The vast group of antibiotics includes several subgroups of drugs according to different classes of microorganisms that can cause certain diseases. These are antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal agents. Also, a special group is made up of anti-tuberculosis and anti-malarial, which were allocated separately according to the degree of danger of these nosological units.
Microbiology of fungi
Pathogenic fungi are microorganisms that parasitize on human tissues, causing the so-called mycoses. These diseases can be superficial (occur without penetration into the tissue, and the lesions are located on the hair, skin, nails, bring only a cosmetic problem), skin (there is an implantation and response inflammatory response in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, hair follicles, dermis), subcutaneous (with the introduction of fungal spores under the skin does not extend beyond the focus, but causes chronic inflammation in the thickness of the dermis) and deep (the most severe, foci spread to the lungs and internal organs). However, normally, fungi are also a component of our microflora, and their activation occurs during severe immunodeficiency of the macroorganism, as well as in the case of dysbiosis against the background of irrational use of antibacterial drugs.
Preparations
Due to the wide spread of mycoses of varying degrees of damage and severity, antifungal drugs have recently been actively developed . There are several groups of such drugs. It:
- polyenes - preparations "Nystatin", "Levorin" (suppositories, granules, powder and tablets), "Amphotericin B" and "Natamycin";
- imidazoles - means "Ketoconazole", "Clotrimazole", "Miconazole", "Oxyconazole" and "Bifonazole";
- triazoles - tablets "Fluconazole" and "Itraconazole";
- allylamines - preparations "Naftifin" and "Terbinafine";
- as well as medicines of other groups that have to one degree or another antifungal activity - means "Griseofulvin", "Flucytosine", "Chloronitrophenol" and "Potassium iodide".
Moreover, polyenes are the most inexpensive. So, the price of Levorin in tablets on the market is about 35 rubles per pack, and Nystatin tablets are even cheaper - 10-12 rubles.
Polyenes
From this list, the polyene group of antifungal drugs, that is, Nystatin and Levorin, found the most widespread use. Instructions for using both of them are generally similar. Indications for their use are candidiasis of the gastrointestinal tract (mouth, esophagus, intestines), skin and mucous membranes, as well as the genital tract in women (vulvovaginitis). They are also used as a component of the complex therapy of prostatic hypertrophy in men. For the first group of diseases, they are used orally, that is, in the form of tablets. But for the treatment of genital tract candidiasis, it is more advisable to apply them topically, that is, in the form of vaginal suppositories.
However, this drug can be taken prophylactically. Medication "Levorin", the instructions for use of which should always be attached when buying a medicine, is prescribed for treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, especially long-term. This will prevent the development of candidiasis against the background of severe intestinal dysbiosis. For the same purpose, you can apply a course of eubiotics (drops "Hilak forte", capsules "Bifidumbacterin", etc.).
Contraindications
Of course, like all medicines, the antifungal drug Levorin also has contraindications. Instructions for use of this tool indicate the following conditions in which it is strictly forbidden to take this antifungal medication: children's age (under 2 years), pregnancy and lactation, liver and kidney failure, acute bowel disease, peptic ulcer (stomach and / or duodenum) and pancreatitis. But during the period of menstruation and in the presence of metrorrhagia, it is impossible to introduce Levorin suppositories vaginally. Instructions for use of this drug also indicate possible adverse reactions, namely dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, decreased appetite, up to anorexia, diarrhea), headache, and also local irritating effect.
Forms
As already mentioned above, this antifungal agent is available in several dosage forms, namely, there are Levorin tablets. The instruction of the drug also indicates the presence of granules or powder for the preparation of suspensions (this form is intended for oral administration, is most often used for children), lyosiphylate (solutions are prepared from it both for oral administration and for topical use) and ointment (used externally) .
This tool is widely used due to the comparative cheapness in the market of medicines (the price of Levorin in the form of an ointment is about 20 rubles). And since in the absence of advanced forms of candidiasis it has sufficient effectiveness and ease of use, this served as a reason for even greater popularity. The drug "Levorin", reviews of which are mostly positive, is the most famous antifungal drug among the non-medical contingent.
How does it work
The mechanism of action of the drug "Levorin" is quite simple. The fact is that its active substance has a specific tropism for sterol compounds contained in the cell membranes of fungi. Thus, it dramatically enhances their permeability and, as a result, causes cell death. The maximum effectiveness of this tool is registered in candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. However, for some protozoal infections (leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, trichomoniasis), the drug Levorin can also be used.
The instructions for use attached to the drug also indicate its effectiveness in the treatment of prostate adenoma. With this disease, the drug reduces the severity of dysuric disorders of patients and in some cases can cause the reverse development of adenoma, that is, its hypotrophy. However, of course, it is impossible to treat such a serious pathology on your own in no case. It requires the diagnosis and consultation of an experienced graduate.