Antifungal drug for external use
Active substance
Release form, composition and packaging
◊ Cream for external use 1% in the form of a homogeneous white mass.
Excipients: benzyl alcohol - 1 g, cetostearyl alcohol - 11.5 g, octyldodecanol - 10 g, polysorbate 60 - 1.5 g, sorbitan stearate - 2 g, synthetic spermaceti - 3 g, water - 71 g.
20 g - aluminum tubes (1) - cardboard packs.
pharmachologic effect
Clotrimazole inhibits the growth and division of microorganisms and, depending on the concentration, can have a fungistatic (delaying and stopping the growth of fungal cells) or fungicidal (leading to the death of fungi) effect. Clotrimazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol and binds to phospholipids of the fungal cell membrane, which leads to a change in the permeability of cell membranes.
At higher concentrations, clotrimazole causes damage to cell membranes by mechanisms independent of sterol synthesis.
Clotrimazole also disrupts the vital processes in the fungal cell, suppressing the formation of components necessary for the construction of vital cellular structures (proteins, fats, DNA, polysaccharides), damages nucleic acids and increases the excretion of potassium.
Ultimately, the effect of clotrimazole on fungal cells leads to their death.
Clotrimazole is characterized by a wide spectrum antifungal and antibacterial activity: dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum), yeast (Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans), dimorphic fungi (Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis), protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis).
He also active regarding some gram-positive bacteria.
When studying the effectiveness of clotrimazole in laboratory conditions outside the human body (in vitro), a wide range of its fungistatic and fungicidal activity was revealed. It acts on the mycelium of dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton) in a similar way to griseofulvin, and its effect on budding fungi (Candida) is similar to the effect of polyenes (amphotericin B and nystatin).
At concentrations less than 1 mcg/ml, clotrimazole inhibits the development of most strains of pathogenic fungi belonging to Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis.
At a concentration of 3 μg/ml, clotrimazole inhibits the development of most other bacteria: Pityrosporum orbiculare, Aspergillus fumigatus, the genus Candida, incl. Candida albicans, some strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, as well as some strains of Proteus vulgaris and Salmonella. Clotrimazole is active against Sporothrix, Cryptococcus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium.
At concentrations greater than 100 μg/ml, it is effective against Trichomonas vaginalis.
Fungi resistant to clotrimazole are extremely rare; There is data only on individual strains of Candida guilliermondii.
The development of resistance in clotrimazole-sensitive fungi following passage of Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes has not been reported. There have been no cases of the development of resistance to clotrimazole in Candida albicans strains resistant to polyene antibiotics due to a chemical mutation.
Pharmacokinetics
Suction and distribution
Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that clotrimazole is practically not absorbed into the systemic circulation when the drug is applied to intact or inflamed areas of the skin. Clotrimazole serum concentrations were below the detection limit (0.001 μg/ml), confirming that topical clotrimazole does not lead to clinically significant systemic effects or side effects.
Metabolism and excretion
Clotrimazole breaks down in the liver to inactive substances that are excreted from the body through the kidneys and intestines.
Indications
For external treatment of fungal infections caused by dermatophytes, yeast-like fungi, molds, as well as pathogens sensitive to clotrimazole:
— mycoses of the feet, hands, torso, skin folds;
— candidal vulvitis, candidal balanitis;
- lichen versicolor, erythrasma;
- fungal infections of the outer ear.
Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or other components of the drug.
Dosage
For external use. The cream should be applied to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day.
For relapse prevention Treatment should be continued for at least two weeks after all symptoms of infection have disappeared.
The cream should be applied to clean, dry areas of affected skin (washed with neutral pH soap), and on the feet the cream should be applied between the toes.
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease, its location, and the effectiveness of treatment.
Duration of treatment: ringworm - 3-4 weeks; erythrasma - 2-4 weeks; pityriasis versicolor - 1-3 weeks; candidal vulvitis and balanitis - 1-2 weeks.
