythrasma. It should be noted that this drug exhibits high antimicrobial activity against staphylococcus, streptococcus, gram-negative bacteria and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Kinetics
Now you know what “Clotrimazole” (ointment) is? From what this medicine helps, we also told above.
What kinetic properties are characteristic of this drug? Experts say that its active component is rather poorly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, and also has almost no systemic effect.
According to the instructions, the concentration of this agent in the deep layers of the epidermis is much higher than that which is necessary to suppress dermatophytes. It should also be noted that with external application, the concentration of the drug substance in the epidermis is significantly higher than the concentration in the subcutaneous tissue and dermis.
The drug "Clotrimazole" (ointment): what helps?
Indications for use with this tool there is a huge amount. Experts say that the drug in question is effective in:
- pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma and superficial candidiasis caused by dermatophytes, as well as mold, yeast and other pathogens and fungi sensitive to the active substance of the drug;
- fungal infections of the feet and skin folds, as well as fungal skin lesions;
- mycoses, which are complicated by secondary pyoderma.
Bans to use
Does clotrimazole ointment have contraindications? What helps (the price of the drug is indicated below) this medication, we described above. As for the prohibitions on its use, then they include the following:
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- hypersensitivity to the elements of the drug.
With extreme caution, the drug in question is recommended to be used during breastfeeding.
Ointment and cream "Clotrimazole": instructions
This medication is intended for cutaneous use only. Clotrimazole ointment should be applied in a thin layer to dry and previously cleaned affected areas two or three times a day. For greater effectiveness, the drug must be carefully rubbed with soft and massaging movements. Before applying the medication, it is advisable to rinse the affected skin using soap with a neutral pH.
The duration of therapy with this agent depends on the severity of the disease, as well as the effectiveness of treatment and the localization of pathological changes.
Dermatomycoses are treated with Clotrimazole ointment for at least 4 weeks, and pityriasis versicolor - 7-22 days.
With fungal infections of the skin of the legs, it is advisable to continue the therapy for another 2 weeks after the elimination of the main signs of the disease.
Side effects
In some cases, when using the local preparation “Clotrimazole”, the following side effects occur in patients: itching, tingling at the places of applying the cream, burning, blisters, erythema, edema, peeling and skin irritation. An allergy in the form of urticaria is also possible.
Overdose Symptoms and Drug Interactions
According to experts, the use of the drug in large quantities does not cause any conditions and reactions that are dangerous to the patient's life.
As for the interaction of this agent, when it is combined with Amphotericin B, natamycin and nystatin, its effectiveness is significantly reduced.
When using the ointment with other agents, significant negative interactions should not be expected. This is due to the fact that the resorption capacity of the drug in question is very low.
The period of pregnancy and feeding the baby
As mentioned above, in the first trimester of pregnancy, the use of this medication is contraindicated. It should be noted that in the process of experimental and clinical studies it was not established that the use of the ointment in question during the period of gestation or while breastfeeding the baby in any way has a negative effect on the health of a woman or a child. However, only an experienced specialist should decide on the advisability of using this tool.
Applying this medication directly to the breast is contraindicated.
Special information
What you need to know about the effect of a drug such as Clotrimazole? Ointment - helps with thrush or not? The instruction says that this remedy is effective against fungi of the genus Candida. Therefore, it is not prohibited to use it against thrush. However, you should consult your doctor before doing this.
It is not recommended to apply the drug to the skin in the eye area. In the treatment of onychomycosis, it is advisable to ensure that the treated nails are cut short or have an uneven / rough surface, so that the active substance penetrates better into the affected areas.
In people with liver failure, it is necessary to periodically monitor the condition of the liver and its work.
If irritation or symptoms of hypersensitivity occur, ointment treatment is stopped. In the absence of a therapeutic effect within 4 weeks, the diagnosis must be confirmed.
Reviews about the drug
Most consumers who use the drug "Clotrimazole" respond about it exclusively on the positive side. According to them, this drug helped them get rid of fungal infections of the skin and nails, and at the same time did not cause any adverse reactions. Also, many patients are pleased with the affordable price of this tool. It is about 50-80 rubles.