According to the instructions for use, "Clotrimazole" is an antifungal agent that helps to slow down the growth and complete destruction of almost all types of bacteria and fungi that provoke infectious diseases. However, one type of microorganism is resistant to the action of such a drug - Candida strains.
Dosage Forms
- Cream for external use.
- Ointment (externally).
- Spray (externally).
- Gel (externally).
- Solution (externally).
- Vaginal cream.
- Vaginal tablets.
Pharmacology
As confirmed by the instructions for use, "Clotrimazole" has a wide spectrum of activity. Under its influence, the synthesis of ergosterol, the main component of the cell walls of the fungus, is disrupted. As a result, the permeability of the pathological cell changes, which leads to its death.
Significant dosages of the drug disrupt metabolic processes in cellular mitochondria and increase the intracellular level of hydrogen peroxide, which is detrimental to the microorganism. In addition to the fact that the drug is highly active against mold and yeast-like fungi, it still has a mild antibacterial effect against streptococci, staphylococci, as well as bacteroids and gardnerella.
Indications for use
According to the instructions for use, "Clotrimazole" should be used for damage to the mucous membranes and skin with a fungus. Such diseases include:
- dermatomycosis;
- trichophytosis;
- dermatophytosis;
- microsporia;
- epidermophytosis;
- stomatitis;
- candidiasis;
- fungal paronychia;
- interdigital erosion;
- mycosis complicated by secondary pyoderma;
- vulvovaginitis;
- candidiasis vulvitis;
- trichomoniasis;
- balanitis;
- multi-colored and pityriasis versicolor;
- erythrasma.
They resort to the use of the drug in the preparation of the birth canal.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to components.
- Period of menstruation (vaginal cream and tablets).
- The first trimester of pregnancy.
- Lactation (with caution).
Adverse reactions
- Local: edema, burning, peeling and skin irritation, erythematous rashes, paresthesias, blisters.
- Allergic: urticaria, itching.
- Intravaginal administration: burning, itching, swelling and hyperemia of the mucosa, vaginal discharge, gastralgia, headache, frequent urination, cystitis.
For fungal infections of the genital organs, ointment "Clotrimazole" and men are used. Instructions for use contain information that after using such a medicine, the patient may experience a burning sensation in the penis, as well as pain during intercourse.
Application and dosage
The solution, cream or ointment "Clotrimazole" instructions for use recommends applying to the affected areas of the mucous membranes and skin with a thin layer three times a day. In this case, the medicine must be gently rubbed. A single dose of the drug is a strip of cream not more than 5 mm long or up to 20 drops of a solution. On average, the course of such treatment does not exceed four weeks, but to completely eliminate clinical symptoms, doctors extend the therapy for another two weeks. Erythrasma, for example, is treated from 2 to 4 weeks, but multi-colored lichen - from 7 to 20 days. Please note that before applying the clotrimazole ointment, the instructions for use strongly recommend that you first wash your feet with soap in warm water and then dry thoroughly with a towel. Particular attention should be paid to the area between the fingers. Fungal lesions of the skin of the legs require further treatment for another two to three weeks.
The vaginal cream should be administered as deep as possible into the vagina once a day for three days. In this case, the dosage should be no more than 5 grams of the drug. With balanitis or candidiasis vulvitis cream "Clotrimazole", the instructions for use recommends applying up to three times a day. The course of treatment in this case is up to two weeks. As a rule, pain disappears after just a few procedures.
Tablets "Clotrimazole" instructions for use advises to be administered once in a dose of 500 mg or within three days at 200 mg. It is better to do this in the evening, before bedtime, so the drug will penetrate the lesion focus better. Typically, such therapy is combined with regular treatment of the genitals with a solution, ointment or cream. If necessary, repeat the treatment. In order to sanitize the birth canal, the tablet is administered once.
Ointment "Clotrimazole"
This form of the drug is intended for external use. Ointment "Clotrimazole" recommends use for use for treatment, which is aimed at combating the pathogen of the infectious process. This includes diseases caused by various fungi that are sensitive to the drug.
According to the instructions for use, ointment "Clotrimazole" is different in white, dense texture and homogeneous structure. The main active ingredient of the drug is clotrimazole, which in 1 g of the substance contains 10 mg. Auxiliary ingredients include:
- methyl paraben;
- propylene glycol;
- polyethylene oxide 1500;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate.
The drug is available in aluminum tubes of 30 g each. A cardboard bundle contains one such tube and a memo on the use of the medicine.
According to the instructions for use, ointment "Clotrimazole" is prescribed in the following situations:
- superficial fungal infections that provoke mold and yeast fungi;
- erythrasma, pink and pityriasis versicolor;
- fungus of the feet and natural folds;
- purulent skin lesion with a secondary bacterial infection.
The active substance of the ointment after application penetrates well into the deepest layers of the skin, however, it is almost not absorbed into the systemic circulation.
What is the difference between ointment and cream
The dosage form of the drug is prescribed on the basis of indications. If the patient has increased peeling and dry skin, Clotrimazole ointment is suitable for treatment, according to the instructions for use. For women and men, this medicine is prescribed in case of development of skin mycoses, inguinal epidermophytosis, erythrasma, pityriasis versicolor and mixed fungal and bacterial infections.
Moisturizing inflammations suggest the use of a preparation in the form of a cream, since it has a drying effect.
Solution use
Clotrimazole in the form of a solution is used for applications. Before the procedure, it is recommended to thoroughly wash the treated area with soap. A small amount of the drug should be applied to a piece of the bandage folded several times and applied to the affected area. Liquid "Clotrimazole" penetrates the epidermis better, therefore it is more preferable for onychomycosis.
In case of damage to the oral cavity by a fungus, the mucous membrane is treated with a swab or a cotton swab moistened with a solution. After that, you need to eat and drink nothing for an hour.