The duration of treatment may vary according to individual characteristics, but a treatment duration of less than 3 weeks is not recommended. To prevent recurrence of infection, use of the drug should be continued for 1-2 weeks after all symptoms of the disease disappear. If after 7 days of treatment there is no improvement in symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
Side effects
The adverse events presented below are listed according to the damage to organs and organ systems and the frequency of occurrence. The frequency of occurrence is defined as follows: very often (≥1/10), often (≥1/100 and< 1/10), нечасто (≥1/1000 и < 1/100), редко (≥1/10 000 и < 1/1 000), очень редко (< 1/10 000, включая отдельные случаи), неизвестно (частота не может быть оценена по имеющимся на настоящий момент данным). Категории частоты были сформированы на основании пострегистрационного наблюдения.
From the immune system: unknown - allergic reaction (manifested by urticaria, fainting, arterial hypotension, shortness of breath).
For the skin and subcutaneous tissues: unknown - rash, itching, blistering rashes, peeling, pain or discomfort, swelling, burning, irritation.
Overdose
Symptoms: If the drug is accidentally taken orally, nausea and vomiting may occur.
Treatment: In case of accidental ingestion of the cream, symptomatic treatment should be carried out. When using the drug externally, an overdose is unlikely.
Drug interactions
Not studied.
special instructions
Avoid contact of the cream with the mucous membrane of the eyes. Do not swallow.
All infected areas should be treated at the same time.
The drug Clotrimazole contains cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions (for example, contact reactions).
If symptoms of hypersensitivity or irritation appear, stop treatment.
Laboratory data indicate that the use of latex-containing contraceptives may cause contraceptive damage when used concomitantly with clotrimazole. Consequently, the effectiveness of such contraceptives may be reduced. Patients should be advised to use alternative methods for at least 5 days after using clotrimazole.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery
The effect of clotrimazole on the ability to drive vehicles and machines has not been reported.
Pregnancy and lactation
The use of the drug Clotrimazole is allowed only if, in the opinion of the doctor, the potential benefit from using the cream for the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.
Epidemiological studies have not revealed any adverse events related to pregnancy or fetal health when using the drug Clotrimazole.
The use of the drug Clotrimazole in women during breastfeeding is allowed only if, in the opinion of the doctor, the potential benefit of using the cream for the mother outweighs the possible risk for the child.
Fertility
No data available.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
The drug is available without a prescription.
Storage conditions and periods
The drug should be kept out of the reach of children at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Do not freeze. Shelf life - 3 years.
Due to poor absorption through the skin and mucous membranes, the drug does not have a systemic effect and associated side effects.
Clotrimazole is available in several dosage forms: vaginal cream, suppositories and tablets, cream and ointment for external use. In domestic pharmacies, the drug with the trade name “Clotrimazole” in the form of branded generics and generics can be found from several manufacturers at once, including Russian (Atoll, Avexima, GlaxoSmithKline Trading, ZiO-Zdorovye, Sintez, Ozon, Akrikhin) and foreign pharmaceutical companies: Esparma (Germany), Hyperion (Romania), Farmaprim (Moldova), Sedate Helcare (India), Medana Pharma (Poland), Teva (Israel), Shreya (India). Considering the lack of absorption through the skin and, therefore, systemic (not only locally, but also on remote organs and tissues) action, the use of Clotrimazole in high doses is not associated with life-threatening reactions. Poisoning by the drug is possible only through inappropriate (in this case, oral) use. Symptoms of toxicosis caused by Clotrimazole are nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, anorexia, liver dysfunction, dermatological reactions, polyuria. In such a situation, the use of activated carbon is indicated.
Pharmacology
Antifungal agent of the group of imidazole derivatives for topical use. It has an effect by disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is an integral part of the cell membrane of fungi. Has a wide spectrum of action.
Active against dermatophytes, molds, fungi of the genus Candida, Malassezia furfur.
Clotrimazole is also active against Corynebacterium minutissimum, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Trichomonas vaginalis.
Pharmacokinetics
When used externally, clotrimazole penetrates well into various layers of the skin, reaching therapeutic concentrations. When applied topically, a small amount of clotrimazole is absorbed into the blood.Release form
3 pcs. - contour cellular packaging (1) - cardboard packs.
6 pcs. - contour cellular packaging (1) - cardboard packs.
Dosage
For external use, apply to affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day for 2-4 weeks.
When treating the oral cavity, use 1-2 times a day for no more than 7 days.
