What is clotrimazole and why? How to properly use the drug Clotrimazole for thrush? Ointment for external use

The drug Clotrimazole cream is used for pathologies caused by fungus, for example, vaginal candidiasis or thrush. Basics active substance The product destroys fungal membranes and has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. Thanks to its low price and positive reviews, this anti-fungal medication is one of the leaders in the pharmacological market.

What is Clotrimazole cream

For fungal diseases of the skin, nails, vaginal candidiasis (thrush) it is prescribed drug therapy antibacterial ointment Clotrimazole. The drug has a strong antifungal effect on pathogens of erythrasma, fungal psoriasis and other common mycotic diseases. The doctor can prescribe an ointment at the first symptoms of infection, to prevent mycosis in the layers of the skin and on the vaginal mucosa.

The drug inhibits the growth, development and division of fungal cells. In addition, the drug is widely used for genital tract infections (for example, vaginal mycosis of the vaginal lining). To treat candidiasis, ointment is prescribed to both sexual partners. In this case, it is recommended to apply the cream both before and immediately after sexual intercourse.

The medicine in the form of a cream is a mass of pale yellow color, the consistency of fatty sour cream, packed in an aluminum tube and cardboard packaging with an annotation for the medicine, instructions for use antifungal drug. Clotrimazole ointment is freely available in pharmacies and online stores without a doctor's prescription.

Compound

The drug is available in several dosage forms: vaginal tablets, suppositories, ointment, cream for external use.

The latter has the following composition:
The main active ingredient is clotrimazole 10 mg.

Additional substances - ethyl alcohol, petroleum jelly, glycerol, distilled water, solid fat.

pharmachologic effect The drug disrupts the synthesis of ergosterol, which is part of the fungal cell membrane . Clotrimazole inhibits cell division processes pathogenic microorganisms and is one of the most effective antifungal agents, since it has actions. The drug has a detrimental effect against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Doctors recommend starting therapy at the first signs of infection.

What is Clotrimazole for?

Clotrimazole cream has the following indications for use:

fungal diseases of the skin;
mycoses of the feet, palms, skin folds;
pityriasis versicolor;
thrush;
erythrasma;
superficial and deep candidiasis.

Instructions for use Clotrimazole cream

The medicine Clotrimazole is used for external application for antifungal therapy. The medication, according to the instructions, is applied in a thin layer 2-3 times a day. on clean and dry areas of skin with affected epidermis. If skin have serious lesions and ulcers, to achieve best effect It is recommended to use compresses with cream for several days so that the medicine is absorbed in high concentrations. The duration of the course of therapy depends on the severity of the disease, localization of the pathology, and effectiveness.

For women

A medicine with antifungal activity, Clotrimazole, is used for women suffering from frequent exacerbations of thrush, vaginitis and other bacterial lesions of the vagina. The duration of treatment is from 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of the disease. Clotrimazole is recommended for the prevention of exacerbations of candidiasis during colds and a decrease in general immunity. Use with caution medicinal product during menstruation.

For men

Clotrimazole cream for men is used mainly for the treatment of chronic and acute form candidiasis lesions of the genital skin. Treatment of fungal diseases in men lasts from 4 to 7 days. It is better to start using the cream when the first signs of the disease appear: severe itching , burning, redness, pain when urinating. Good genital hygiene also helps. The cream should not be used if hypersensitivity

to the components of the drug.

Drug interactions Some drugs (Amphotericin B, Nystatin) significantly reduce the effectiveness of Clotrimazole during simultaneous drug therapy, so they do not need to be used together. When using the medication, negative interactions with other drugs result clinical trials was not identified. Caution should be used when using the cream simultaneously with other antibiotic ointments, since the combination

Side effects and overdose

When using cream with Clotrimazole, local adverse reactions: itching, burning, redness of the skin at the site of application of the drug.

