Home Oral cavity Clotrimazole cream - instructions for use. Clotrimazole ointment - instructions for use, composition, what it helps with, review of analogues and reviews Pharmacological action of Clotrimazole

Oral cavity

Clotrimazole cream - instructions for use. Clotrimazole ointment - instructions for use, composition, what it helps with, review of analogues and reviews Pharmacological action of Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole 1 is an antifungal drug with a 1% concentration active component clotrimazole. It is widely used in various diseases associated with bacterial or fungal microflora.

Release form and composition

Clotrimazole is produced in several dosage forms - solution for external use, ointment, cream, vaginal tablets, suppositories, etc. All of them contain the main active ingredient - clotrimazole and auxiliary components, which differ for each dosage form of the drug.

Clotrimazole belongs to the group of antifungal drugs and actively fights against many types of pathogens - viruses, bacteria, molds, dermatophytes. In addition to disinfection, the substance relieves inflammation, itching, redness and painful sensations, accelerates tissue regeneration at the cellular level, which promotes fast healing skin lesions.

Clotrimazole 1 is an antifungal drug with a 1% concentration of the active component clotrimazole.

Vaginal tablets

Used for intravaginal use. In addition to clotrimazole, the composition includes:

lactose;
microcrystalline cellulose;
potato starch;
magnesium stearate;
lemon acid.

Vaginal suppositories

In addition to the main component, suppositories use solid fat of vegetable or animal origin to form a suppository.

Cream

The cream contains clotrimazole and excipients - benzyl alcohol, cetasteryl alcohol, polysorbate 60, synthetic olbrot (synthetic spermaceti), purified water.

Gel

The gel is available in tubes of 20 and 40 g. It differs from cream or ointment in its light and watery structure. That is, it is not greasy, because it consists of clotrimazole, water and starch, and does not leave marks on the skin or clothes.

Ointment

The ointment consists of clotrimazole and is available in tubes of 20 g. The following additional components are used: sodium benzoate, castor oil, paraffin, water, propylene glycol. The ointment is a substance white, greasy consistency without a characteristic odor.

Solution

The solution for external use is available in glass bottles of 25 mg. The main component is clotrimazole, additional components are medical alcohol, propylene glycol and propyethylene glycol.

Pharmacological action

Clotrimazole belongs to the group antifungal drugs wide spectrum of action. The active substance clotrimazole is a derivative of imidazole and is used for local treatment fungal, viral, bacterial infections. It has an antimicrobial effect.

Upon contact with a pathogenic microorganism, clotrimazole penetrates its structure and destroys membrane cells, due to which the organisms cannot reproduce and die in entire colonies. To be effective, the course of treatment must last at least 5 days to avoid relapse.

When applied topically, the drug is practically not absorbed into the blood, and if it is absorbed, its concentration is insignificant.

Indications for use

Clotrimazole in any of the dosage forms is used for the following pathologies:

all types of mycoses, lichen, ringworm, eczema (it is recommended to use a solution, cream, ointment);
genital infections and inflammations, for example, herpes, thrush and other pathologies caused by the pathogen candida albicans (used vaginal suppositories and tablets);
candles are used before and after childbirth for cleansing and disinfection birth canal;
erythrasmas;
bakvaginosis.

Clotrimazole alone is not always enough for complete treatment. It would be more effective to take antifungal tablets orally and apply a solution, ointment, cream, etc. to the damage.

With complex exposure, the chances of fast recovery without relapse or consequences.

Contraindications

The use of this drug has some contraindications:

individual sensitivity to the components of the composition;
menstruation (for using suppositories or tablets);
during lactation - only as prescribed by a doctor;
1st trimester of pregnancy;
liver failure.

Directions for use and dosage regimen

Gel, ointment and cream are used 1-3 times a day for 7-10 days for skin lesions. Apply to cleansed skin with gentle movements.

The solution is used for nail fungus and mycoses. Apply with a cotton swab to the affected areas 2 times a day - morning and evening.

For thrush or other sexually transmitted diseases, the partner should use suppositories or tablets 1-2 times a day for a week. A man needs to use a form of cream or ointment to treat the genitals. With such pathologies, both partners should be treated, even if one of them does not experience any symptoms.

After unprotected sexual intercourse, the drug can be used by both partners as a prophylaxis.

Side effects

If you are intolerant or use the drug incorrectly, it can cause adverse reactions:

allergic reactions manifest themselves in the form of itching and rash, swelling, irritation, redness of the eyes, and shortness of breath may occur;
from the subcutaneous tissue, redness of the skin may occur, in men there is a strong burning sensation in the penis, a feeling of dryness.

If such symptoms occur, you should stop using this product. medicine and consult a doctor.

