Features of the antifungal agent
The ingredients of the drug Candide quickly penetrate into infectious and inflammatory foci and accumulate in them in the maximum therapeutic concentration. This explains its long-term effect on tissues affected by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Using an external product allows you to simultaneously solve several problems:
- eliminate the causes of the disease;
- destroy infectious pathogens;
- reduce the severity of clinical manifestations;
- prevent the spread of the infectious process to healthy areas of the body;
- prevent secondary activation of fungi or their re-introduction.
The effectiveness of treatment does not depend on the stage and form of the infection. Candida is included in therapeutic regimens when diagnosing acute, subacute, and chronic fungal infections in patients. Its use often helps to reduce the pharmacological load on the patient’s body by reducing the doses of systemic drugs (tablets, injection solutions). The undoubted advantage of Candida is the possibility of monotherapy without the use of other medications, including to eliminate painful symptoms.
Pimafucin for thrush
The main advantage of Pimafucin is the safety of use in pregnant and lactating women. The initial stages of the disease are easily eliminated with three suppositories. The active ingredient in Pimafucin is natamycin. It is a strong antifungal agent that can relieve a woman of candidiasis in three days. As a rule, the drug does not cause addiction, so it can successfully treat relapses of fungal infections.
I often use Pimafucin to treat both partners. This drug is available in the form of suppositories, creams and tablets for oral administration. The only downside of this drug is the price, which is slightly higher in comparison with other drugs.
Release forms and composition
Candide is produced by the Indian manufacturer Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The most popular cream is: thick, white, with a specific “medical” smell. It is packaged in an aluminum tube with a screw cap. The active substance of any product from the Candida treatment line is clotrimazole from the clinical and pharmacological group of antifungal drugs. Secondary packaging for all dosage forms is a cardboard box with instructions for use inside. To form the base of the cream, the manufacturer uses the following components:
- Vaseline;
- propylene glycol;
- wax in the form of an emulsion;
- butylated hydroxytoluene;
- propylparaben;
- methylparaben;
- benzyl alcohol;
- paraffin in liquid form;
- sodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen orthophosphate dihydrate;
- purified water.
Substances are added for faster penetration of clotrimazole into the skin and its uniform distribution in infectious and inflammatory foci. The Candide therapeutic line includes a colorless transparent solution. In addition to clotrimazole, its composition is represented by the following components:
- glycerol;
- propylene glycol.
The pharmacy assortment also includes vaginal tablets - round, white. Their additional composition is formed from talc, starch, magnesium stearate, milk sugar, silicon dioxide, propylparaben, methylparaben, sodium carboxymethyl starch.
Relatively recently, a vaginal gel with clotrimazole, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerol, benzyl alcohol, emulsion wax, carbopol, sodium hydroxide, chlorocresol, and purified water appeared in pharmacies. To treat pathologies complicated by oozing, fine-crystalline white powder is used. Its composition includes purified talc, corn starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, and cosmetic fragrance.
The principle of action of the drug Candide
The therapeutic activity of Candida is ensured by the action of its main component - clotrimazole, which in its chemical structure is an imidazole derivative. By contacting the cells of pathogenic fungi, it prevents the synthesis of ergosterols, which they need to build external and internal membranes. Cell membranes become easily permeable. Liquid penetrates and accumulates inside, containing various microelements. Soon lysis (dissolution) of fungal cells occurs.
After applying the cream or solution, or using vaginal tablets, a high concentration of clotrimazole is created, which affects most mitochondrial and peroxidase enzymes. Hydrogen peroxide, which is toxic to fungi, accumulates in the cells, which further contributes to their death. Candide is effective in the treatment of diseases caused by the following infectious agents:
- yeast-like fungi;
- dermatomycetes;
- pathogens of pityriasis versicolor;
- gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria: bacteroides, gardinella, staphylococci, streptococci;
- some types of protozoa.
The drug exhibits increased activity against Candida fungi that parasitize the oral cavity, skin, and genitourinary system. Thanks to its pronounced fungicidal effect, blood circulation and microcirculation are normalized in the area of inflammatory foci within a few hours. Metabolism accelerates, damaged tissue begins to recover.
Candide 500 mg 1 pc. vaginal tablets with applicator
pharmachologic effect
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.
Composition and release form Candide 500 mg 1 pc. vaginal tablets with applicator
Vaginal tablets - 1 tablet:
- Active substance: clotrimazole 500 mg;
- Excipients: lactose, starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, purified talc, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (methylparaben), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (propylparaben).