In some cases, blisters, erythema, swelling and peeling of the skin appear. Individual intolerance to the drug is manifested by urticaria. The use of the drug in high doses does not cause life-threatening or health-threatening conditions.

Contraindications

The use of Clotrimazole is strictly contraindicated if the patient has a history of:
insufficiency of the kidneys or the urinary system as a whole;
hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
liver failure; open wounds
on the skin;.

allergic reactions

special instructions

The antibiotic Clotrimazole is intended strictly for external use for fungal infections and other skin diseases. The drug is not suitable for use in ophthalmic practice; contact of the cream with the eyes and the skin around them should be avoided. The drug should be used with caution in children under 5 years of age. Do not allow the cream to get into open wounds or damaged mucous membranes. When the first signs of an allergic reaction appear, drug therapy with the drug must be stopped.

Pregnancy and lactation No toxic effects of the drug on the fetus have been identified; use is relatively safe at all stages of pregnancy. Therapeutic doses of the drug do not affect fetal development. It is recommended to use Сlotrimazole for the prevention of fungal infections for women in the first trimester of pregnancy who have an unfavorable permanent environment (for example, if a girl works in kindergarten or medical institution). Application during

breastfeeding

It is not prohibited if the cream does not come into contact with the mammary glands. Analogs Present on the pharmaceutical market a large number of

Candide. An antifungal medication that has a wide spectrum of action against fungal microorganisms. The main active substance of Candida, clotrimazole, is a form of the substance imidazole. Due to the fact that the drug damages the membranes of fungal cells, according to reviews, it is considered one of the best antifungal agents. The cost of the medicine is about 80 rubles.
Kanizon. The drug has fungistatic and fungicidal effects, the manifestation of which depends on the doses of the drug used. The following groups of fungi are sensitive to the drug Kanizon: dermatophytes, moldy fungi, blastomycetes and dysmorphic fungi, actinomycetes. The active component inhibits the synthesis of molecules of the substance ergosterol, which is necessary for the formation of cell walls of pathogenic microorganisms. The price of the medicine is on average 75 rubles per package.

Price

Before purchasing the drug, it is advisable to find out how much Clotrimazole costs, compare prices, and choose the lowest one. You can order the drug in the online store using the proposed catalog. The cost of Clotrimazole depends on several factors:

percentage of active ingredient;
Clotrimazole concentrations;
the nature and quality of additional ingredients;
manufacturing company.

Video

Many have encountered a disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Such an illness requires timely treatment. Clotrimazole suppositories, tablets and ointment for thrush in women have proven to be effective, effective drugs. Very often the problem of thrush is ignored by women, and the disease takes chronic form, which may result in serious problems with health.

Why is treatment necessary?

The consequences of candidiasis can be harmful to health and cause discomfort. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, you should consult a doctor for advice. Thrush manifests itself in the form of whitish discharge and a specific odor. If this infection is not treated, you may experience complications such as:

development inflammatory processes internal organs;
decreased immunity;
cervical erosion;
fungal infection of the kidneys and urinary system;
menstrual irregularities;
in some cases, infertility.

With adequate therapy, candidiasis can be eliminated and relapses can be avoided, but on the condition that the patient complies with all treatment conditions and personal hygiene rules.

Clotrimazole is one of the drugs that helps effectively fight thrush. But it is not recommended to use it without a doctor's prescription.

Description of the drug

This antifungal drug is available in several forms:

candles;
tablets for vaginal use;
cream;
solution;
ointment.

Ointment, cream and solution are prescribed for external use only. Clotrimazole belongs to the group of imidazole derivatives, odorless, white in color, used for damage to organs by yeast and yeast-like fungi, and also has an antibacterial effect. The mechanism of action is to disrupt the components of the cellular structure of fungi, as a result of which microbial cells are destroyed and die. The product is practically not absorbed through the mucous membrane of the skin.

It is prescribed not only for women, but also for children. Most often, the drug is used in gynecology, obstetrics, dermatology, etc. Often this drug is prescribed along with other tablets aimed at the same pathogen.