Intravaginally - 100-500 mg for 1-6 days.
Interaction
When used simultaneously with amphotericin B and nystatin, the activity of clotrimazole is reduced.
Side effects
Local reactions: allergic contact dermatitis, redness, burning sensation.
Indications
Fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by dermatophytes, mold and yeast-like fungi, lichen versicolor, erythrasma, vulvovaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis, mycoses complicated by secondary pyoderma.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole, first trimester of pregnancy.
Features of application
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Experimental studies have shown that when used in high doses, clotrimazole has an embryotoxic effect.
It is not known whether clotrimazole is excreted in breast milk. Although clotrimazole is not contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation, the potential risk should be considered when choosing antifungal therapy.
special instructions
Dosage forms intended for intravaginal use are not used during menstruation.
To prevent reinfection, simultaneous treatment of sexual partners is necessary. Clotrimazole is not recommended for use in ophthalmology.
The medicine clotrimazole has various forms of release. Candles, solutions, creams, gels and ointments. The ointment form is the most popular.
Compound
The ointment contains clotrimazole, in the amount of 1 gram.
In addition to it, the composition includes auxiliary substances:
- propylene glycol;
- polyethylene oxide 400;
- polyethylene oxide 1500;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate or methylparaben.
Operating principles
is a substance from the group of imidazole derivatives. It acts as a poison on fungal organisms, disrupting their vital processes. Clotrimazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a structural component of fungal cells, which leads to their gradual destruction.
Since the ointment is poorly absorbed, the substance accumulates in the upper layers of the skin, which entails an increase in the destructive effect on pathogenic fungal organisms.
In sufficiently high doses, the drug also has an additional toxic effect on fungal cells, increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in them and accelerating the process of their destruction.
The drug is active against the following pathogenic fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast fungi;
- mold fungi;
- pathogens of pityriasis versicolor and erythrasma.
It has a weak antimicrobial effect against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Clotrimazole ointment is absorbed into the skin and mucous membranes. The substance is concentrated in the epidermis and in the keratin of the nails, hardly penetrating into the lower layers of the skin and practically not entering the bloodstream.
Indications for use
The drug is used to treat various diseases of the legs, mucous membranes, and skin caused by fungi:
- thrush;
- stomatitis;
- genital candidiasis complicated by trichomoniasis;
- superficial candidiasis;
- dermatomycosis;
- paronychia;
- dermatophytosis;
- erythrasma;
- mycoses complicated by infection of pyogenic cocci.
Methods of using Clotrimazole
First of all, you need to prepare the affected area:
- Clean it with soap and water and wipe dry;
- Soft soap should be used, such as baby soap, since an alkaline environment reduces the effectiveness of the medicine;
- Skin with an impaired acid-base balance has an increased risk of an allergic reaction to the ointment;
- After drying, the towel must be disinfected, for example, by boiling.
The medicine is applied 2-3 times a day, at the rate of: a column of ointment, half a centimeter in size, on an area of skin the size of a palm. It is also recommended to treat 1 cm of healthy skin around the affected area to prevent the spread of infection.
Treatment of thrush
Thrush (candidiasis) is a disease caused by pathogenic yeast fungi of the genus Candida. Usually occurs in the genital form, causes itching, more often in women and less often in men. sometimes it can affect other mucous membranes, such as the oral cavity. Clotrimazole is often prescribed to treat thrush.
Use of Clotrimazole for female thrush:
- It is necessary to take a lying position, bend your knees, and inject a sufficient amount of the drug into the affected organ;
- For convenience, it is recommended to use a special applicator;
- Then, you need to lie down for at least half an hour so that the product is evenly distributed and absorbed;
- It is also necessary to treat the external genitalia;
- To avoid stains on clothes, you can use panty liners without fragrances;
- Since the ointment is poorly distributed over the surface of the skin, in case of vaginal candidiasis, it is preferable to use other forms of the drug, such as cream or suppositories;
- Treatment period is up to one month.
Use of Clotrimazole for male thrush (candida balanoposthitis):
If one of the sexual partners gets thrush, treatment must be carried out in both. Even if one of them does not have visible symptoms of the disease, preventive therapy is prescribed.