Overdose

In case of excessive external use, an allergy may occur, which will subside when the dose is restored or the drug is discontinued.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms

The substance is not absorbed into the blood and does not in any way affect the organs of vision or the functioning of the central nervous system. nervous system. Therefore, you can drive or operate automatic mechanisms.

Drug interactions Clotrimazole 1

Before taking, you should carefully read the instructions for drug interactions medications so as not to cause harm to health.

With other drugs

Alcohol compatibility

At local use solution, gel, cream or ointment Clotrimazole does not penetrate into the blood and does not interact with ethyl alcohol. When using candles or vaginal tablets It is better to abstain from alcohol during treatment.

Features of the use of Clotrimazole 1

You can use the medicine only after consulting a doctor;
with long-term use, it is recommended to monitor liver and kidney activity;
If a side effect occurs, stop using;
do not apply under the eyes;
with long-term therapy (6 months, 1 year), you need to take breaks of 1-2 weeks;
do not use orally.

During pregnancy and lactation

Only under the supervision of a doctor from the second trimester. When used during lactation, do not apply the product to the nipples.

In childhood

Studies on children have not been conducted regarding contraindications and adverse reactions, therefore in pediatrics this drug is used only as prescribed by a doctor, when possible benefit exceeds the risks.

Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies

You do not need a prescription from a doctor to purchase an antifungal agent. Clotrimazole is sold in every pharmacy, because... it's popular and effective drug.

Is it sold without a prescription?

Price

The cost of the medicine depends on the form of release:

cream (Akrikhin) 30 g – 170-190 rubles;
ointment 15 g – 50 rubles;
solution 15 ml – 250 rubles;
tablets No. 6 – 60 rubles;
gel 20 g – 40 rubles.

Conditions and periods of storage of Clotrimazole 1

The drug can be stored at room temperature, candles - in the refrigerator. Shelf life – 3 years from the date of production. Do not use the drug after the expiration date. For safety reasons, keep away from children.

But is it worth overpaying your hard-earned money, since it’s on sale? wide range effective and affordable drugs? One of these medications is 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, while 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 medicine is characterized by a wide spectrum of action, and therefore must be in 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 intensive growth, proliferation of fungal cells, suppression of 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). 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. It is obvious that the listed dosage forms They differ not only in packaging, but also in components.

Composition of drugs based on clotrimazole:

Some pharmaceutical companies They produce medicine in granular and powder form, but they are practically absent 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 official instructions the cream is applied 2 to 3 times a day in a thin layer and then uniform distribution composition on 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. 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, 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 tolerability 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;
individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Adverse reactions with dosed local application of the drug, they 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 most safe drugs, both for the body of the expectant mother and for the fetus in the womb. It is characteristic of him local impact 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 appropriate clinical trials. 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 focus on the need to continue therapy (for 1.5-2 weeks) in cases where the symptoms of the disease have completely disappeared, the doctor cancels the ointment after full recovery patient.

Fungal infections genitals(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 medicine or there is a allergic reaction, you need to consult a doctor, and drug therapy stop.

Tube 20 g

Clotrimazole 10 mg.
Excipients: cetyl alcohol, petroleum jelly, glycerol, Tween-80, nipagin, distilled water.
Cream for external use 1% in the form of a homogeneous mass from white to white-yellowish in color.

pharmachologic effect

Clotrimazole is an imidazole derivative. Broad-spectrum antifungal agent.
The effect of the drug is associated with a disruption in the synthesis of ergosterol, which is part of the cell membrane of fungi, which causes a change in its structure and properties, and leads to cell lysis. At concentrations of 1 μg/ml in vitro and more than 6 μg/ml in vivo, clotrimazole has a fungistatic effect. At concentrations of more than 10 μg/ml, it has a fungicidal effect against most types of fungi, and not only on proliferating cells. It has a fungicidal effect against Candida at concentrations of 2 μg/ml and above. At fungicidal concentrations, it interacts with mitochondrial and peroxidase enzymes, resulting in an increase in the concentration of hydrogen peroxide to a toxic level, which also contributes to the destruction of fungal cells.
Dermatophytes, yeasts (genus Candida, Torulopsis glabrata, Rhodotorula), molds, as well as the pathogen Pityriasis versicolor (lichen versicolor) and the pathogen erythrasma are sensitive to clotrimazole.
It has an antimicrobial effect against gram-positive (staphylococci, streptococci) and gram-negative bacteria (Bacteroides, Gardnerella vaginalis), as well as against Trichomonas vaginalis, Malazessia furfur (causative agent of Pityriasis versicolor) and Corynebacterium minussimum (causative agent of erythrasma).