Therapy with different forms of Clotrimazole

For achievement best result it is necessary to strictly follow the treatment regimen and act in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician. The active ingredient of the drug is very effective against thrush, but can be combined and used at any time of the day. Clotrimazole suppositories, tablets and another type of drug for external therapy. For example, insert vaginal tablets at night, and apply cream or ointment during the day to relieve swelling.

All forms of Clotrimazole should be considered:

Thus, the healing active substance has 5 release forms, which are not inferior in effectiveness to each other, but are used differently.

Features of use, side effects, contraindications

Like any other medicine, Clotrimazole requires careful handling and taking into account some recommendations from specialists and manufacturers on how to use it correctly:

It is prohibited to use all types of the drug orally;
do not allow ointment, cream and solution to get into your eyes;
should not be used together with latex contraceptives, as the latter may lose their strength.

This drug may have side effects:

Clotrimazole ointment may cause a burning sensation;
allergic reactions in the form of swelling and urticaria are possible;
labored breathing;
arterial hypotension;
fainting;
pain in the area of application and discomfort.

It should be noted that side effects are observed quite rarely, and generally the treatment takes place without negative manifestations. But if one of the listed symptoms occurs, you must stop using the drug and consult your doctor.

Contraindications:

intolerance to the components of the treatment drug;
1st trimester of pregnancy, and for ointment during pregnancy and lactation;
during menstruation.

Considering the above factors, independent use of Clotrimazole is not recommended.

Being one of the most effective antifungal drugs, Clotrimazole is prescribed for complex treatment various infections skin, which are caused by excessive proliferation of Corynebacterium minutissimum and Malassezia furfur. Having a simple method of administration and a significant content of active substance in the composition of the drug, Clotrimazole is well tolerated by patients even with high sensitivity and has a small number of contraindications for use.

In the article we will review the instructions for use, price, analogs of Clotrimazole and reviews of doctors and patients about it.

Features of the drug

This drug has the greatest effect in the development of diseases caused by molds, yeasts, as well as dermatophytes and other pathogens that are sensitive to the effects of clotrimazole, the active substance of the drug.

To see what the drug Clotrimazole is, watch the video below:

Composition of Clotrimazole

The main active ingredient is clotrimazole, of which 1 g of the product contains 10 mg (meaning 100% dry matter). Auxiliary components include the following:

polyethylene glycol cetostearyl ether;
propylene glycol;
cetostearyl alcohol;
polyethylene glycol 400;
proxanol 268.

Externally, the drug is an ointment with White color, homogeneous consistency, having a weak specific medicinal odor.

Dosage forms

The drug is offered for sale in the form of aluminum tubes with bouchons that have an internal varnish coating that is approved for use. The tube with a leaflet describing the composition and method of use is contained in a cardboard package.

Clotrimazole is also sold in the following forms:

vaginal tablets having appearance parallelepiped with slightly rounded corners. They contain 100 mg of active substance. There are 6 pieces in the blister;
ointment (cream), having a white color and uniform consistency, for external use. The active substance in the ointment is 10 mg per 1 g of ointment. The ointment is packaged in tubes of 30 g, 20 g. Vaginal cream 2% is offered in tubes of 50 g;
solution, also used for outdoor use. The solution (1%) is packaged in orange bottles and their volume can be 15 or 30 ml.

The cost of the drug may vary: vaginal pharmacies offer tablets at prices ranging from 35 to 60 rubles. A solution of various volumes costs from 96 to 123 rubles per bottle, and ointment, also depending on the volume of the tube, costs 180-215 rubles.

pharmachologic effect

A feature of Clotrimazole should be considered its rapid penetration into the upper layer of the epidermis and the immediate onset of action on yeast mushrooms. At the same time, the rate of reproduction of fungi is sharply limited, the possibility for their further spread is reduced, and improvements in the condition of the skin appear.