Treatment of nail and foot fungus
- Apply the ointment not only to the areas of infection, but also to the skin of the finger;
- Rub in gently;
- After applying the medicine to the feet, you can put on socks made of natural fabric - cotton or linen;
- To avoid new infections, it is recommended to treat the inner surface of shoes with Clotrimazole;
- , special solutions of the drug are more suitable, because interact with nail plates better than ointment;
- Nails, when sick, need to be cut short, and the drug is better absorbed if they have a rough surface;
- Usually, to cure this form of fungus, you need a course of Clotrimazole lasting from 4 to 8 weeks + 1 week of prophylaxis.
Treatment of deprivation
The drug is suitable for:
- versicolor (pityriasis versicolor);
- ringworm.
How to use:
Treatment of dermatitis
It can be caused by both fungal infections and other reasons.
There are three forms of this disease for which Clotrimazole is often prescribed:
- seborrheic;
- atopic;
- diaper
Use for seborrheic dermatitis
causes a fungus of the genus Malasesia, and treatment with antifungal agents is indicated here in any case.
Clotrimazole is used for seborrheic dermatitis on the face 3 times a day, on the head - 2 times a day.
For children, it is enough to apply the medicine once a day.
Use for atopic dermatitis
is an allergic disease, but can also be complicated by a fungus as a result of infection when scratching the skin.
Clotrimazole, in this case, is well suited because... has additional antibacterial properties.
Usually prescribed in combination with other drugs.
For diaper dermatitis
Diaper dermatitis is skin irritation in infants as a result of wearing diapers or constant swaddling, as the dense fabric does not allow air to pass through well and causes sweating.
It can be complicated by candidiasis, since the fungus loves a moist, warm environment.
Usually the disease goes away after a week of using the ointment. The ointment has low absorption, so overdose is almost impossible.
It is advisable after the procedure for the baby to nurse for at least 10 minutes.
It is possible to prescribe additional drugs of different effects, depending on the specifics of the disease.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Clotrimazole is not used in the first trimester of pregnancy. During the second and third trimester, the drug can be used with the permission of a doctor.
During lactation, the medicine should not be applied directly to the nursing breast.
Use in childhood
The drug can be prescribed to children, even newborns. For example, with diaper fungal dermatitis.
But with some restrictions:
- A child’s skin is more actively involved in the breathing process than an adult’s, so it is not recommended to apply the medicine to large areas of the skin;
- Large foci of infection are treated in parts, alternately, 2-3 times a day;
- The ointment is suitable only for those types of fungal infections that are accompanied by dry skin.
For infected diaper rash in infants, Clotrimazole is used in the form of powders.
Contraindications
There are several contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- First trimester of pregnancy;
- Presence of wounds and abrasions on the skin;
- The presence of erosions of the mucous membranes;
- Intravaginal use during menstruation is not acceptable.
Side effects
In rare cases, the drug may cause:
- burning;
- tingling in treated areas;
- edema;
- erythema;
- redness;
- peeling of the skin.
In such cases, the drug is discontinued.
special instructions
- Clotrimazole is not used for fungal eye diseases;
- Do not apply ointment to the skin in the eyelid area;
- In case of contact with eyes, rinse with water;
- After applying Clotrimazole, occlusive dressings should not be applied;
- If after 3 days of treatment with the drug there is no improvement, you should check the correctness of the diagnosis;
- In case of liver failure, it is necessary to monitor liver function;
- Clotrimazole preparations are not intended for internal use;
- If ingested, they may cause poisoning. In such cases, you need to take activated charcoal and consult a doctor;
- After using the drug, wash your hands with soap;
- Keep away from children.
Overdose
The use of ointment in high doses is not life-threatening.
Interaction and incompatibility with other drugs
The simultaneous use of the drug with Amphotericin B, Nystatin, Nitamycin is unacceptable, because they reduce the effectiveness of Clotrimazole.
Storage conditions and periods
In a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Avoid freezing. Store in a place protected from children.
Price
Average price of Clotrimazole ointment in Russia: 42 rubles .
But is it worth overpaying your hard-earned money, since there is a wide range of effective and affordable medicines on sale? One such medication is a pharmaceutical called Clotrimazole. Today’s article will be dedicated to him.
