In cases where it is necessary to get rid of the causative agents of lichen, fungal infections to varying degrees, an antibacterial drug called “Clotrimazole” is used, the instructions for use of which are discussed in this article.
A medication with an antimycotic effect is not an antibiotic, but this does not prevent it from adversely affecting harmful microorganisms. In the instructions of “Clotrimazole” you will familiarize yourself with the indications for use, side effects, etc. Also in the article you will find out the rest of the details and reviews of those who have experienced the medication on their own skin.
"Clotrimazole": a description of the drug
In accordance with the pharmacological classification, this medication has an antifungal effect and is included in the group of drugs with a wide spectrum of action.
Due to the use of “Clotrimazole” (instructions are given in the review below), fungal manifestations on the mucous membranes of the genital tract and on the skin, as well as signs of multi-colored, can be eliminated. The drug with antimycotic effect is used topically, intravaginally or externally. The release form of "Clotrimazole" is diverse. This tool can be used (only after consulting a doctor) for both adults and children.
Release form and composition of "Clotrimazole"
In total, there are six forms of release of this drug: ointment, gel, solution, cream, tablets and vaginal suppositories. Further, you can familiarize yourself with the composition in each separately produced medication.
Cream (homogeneous mixture of white color) - concentration of clotrimazole in the ratio of 1 g per 100 g. Auxiliary agents are the following: benzyl and cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol, sorbitan stearate, water, polysorbate, synthetic spermaceti. Available in aluminum tubes (20 g).
Ointment (white-yellowish paste with a faint odor) - concentration of clotrimazole in the ratio of 1 g per 100 g. Auxiliary agents are the following: cetostearyl alcohol, monoglycerides, emulsion wax, propylene glycol, castor oil, polysorbate, glycerol, methyl- and propyl parahydroxybenzo. Available in aluminum tubes (15 and 30 g).
Gel (transparent homogeneous gel with a pronounced aroma of sage) - the concentration of clotrimazole in a ratio of 10 mg per 1 g. Auxiliary agents are the following: glycerol, ethyl alcohol, carbomer, macrogol, propylene glycol, sage extract. This form of release of “Clotrimazole” can be purchased at the pharmacy in aluminum tubes for 20 and 40 g.
The solution (colorless transparent liquid) is the concentration of clotrimazole in the ratio of 10 mg per 1 ml. Auxiliary means are: propylene glycol, ethanol, polyethylene glycol. The product is available in glass bottles with applicators (25 ml).
Vaginal suppositories (cylindrical form, white-yellow color, in the section a groove in the form of a funnel or air rod) - the concentration of clotrimazole in a ratio of 100 mg per 1 pc. Auxiliaries are semi-synthetic glycerides. Candles are produced in blister packs (6 pcs.).
Vaginal tablets (oblong, white) - the concentration of clotrimazole is 100 mg per 1 pc. Auxiliary tools are: adipic acid, magnesium stearate , sodium bicarbonate, lactose monohydrate, sodium lauryl sulfate, potato starch, colloidal silicon dioxide. Available in blisters (6 pcs.).
Drug action
The main substance (clotrimazole) inhibits the reproduction and growth of microorganisms, has fungicidal activity and fungistatic effect, is harmful to various fungi. The component changes the permeability of the cell membrane of fungi (when combined with its phospholipids) due to inhibition of ergosterol synthesis. A high concentration of clotrimazole destroys fungal cells by lysis without suppressing the synthesis of ergosterol, prevents the formation of proteins, fats and polysaccharides of fungi, destroying their nucleic acids and increasing the output of potassium.
As indicated in the instructions of "Clotrimazole", the drug has a wide effect on yeast, dermatophytes, mold and dimorphic fungi, and is also responsible for the destruction of gram-positive bacteria.
When the component is applied to uninflamed and intact skin, absorption into the systemic circulation is practically not observed. When it enters the liver, the drug breaks down to inactive metabolites, which are excreted by the kidneys and intestines.
What is it used for?
Indications "Clotrimazole" for external use (gel, ointment, solution and cream) include the following:
- symptoms of candidal vulvitis, balanitis with localization of the fungus inside the body;
- fungal diseases that were caused by yeast-like fungi, dermatophytes, mold pathogens that are sensitive to the active component;
- fungal infection of the outer ear.
- skin mycosis;
- fungal infections of the hands and feet;
- multicolored lichen, erythrasma.
As you can see, the drug is really universal and helps get rid of many problems of a fungal nature.
When using intravaginal forms of the drug (suppositories, Clotrimazole solution and tablets), the following symptoms and conditions are indicated:
- trichomoniasis;
- urogenital infections;
- rehabilitation of the birth canal before childbirth;
- genital superinfection, which was caused by microorganisms that are sensitive to clotrimazole;
- candidiasis vulvovaginitis;
- genital infections caused by yeast fungi of the genus Candida.
Dosage and administration
As indicated in the instructions, the drugs are used both externally and vaginally. The course of treatment, dosage and method of use directly depend on the type of disease, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient, the type and age of the pathogen.
Ointment, gel and cream are more often used to eliminate lichen and mycoses, and suppositories and tablets for the treatment of urogenital candidiasis by the intravaginal method.
Cream
Designed, according to the instructions, for external use. According to the instructions, it should be applied to clean and dry affected areas up to three times during the day. When the symptoms disappear, it is necessary to continue the course of treatment in order to prevent relapse for a few more weeks. It should be applied to skin washed with soap with neutral acidity, applied between the fingers on the feet.