Pharmacodynamics

Clotrimazole, penetrating the skin within 30-45 minutes after its application, destroys the cell membranes of fungi, preventing absorption nutrients from environment. Without a negative effect on the composition of the blood, the drug penetrates into all layers of the epidermis and has a detrimental effect on the colonies of Corynebacterium minutissimum and Malassezia furfur.

Pharmacokinetics

Due to the rapid rate of absorption of the active substance of the drug into the skin, the fastest possible effect on the cause of the disease occurs: the skin is cleansed, its surface is smoothed and functions are restored.

The breakdown products of the drug are eliminated by the kidneys. No negative effects on the body when the product is absorbed in the absence of increased sensitivity of the skin to the components of Clotrimazole.

The active substance can penetrate the tissues of the placenta and enter the fetus; for this reason, careful administration of Clotrimazole is required during pregnancy or when pregnancy is suspected. The drug can be used by pregnant women in cases where its benefit exceeds the probable Negative consequences for the fetus. When breastfeeding, Clotrimazole is prescribed as needed; Before feeding, the mammary glands should be thoroughly wiped to avoid the drug entering the newborn’s body.

What, besides fungus, does Clotrimazole help with, this video will tell you:

Indications

Clotrimazole is prescribed for many lesions of the upper layer of skin. Due to the high activity of the active substance, it has a rapid effect on the foci of infection and a noticeable improvement in the condition of the skin within 1.5-2 weeks from the start of use of the product.

The drug is prescribed if available the following diseases and states:

skin infections that are caused by mold, yeast and other fungi, as well as dermatophytes and other types of pathogens;
diseases that have arisen in the layers of the skin under the influence of excessively active reproduction of Corynebacterium minutissimum (erythrasma) and Malassezia furfur (variegated);
for the treatment of inflammation;
during treatment.

Usually the drug is recommended by a dermatologist, who takes into account when drawing up a treatment regimen general state body, the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, however, Clotrimazole is sold in pharmacies without the need to present a prescription, which allows it to be used independently in the presence of severe skin lesions. In this case, it is mandatory to carefully study the attached instructions.

Instructions

Before using the antifungal drug in question, you should thoroughly clean the surface of the affected skin using soap and plenty of water. The pH value should be neutral. After this, dry the skin and apply ointment (cream) to the affected areas, which is distributed evenly over it. The amount of ointment depends on the area of the lesion.

After application, the ointment should be lightly rubbed in: this will allow it to be absorbed faster and increase the effect of the active substance. The first signs of improvement in skin condition usually begin to appear after 1.5-2 weeks from the start of treatment. Also, the final effect depends on the degree of skin damage and its sensitivity to the active substance.

After the first signs of improvement appear, it is recommended to continue using the drug for another two weeks to consolidate the effect.

Depending on the type of disease, the duration of treatment is prescribed:

for lichen versicolor, the ointment is used for 1-3 weeks;
for dermatomycosis of various origins - 3-4 weeks;
When treating erythrasma, 2.5-4 weeks of using Clotrimazole is usually sufficient.

If a pronounced improvement in the condition of the skin has not occurred after 4 weeks of continuous use of the drug, you should inform your dermatologist about this and make adjustments to the proposed treatment regimen.

In the presence of liver or kidney dysfunction, the dose of the drug used does not change.

Contraindications

Excessive sensitivity to the active substance of the drug or to its other components should be considered a contraindication to the use of Clotrimazole.
Some caution should also be exercised when prescribing the drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects

To the most frequent side effects when using Clotrimazole usually include:

special instructions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - special cases, in which special caution should be exercised when prescribing Clotrimazole. If there is greater benefit for the pregnant woman than the negative effect of the drug on the fetus, Clotrimazole can be prescribed, but it should be constantly monitored by a doctor.