Let us consider in detail: what clotrimazole ointment is, instructions for use, indications for use, side effects, features of use in childhood and during breastfeeding.
Clotrimazole is an ointment (cream) for external use with a pronounced antifungal effect. The base for liniment is medical petroleum jelly, which ensures a prolonged effect of the medicine. The healing agent, and also the main active ingredient, is clotrimazole, an imidazole derivative.
The synthesized antimycotic drug is used in the etiotropic treatment of infections of fungal etiology. The medication has a wide spectrum of action, and therefore must be in the home medicine cabinet.
The action of liniment is aimed at:- suppression of the activity of bacteria and fungi;
- complete destruction of pathogenic microflora;
- resistance does not develop to the components of the drug, even with prolonged use.
Only a few strains of Candida are known that are inert to Clotrimazole.
Pharmacological group and action
Clotrimazole ointment is a non-hormonal drug belonging to the antifungal clinical and pharmacological group. The medication is used externally only. The antimycotic effect is aimed at preventing the intensive growth and spread of fungal cells, suppressing vital processes.
Clotrimazole affects the membrane structure of the cell, increasing its permeability Mechanism of influence on pathogenic microflora: 
The final effect is determined by the dosage of the main component: a small concentration of clotrimazole prevents the development and spread of the fungus, and high doses of the same element destroy the fungal structure at the cellular level (fungicidal effect). The active substance affects the mitochondria of the fungus, disrupts the sequence of metabolic reactions, which leads to the saturation of cells with hydrogen peroxide. As a result, the cell dies very quickly.
Clotrimazole is characterized by mild antibacterial activity directed against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Release form and composition
Today, the drug is produced by several companies located both in Russia and abroad. The medicine is available in several dosage forms:
- ointment (1%) – in aluminum tubes of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 g, supplied in cardboard boxes;
- gel (1%) – in aluminum tubes of 20 and 40 g, each of which is in a cardboard package with instructions for use;
- clotrimazole cream (1%)– in aluminum tubes of 15, 20, 30 and 50 g in cardboard packs indicating the date of production, composition and recommendations for application.
Vaginal suppositories and clotrimazole tablets are available for women, but we will devote a separate article to them, but today I would like to dwell in more detail on external use. Obviously, the listed dosage forms differ not only in packaging, but also in components.
Composition of drugs based on clotrimazole:
Some pharmaceutical companies produce the medicine in granular and powder form, but these are practically unavailable in pharmacies.
Instructions for use of clotrimazole cream
The drug Clotrimazole is intended for external use only, especially when it comes to antifungal therapy. In accordance with the official instructions, the cream is applied 2 to 3 times a day in a thin layer and then evenly distributed over the affected areas of the body. Regardless of what the medication is used for, only dry and clean areas of the epidermis are treated.
For serious and extensive fungal skin lesions and ulcers, the use of compresses based on medicinal cream is indicated. This will allow you to saturate the dermis with a large amount of medication and quickly achieve the desired effect.
The duration of the therapeutic course is determined by the attending physician individually for each patient. The specific timing depends on the effectiveness of the medications used, the location of the disease, and the severity of the disease.
Indications for use
If you do not know what Clotrimazole ointment helps with, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist before use. The main purpose of the drug is to eliminate pathologies and related ailments of fungal etiology.
The medication is prescribed for:
The drug is also prescribed for pathologies accompanied by bacterial infection and purulent discharge. There are known cases where streptoderma and herpes were effectively eliminated with the help of clotrimazole. Vaginally, the cream is used before delivery to sanitize the genital tract.
Contraindications and side effects
Liniment is characterized by exceptional tolerance by the human body. But those patients who have a history of the following complications should refrain from using clotrimazole ointment:
- the body's tendency to allergic reactions (hypersensitivity, including the skin);
- problems with liver function;
- the presence of unhealed or open wounds on the surface of the skin;
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
Adverse reactions with dosed local application of the drug are practically not observed. But you shouldn’t completely exclude them. We are talking mainly about temporary allergic manifestations:
- peeling of the epithelium;
- slight tingling after applying the cream;
- erythema;
- swelling, burning and itching.
To eliminate them, it is enough to stop using the ointment and wait from 6 to 48 hours; side effects do not require any treatment.