If the ear canal is damaged by yeast-like fungi, turundochki with a solution are inserted into the ear for 10 minutes. The procedure is repeated up to 4 times a day for a month.
Gel Instructions
You need to apply the gel in the same way as the ointment - 2-3 times a day, rubbing it with light movements. A feature of this form of the drug is its fast absorption, which makes it possible to apply the drug even to hard-to-reach areas of the body. The gel can be applied intravaginally 5 g once a day. The course of treatment will be three days.
Vaginal pills
This form of the drug is indicated for thrush in women. Before use, the tablet is moistened with boiled water and injected as deep as possible into the vagina in the supine position. This is best done at bedtime, at night. The course of treatment is:
- a tablet twice a day - three days;
- on a tablet once a day - six days.
It is not recommended to use the drug during menstruation. Also, in parallel with treatment, you can not douche, use spermicides and tampons. Before delivery, for the rehabilitation of the genital tract, 200 mg of the drug is administered once. "Clotrimazole" in tablets is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Vaginal suppositories
This form of the drug is indicated for thrush. Suppositories are injected into the vagina for 6 days. During pregnancy, suppositories can be used only from the second trimester and only after consulting a doctor.
special instructions
Before using Clotrimazole, the instructions for use advise you to carefully study the following points:
- You can not use the drug for fungal infections of the breast.
- In no case do not apply ointment to the skin around the eyes. In case of accidental contact, wash immediately with running water.
- When pronounced adverse reactions occur, the drug should be discontinued.
- After using the ointment, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap.
- To prevent the infection from returning, treatment of both sexual partners should be carried out simultaneously.
- After applying the ointment, there is no need to apply an occlusive dressing.
- In case of liver failure, the doctor should monitor the condition of the liver in parallel with the treatment with Clotrimazole.
- If the effect of treatment is absent for a month, you need to confirm the diagnosis.
Overdose
Cases of overdose of the drug to date have not been identified. Clotrimazole in any form can be purchased without a prescription. However, doctors do not recommend self-treatment with this medication. First, in any case, you need to make a diagnosis.
Analogues of Clotrimazole
- "Bifonal" - is indicated for dermatomycosis caused by dermatophytes, molds and yeast, as well as for erythrasma (mycoses of the hands, feet, superficial candidiasis, multi-colored lichen).
- "Bifunal" - acute and chronic dermatomycoses, including the scalp.
- "Ginezol" - vulvovaginal and vaginal mycoses, balanitis, superinfection provoked by gram-positive microorganisms.
- "Derma-Rest" - local treatment of some dermatophytosis.
- "Dermazole Plus" - prevention and treatment of fungus of the scalp. This includes recurrent and chronic seborrhea, pityriasis versicolor, dermatitis.
- "Zalain" - is applied locally from vaginal candidiasis.
- "Candide" - fungus of mucous membranes and skin, erythrasma, multicolored lichen, candida balanitis and vulvitis.
- "Kanespor" - skin mycoses, dermatophytes.
- "Kanesten" is a fungus of mucous membranes and skin, multi-colored lichen, candidiasis vulvitis, inflammation of the extreme cavity and head of the penis in men.
- "Ketodin" - infections of nails and skin, epidermophytosis of feet and hands, inguinal epidermophytosis, onychomycosis, pityriasis versicolor, paronychia, seborrheic dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, folliculitis.
- "Ketozoral" - seborrheic dermatitis, candidiasis of the skin, inguinal epidermophytosis.
- "Ketoconazole" - local treatment of skin infections, epidermophytosis of the body, pityriasis versicolor, candidiasis of the skin.
- "Klotreks" - dermatophytosis, erythrasma, pityriasis versicolor, candidiasis, furunculosis, superficial folliculitis, paronychia, eczema, erythrasma, infected wounds.
- "Klotrisal" - erythrasma, candidiasis of the skin, dermatophytosis, onychomycosis, pityriasis versicolor.
- Mikogal - all types of fungal skin diseases.
- "Mikogel" - nail and skin lesions with a fungus, dermatomycosis, vaginal candidiasis, bacterial infections.
- "Mykozolon" - diseases of the nails and skin, accompanied by itching and inflammation, diaper rash, mycosis of the ear canal.
- "Miconazole" - infections of the skin, folds, nails.
- "Mikospor" - in addition to infections, is prescribed after removal of nails affected by mycosis.
These and many other drugs are analogues of Clotrimazole. However, each of them can be used only after consulting a doctor.
Storage conditions
Clotrimazole, as an ointment, can be stored for two years after manufacture. It should be kept away from children at temperatures up to +20 º. Tablets are stored a little longer - up to three years. Freezing the composition is prohibited. The solution of "Clotrimazole" instructions for use recommends storage for three years at temperatures up to +25 º.
Cost
The price of suppositories "Clotrimazole" in our country is from 35 rubles. A drug in the form of an ointment costs from 65 to 72 rubles. For vaginal tablets you will have to pay 17-75 rubles., Such a variation in price depends on the manufacturer. A solution on average costs about 140 rubles.
Reviews about the drug
According to the instructions for use and reviews, ointment "Clotrimazole" is a time-tested, effective and inexpensive medicine for fungal diseases. Also, the medication showed itself perfectly in the fight against age spots. Also, people note understandable instructions for the use of "Clotrimazole". For women, this drug has generally become indispensable, especially in the treatment of such a common disease as thrush. Patients note its low cost and the absence of side effects.
Users are satisfied that the drug is available in different forms, so you can choose the right one for yourself. Representatives of the stronger sex respond equally warmly to the medication. Clotrimazole is also suitable for men. Instructions for use describe in detail the treatment regimen. However, patients note one drawback: the drug must be used for a long time.