Interaction with other drugs

Enhancing the antifungal effect of increased concentrations of propyl ester of hydroxybenzoic acid allows the use of these substances together without reducing the effect. However, Clotrimazole reduces the degree of exposure to nystatin, amphotericin, and natamycin.

When using Clotrimazole in significant concentrations on the affected areas of the skin, the degree of its effectiveness increases.

Fungal diseases or mycoses are caused various types fungi. Fungi cause such known diseases, like pityriasis versicolor, athlete's foot, trichophytosis, microsporia, candidiasis and many others.

Some types of fungi live constantly in the body and cause disease only when weakened protective forces body. These diseases include candidiasis or thrush.

The large spread of fungal diseases also occurs because patients traditionally do not attach much importance to them and treat themselves on their own, without consulting a doctor. And completely in vain: the fungus can cause complications:

allergization of the body with further formation allergic diseases(from skin diseases and runny nose to bronchial asthma);
the addition of a bacterial or viral infection;
spread of fungus to internal organs, which can cause severe general condition.

What is clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is a drug for local (external) treatment of fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Clotrimazole has antifungal, antibacterial, antiprotozoal (effects on protozoa, for example, Giardia), including anti-Trichomonas action (Trichomonas is a protozoan).

How does clotrimazole work?

The mechanism of action of clotrimazole is that it affects one of the components of the cell membrane (membrane) of fungi, thereby changing its permeability. Necessary substances such as potassium and intracellular phosphorus compounds leave the cell, which leads to its disintegration. Clotrimazole acts mainly on growing and dividing microorganisms. Depending on its concentration in medicinal drug it stops the development (fungistatic effect) or destroys (fungicidal effect) fungal cells. Clotrimazole also prevents Candida fungi from turning into mycelium (mycelium consisting of branched threads), which can spread to internal organs.

Strains of fungi with natural resistance (immunity) to clotrimazole are rare. Primary resistance to clotrimazole has been described only for certain strains of Candida fungi.

Clotrimazole is also effective against certain types of bacteria: staphylococci, streptococci, gardnerella. In high concentrations, it can suppress the activity of vaginal Trichomonas.

The drug is poorly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, accumulating in the top layer skin and mucous membranes.

During clinical studies, carcinogenicity (the ability to cause malignant diseases), mutagenicity (the effects of non-genes and the emergence of new properties of the body), and fertility (the ability to give birth) were not revealed. But when laboratory research Disturbances have been found in pregnant rats (effects on the fetus) when clotrimazole was taken orally.

For what diseases can clotrimazole be used?

Clotrimazole is used externally for such fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes as dermatomycosis, dermatophytosis, trichophytosis, epidermophytosis, microsporia, candidiasis, interdigital fungal erosion, fungal paronychia, mycoses, complicated bacterial infection, multicolored lichen , erythrasma, candidal stomatitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis. In addition, it is used for sanitation birth canal before childbirth.

Contraindications for the use of clotrimazole

Like any drug, clotrimazole has its contraindications:

Side effects of clotrimazole

Clotrimazole can cause allergic reactions on the skin, which manifest themselves in the form of itching, burning, redness and swelling of the skin, blistering, irritation and peeling. On mucous membranes, allergies can also manifest as itching, burning, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane,

What is a product such as Clotrimazole (ointment)? What is it used for and how should it be used? This is exactly what we will talk about in this article.

Form, description, composition

Clotrimazole ointment - what helps? Before answering this simple question, we should tell you what this drug is. As you know, it is intended for cutaneous application. A homogeneous 1% ointment has a white or slightly creamy color and also contains the following active substance, like clotrimazole.

In addition to the main component, this medicine also contains auxiliary ingredients in the form of polyethylene oxide 1500, propylene glycol, nipagin (methyl parahydroxybenzoate), polyethylene oxide 400 and methylparaben.

In what packaging is Clotrimazole ointment sold (what does this remedy help with, you can find out from the attached instructions)? According to consumer statements, this product can be purchased in 30 g aluminum tubes, which are placed in cardboard packs.