Many pregnant women develop severe thrush, which is quite expected. Often, the medication in question is not prescribed during the first trimester. But if a fungal disease (we are talking not only about thrush, but also other fungal infections) is actively progressing, and other medications are not effective, the doctor may take the corresponding risks.
It is important to note that during pregnancy, Clotrimazole is one of the safest drugs, both for the body of the expectant mother and for the fetus in the womb. It has a local effect without entering the main bloodstream.
When breastfeeding a child, it is better for the mother to refuse to use the medicine, because its effect on milk has not been studied. Some doctors suggest that the components of the ointment are able to penetrate into it, i.e. transmitted to the infant.
Use in childhood
Despite the safety and high tolerability of the drug, clotrimazole is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age. This is due to the lack of relevant clinical studies. However, as prescribed by a pediatrician and under his supervision, the use of liniment in short courses is allowed.
Directions for use and doses
Many patients do not know how to use medication to treat a particular ailment. Below are universal methods of using the drug, indicating the average doses for each procedure. Dermatologists emphasize the need to continue therapy (for 1.5-2 weeks) in cases where the symptoms of the disease have completely disappeared; the doctor discontinues the ointment after the patient has fully recovered.
- Fungal infections of the genital organs(thrush, etc. for men and women) - the affected areas of the skin are treated 2 to 3 times a day. The average dose is 1-2 mm of ointment for external application. The composition is lightly rubbed into the problem area, and the underwear is worn only after it is completely absorbed into the skin. The duration of therapy is until the painful symptoms disappear completely.
- Dermatomycoses - 1-3 mm of ointment is applied to the affected areas 2 times during the day. Treatment lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, if we are talking about multi-colored lichen - no more than 3 weeks.
- Vaginal cream used in a similar way. The optimal daily dosage for the skin and mucous membranes is 5 g/1 pc. Repeat frequency is 1 time per day. Duration of therapy – 3 days.
Each person’s body is individual, as are the characteristics of the pathology, and therefore it is important to coordinate every step with a doctor, strictly adhere to his recommendations, and follow the prescribed dosage.
special instructions
Before applying the medicine, you must read the instructions for use, which provide a number of special instructions:
- Clotrimazole gel has the same mechanism of action as ointment; its main difference is its convenient form for treating hard-to-reach areas. The gel is able to distribute evenly and quickly absorb into the skin.
- Liniment is contraindicated for infants; during lactation it is better to refrain from using the drug in question.
- When applying the composition, it is important to avoid contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes and the adjacent area.
- During the period of treatment for thrush, both partners must abstain from sexual relations.
- The cream should not get into open wounds.
If the slightest mistake is made when using the drug or an allergic reaction occurs, you must consult a doctor and stop drug therapy.
The drug Clotrimazole cream is used for pathologies caused by fungus, for example, vaginal candidiasis or thrush. The main active substance of 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, and vaginal candidiasis (thrush), drug therapy with the antibacterial ointment Clotrimazole is prescribed. 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, packaged in an aluminum tube and cardboard packaging with an annotation for the medicine, instructions for using the 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 the cell division processes of pathogenic microorganisms and is one of the most effective antifungal agents, since it has a wide spectrum of action. 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 the skin has serious lesions and ulcers, to achieve the 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. The drug should be used with caution during menstruation.
For men
Clotrimazole cream for men is used mainly for the treatment of chronic and acute forms of candidiasis 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. Do not use the cream if you are hypersensitive 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, no negative interactions with other drugs were identified as a result of clinical studies. Caution should be used when using the cream simultaneously with other antibiotic ointments, since the combination of different groups of antifungal drugs can lead to allergies.
Side effects and overdose
When using a cream with Clotrimazole, local adverse reactions are often observed: itching, burning, redness of the skin at the sites where the drug is applied. 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 Clotrimazole 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 a kindergarten or medical institution). Use during breastfeeding is not prohibited if the cream does not come into contact with the mammary glands.
Analogues
The pharmacological market offers a large number of drugs that are similar in action to Clotrimazole, but differ in release form, price, and composition. Some may cause fewer side effects or work faster. The main analogues of Clotrimazole are:
- 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.
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