The treatment period with the cream is:
- erythrasma - up to one month;
- dermatomycosis - up to one and a half months;
- multi-colored lichen - up to 3 weeks;
- candidiasis vulvitis - up to 2 weeks.
Gel
Clotrimazole in the form of a gel is also used externally. It is applied on the site of the affected areas several times during the day. According to the instructions, the minimum course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
You can treat the oral cavity with gel - for one week several times daily. For intravaginal administration, about 150 mg of Clotrimazole is used for 2-6 days daily.
Ointment
According to the instructions, the ointment should be applied a thin layer several times a day to clean and dry skin (wash with a neutral soap).
The composition should be gently rubbed into the skin and left until completely absorbed.
Therapy includes the following duration periods:
- for dermatomycosis - from 1 month;
- for pityriasis versicolor - up to three weeks;
- for fungal infections of the nails on the feet - about 2-3 weeks.
After completing the course of treatment, it is necessary to continue it for another 1-2 weeks.
Solution
It is used externally for the treatment of skin and intravaginal elimination of candidiasis pathogens.
To treat skin, a solution should be applied to the affected areas up to 3 times a day for one month.
For the treatment of the mouth, applications with cotton swabs and rinses twice a day for one week are intended.
According to the instructions, the intravaginal use of the solution should not last more than six days.
Candles "Clotrimazole"
Designed for local use.
Introduced intravaginally by teenage girls and women. You need to insert them just before bedtime very deep into the vagina, lying on your back with bent knees. Thus, the course of treatment should last no more than six days - one suppository is introduced every day. Repeated therapy is prescribed by a doctor after examination.
Tablets
This release form is also intended for intravaginal use. The course of treatment lasts no more than 6-7 days. Only one tablet per day is used. If there is no improvement after three days of use, the diagnosis must be reviewed. If even after seven days of application there is no result, you should consult a doctor for advice.
Repeated therapy is possible, however, it may increase the risk of detecting HIV infection or pathology of diabetes.
If, after a few months after use, the patient again has symptoms, you should immediately seek the advice of a doctor.
With vulvar infection, a combination of cream with tablets is allowed. For complete dissolution of the latter, it is necessary to create normal moisture in the vaginal mucosa (with a dry tablet it will go outside). Therefore, it is important to administer the tablet as deep as possible. In accordance with the instructions, these measures are not provided during critical days.
Sometimes before childbirth, if rehabilitation is necessary, the use of one tablet is prescribed.
special instructions
In accordance with the instructions of the drugs, there are special instructions that will avoid the side effects of Clotrimazole.
In no case should cream or gel be allowed to enter the mucous membrane of the eye; it must not be taken orally.
Infected areas need to be treated at the same time (if a woman has a vaginal lesion, then the male partner should also undergo similar therapy).
The composition of the preparations contains cetearyl alcohol, which can cause contact dermatitis.
If sensitivity or skin irritation is noted, it is better to stop therapy immediately.
Latex contraceptives are destroyed under the influence of the main substance - it is necessary to use other methods of contraception for 5 days after treatment. At the moment, the effect of drugs on the speed of psychomotor reactions has not been registered.
Patients with liver failure must necessarily monitor their liver.
During pregnancy
An appointment during pregnancy can only be done by a doctor if he evaluates the benefit to the mother that exceeds the risk to the fetus. According to epidemiological studies, when using the drug, no effect on the health of the child was detected.
No data were found on the effects of Clotrimazole on fertility.
In the first trimester, candles are contraindicated.
For children
To eliminate fungal diseases in children, ointment, cream and a solution of the drug are used. Dosage does not differ from that which is charged for use by the adult population.
From 12 years old, you can use vaginal tablets.
Side effects
As indicated by the instructions and numerous reviews on the drug “Clotrimazole, various forms of release lead to identified side effects.
Among others, allergic reactions to the active substance are separately noted. Since the use is mainly external, patients may experience urticaria, rash, itching, peeling, burning, and the appearance of blisters. The following side effects are also distinguished: fainting, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, irritation, swelling, burning, pain, discharge, swelling of the vaginal mucosa, pain in the stomach, headache, pain during intercourse, cystitis, discomfort in the partner's penis. If the drug is not suitable for humans due to its physiological characteristics, it is better to refer to the analogues of "Clotrimazole".
Contraindications
In accordance with the instructions, contraindications to the remedy are expressed in the following.
- If a person has an increased sensitivity to the components of the drug.
- You can not use candles during menstruation and during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Very carefully, the drug should be used while breastfeeding.
- Tablets should not be used for children under 12 years of age.
- In the presence of diseases associated with sexual infections, you should refrain from using drugs.
- Old age (over 60 years).
- It is forbidden to use tablets in the presence of vaginal bleeding, uterine hemorrhages, ulcers, blisters in the vulva.
- You can not use "Clotrimazole" for fever, dysuria, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the shoulders and back.
- Do not use the drug after the expiration date (the shelf life of Clotrimazole is three years for suppositories, cream and tablets, and two years for ointment).
In connection with the personal characteristics of the patient's body, the use of similar drugs is possible. The following are considered analogues of Clotrimazole: Kanizon, Kandibene, Candide, Imidil, Ganesten, Canesten, Mikosporin, Lotrimin, Alokandp, Antifungol, Panmicol , “Dignotrimanole”, “Fungal”, “Factactin”, “Ginelotrimin”.