Fungal diseases can hardly be considered a rarity in modern medical practice. Pathogenic microorganisms in most cases affect the skin and mucous membranes, including tissues of the external genital organs. It is in such cases that experts prescribe Sertaconazole suppositories.
It is worth noting that there are several drugs, the main component of which is sertaconazole in the form of nitrate. Moreover, drugs are available not only in the form of suppositories, but also in the form of ointments for external use. So in what cases are these funds used? Are side effects possible? What analogues can the pharmacological market offer? The answers to these questions are worth a look.
Information on release forms and trade name
This medicine is available in the form of suppositories intended for administration into the vagina. In the pharmacy you can buy Sertaconazole-Farmex suppositories, the main active component of which is the same sertaconazole in the form of nitrate.
The same medicine is also available under other brand names. For example, Zalain suppositories and Sertamikol ointment and solution are effective - in this case, the same substance as sertaconazole is the active substance. In medical practice, Sertaconazole Cream is also used.
What properties does the substance have?
How do drugs affect sertaconazole nitrate? The instruction contains information that such drugs have pronounced antifungal properties.
This medicine blocks the synthesis of ergosterol, which is the main component of the membranes of fungal cells (including yeast-like). In addition, the substance increases the permeability of the membrane, which leads to the destruction of pathogenic cells.
The active substance practically does not penetrate the systemic circulation and affects only the skin or mucous membranes.
The main indications for the use of suppositories
Suppositories Sertaconazole are widely used for fungal diseases of the external genitalia. Most often, the drug is prescribed to patients with candidiasis. In addition, suppositories are sometimes used if the inflammatory process in the vagina (for example, of bacterial or viral origin) is complicated by fungal infections.
When do doctors recommend using an ointment?
If it comes to ointment, then there are many indications for its use. The drug is used for:
- fungal skin diseases (mycoses);
- various forms of dermatophytosis;
- fungal lesions of the skin and nails on the feet and hands;
- multi-colored lichen;
- various forms of seborrheic dermatitis;
- infectious lesions of the external mucous membranes (fungal nature, of course);
- inguinal dermatophytosis.
As you can see, the spectrum of the drug is very wide. But only a doctor can prescribe it.
Candles "Sertaconazole": instructions and recommendations
In no case should you use the medicine on your own - for starters you need to undergo an examination, after which the doctor will be able to draw up an effective treatment regimen. Suppositories Sertaconazole are intended for intravaginal administration.
The procedure is best done in the evening, before bedtime - this will enable the drug to completely dissolve and provide maximum antifungal effect. The suppository is injected deep into the vagina - it is better to do this in a prone position. The introduction of a suppository during menstruation is allowed (this practically does not affect the severity of the therapeutic effect).
As a rule, the suppository is administered once. If a serious infection occurs, the procedure can be repeated after seven days. It is worth remembering that during therapy, sexual intercourse is contraindicated.
Cream "Sertaconazole": instructions for use
As already mentioned, this medicine is available in the form of a cream, which is widely used in modern medical practice for the treatment of various skin mycoses.
Using the medicine is simple - you just need to apply the drug with a thin layer on the affected area of the skin. It is worth noting that the tissues need to be prepared for the procedure, in particular to clean from contamination. The cream is applied twice a day. According to patients, the drug is quickly absorbed.
The duration of the course of therapy is determined by a specialist. The mode of application should be adhered to even if the manifestations of fungal inflammation on the skin have disappeared. If you stop treatment too soon, then the likelihood of developing a relapse increases, which will be much more difficult to cope with.
Contraindications: when can not be treated?
In all cases, can a similar drug be used? Sertaconazole (in the form of nitrate) is considered a relatively safe substance, so there are not so many restrictions on its use. Before starting therapy, you must definitely familiarize yourself with the list of constituent components - hypersensitivity (allergy) to any of them is a contraindication.
Many women are interested in information about whether Sertaconazole suppositories are allowed to be used during pregnancy and lactation. During medical research, no side effects or negative effects on the child were found. Nevertheless, with caution it is worth using such a medicine in such an important period of a woman's life. Doctors prescribe the drug only if therapy cannot be avoided and the benefits to the mother's body outweigh the potential danger to the fetus.
As for overdose, similar cases in medical practice have not been recorded. There is a possibility of itching, rash and discomfort with the use of too high doses of the drug.
Description of possible complications
According to the results of statistical surveys, this drug is well tolerated by the human body. Suppositories with sertaconazole only occasionally cause slight discomfort, burning and swelling of the vaginal mucous membranes. It is worth noting that adverse reactions, as a rule, are present only in the first few hours after the introduction of the suppository - then the unpleasant sensations pass by themselves.
As for the cream, after applying it, reddish spots may appear on the skin. Other side effects are possible, in particular urticaria and other skin rashes, unpleasant itching, burning, slight swelling. Any complications should be reported to your doctor.
Analogues of the drug. How much is the drug?
What to do if for one reason or another it is impossible to use the drug Sertaconazole? Analogues of the drug, of course, exist. For example, a pronounced antifungal effect is exerted by such drugs as Limenda, Gaynek, Neo-Penotran, which are also available in the form of suppositories. In medicine, vaginal tablets Klion-D are often used.
As for the cost, much depends on the form of release of the drug, the dose of the active substance, the price policy of the pharmacy. Sertaconazole suppositories will cost about 400-600 rubles (one suppository per package, which is enough for therapy). You will have to pay about 300-500 rubles for the cream.
Reviews of patients and doctors
How effective are drugs that contain sertaconazole nitrate? Reviews are for the most part positive. Suppositories cope with candidiasis and some other inflammatory diseases of the vagina. The effect appears the very next day after the introduction of the suppository into the vagina - itching and burning, as well as characteristic cheesy discharge, disappear. The procedure has to be repeated only occasionally (in the event that a severe or chronic form of the disease occurs).
Cream with sertaconazole also has pronounced antifungal properties - after the first few applications, the main symptoms of skin disease begin to disappear. Patients notice a significant improvement, because itching, burning and redness pass.
The advantages of this medication include the minimum number of contraindications - the drug is considered one of the safest antifungal agents. Side effects are extremely rare. The undoubted advantages include a relatively affordable cost.
Of course, it is impossible to use antifungal drugs without permission, as this can only worsen the situation. Only a doctor can make a safe treatment regimen. By the way, often to achieve the maximum effect, the drug Sertaconazole is combined with other drugs.