Pharmacological characteristics

What is remarkable about the product “Clotrimazole” (ointment)? What does this drug help with? Experts say that this remedy is an antifungal medication for local application, which has a wide spectrum of action.

What is the antimycotic property of this drug? This effect is associated with the active component of the ointment, an imidazole derivative.

After using a local medication, the synthesis of ergosterol, which is part of most cell membranes of fungi, is disrupted. This process changes their permeability and then causes cell lysis.

How it works medicine"Clotrimazole" (ointment)? What does this medication help with? In high concentrations the drug acts fungicidal, and in low concentrations it acts fungistatically.

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, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide increases, which reaches toxic levels. It is this process that contributes to the death of fungal cells.

For which fungi is the drug Clotrimazole most effective? What does this medicine help with? According to the instructions, it works well against dermatophytes, pathogens versicolor, mold and yeast-like fungi, as well as the causative agent of erythrasma. It should also be noted that this drug exhibits high antimicrobial activity against staphylococcus, streptococcus, gram-negative bacteria and

Kinetics

Now do you know what Clotrimazole (ointment) is? We also explained above what this medicine helps with.

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 product is deep layers epidermis is much higher than that necessary to suppress dermatophytes. It should also be noted that when applied externally, the concentration medicinal substance in the epidermis significantly exceeds the concentration in subcutaneous tissue and dermis.

The drug "Clotrimazole" (ointment): what helps?

Indications for use in this tool there are a huge number. Experts say that the drug in question is effective when:

pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma and superficial candidiasis caused by dermatophytes, as well as mold, yeast and other pathogens and fungi that are sensitive to the active substance of the drug;
and skin folds, as well as fungal skin lesions;
mycoses, which are complicated by secondary pyoderma.

Prohibitions on use

Does Clotrimazole ointment have any contraindications? What this medication helps with (the price of the product is indicated below), we described above. As for the prohibitions on its use, these include the following:

It is recommended to use the drug in question with extreme caution during breastfeeding.

Clotrimazole ointment and cream: 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 in with soft and massaging movements. Before applying the medication, it is advisable to wash the affected skin using soap with a neutral pH.

The duration of therapy with this drug depends on the severity of the disease, as well as the effectiveness of treatment and the location of pathological changes.

Dermatomycoses are treated with Clotrimazole ointment for at least 4 weeks, and pityriasis versicolor - for 7-22 days.

For fungal infections of the skin of the legs, it is advisable to continue therapy for another 2 weeks after the main signs of the disease have been eliminated.

Side effects

In some cases, when using local drug"Clotrimazole" patients experience the following side effects: itching, tingling at the sites where the cream is applied, burning, blistering, erythema, swelling, peeling and irritation of the skin. Allergies in the form of hives are also possible.

Overdose symptoms and drug interactions

According to experts, the use of the drug in question in large quantities does not cause any conditions or reactions that are life-threatening to the patient.

As for the interaction of this drug, when it is combined with Amphotericin B, natamycinr and nystatin, its effectiveness is significantly reduced.

When using the ointment with other products, 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.

Pregnancy and feeding the baby

As mentioned above, the use of this medication is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. 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 gestation or while breastfeeding the baby in any way has Negative influence on the health of a woman or child. However, only an experienced specialist should decide on the advisability of using this remedy.

Applying this medication directly to mammary gland contraindicated.

Special information

What do you need to know about the action of a drug such as Clotrimazole? Ointment - helps with thrush or not? The instructions say that this remedy is effective against fungi of the genus Candida. Therefore, using it against thrush is not prohibited. However, you should consult your doctor before doing this.

It is highly not recommended to apply the drug to the skin in the eye area. When treating 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 function.

If irritation or hypersensitivity symptoms occur, stop treatment with the ointment. If there is no therapeutic effect within 4 weeks, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.