1 PC. — strips made of aluminum foil (1) complete with an applicator — cardboard packs.
Description of the dosage form
Vaginal tablets are white, oblong, biconvex, rounded at one end and with a beveled edge at the other end, with an engraving “G” on one side.
Characteristic
Imidazole derivative.
Directions for use and doses
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.
Pharmacodynamics
The antimycotic effect of clotrimazole is associated with a disruption in the synthesis of ergosterol, which is part of the cell membrane of fungi, which changes the permeability of the membrane and causes subsequent cell lysis. In small concentrations it has a fungistatic effect, in large concentrations it has a fungicidal effect, and not only on proliferating cells. 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. Effective against dermatophytes, yeast-like and mold fungi, as well as the causative agent of pityriasis versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor) and the causative agent of erythrasma. It has an antimicrobial effect against gram-positive (staphylococci, streptococci) and gram-negative bacteria (Bacteroides, Gardnerella vaginalis), as well as against 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.
Indications for use Candide 500 mg 1 pc. vaginal tablets with applicator
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.
Application of Candide 500 mg 1 pc. vaginal tablets with applicator 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.
Overdose
The use of the drug in high doses does not cause any reactions or life-threatening conditions.
Side effects Candide 500 mg 1 pc. vaginal tablets with applicator
Local reactions: allergic contact dermatitis, redness, burning sensation.
Drug interactions
When used simultaneously with amphotericin B and nystatin, the activity of clotrimazole is reduced.
Indications for treatment
The main indication for the use of products from the Candida line is inflammatory and infectious lesions of the skin and mucous membranes caused by microorganisms sensitive to clotrimazole. Candida is included by doctors in therapeutic regimens for patients with the following pathologies:
- versicolor;
- mycotic lesions of the feet and skin folds;
- erythrasmas;
- superficial candidiasis, provoked by the introduction or activation of yeast, mold and other fungi, dermatophytes;
- mycoses complicated by secondary purulent skin lesions resulting from the penetration of pyogenic cocci into it;
- candidiasis vulvitis;
- candidal balanitis;
- candidiasis of the skin;
- candidal paronychia;
- candidiasis of the external genitalia, anorectal area;
- diaper dermatitis of fungal origin.
Candida in solution form often becomes the first choice drug for the treatment of fungal diseases in dental practice. Vaginal tablets are in demand in the complex treatment of genital infections, including superinfections that have developed due to the introduction of microorganisms into the mucous membranes of the reproductive organs that are sensitive to clotrimazole. Candide is used at the stage of preparation for delivery to cleanse the birth canal of representatives of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora.
Candidiasis - what is it
Candidiasis is a disease caused by a fungus of the genus Candida. This fungus is present in the vagina of the vast majority of women. In developed countries, Candida spores are recognized as a conditionally pathogenic flora. That is, the presence of traces of this fungus in tests is not an indication for treatment if there are no accompanying symptoms. The female vagina contains countless microorganisms. In each specific case, this is the individual composition of the flora.
When a person’s immunity is not weakened, pathogenic bacteria and fungi only provide balance to the constant environment. But as soon as the immunity weakens or an infectious infection occurs, allowing opportunistic microorganisms to gain numerical superiority over other representatives of the microflora, signs of the disease appear.
Candidiasis occurs in the following cases:
- weakened immunity, for example, as a result of pregnancy;
- the balance of the intestinal and vaginal microflora is disturbed, for example, as a result of poisoning or abuse of sweets, as well as after long-term use of large doses of antibiotics;
- infection occurs after unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who is a carrier of candidiasis;
Regardless of what caused the thrush, drugs from the group of fungicides are prescribed.
How to use Candide correctly
During the treatment of fungal or mixed fungal-bacterial infections, compliance with all recommendations of the annotation is required. This will help you recover as quickly as possible, avoiding side effects. An individual dosage regimen can be determined taking into account the intensity of concomitant symptoms, the patient’s age, and the presence of other diseases.
After all signs of fungal pathology (itching, rash, redness) have disappeared, Candide should be used for another week. Infectious pathogens may remain in the deep layers of the skin or mucous membranes. If treatment is stopped too early, they will become active again and cause inflammation.
Vaginal tablets and gel
The tablet is inserted into the vagina in a lying position with legs apart before going to bed. The package of tablets is already designed for course use. The gel is also intended for vaginal administration. The applicator is screwed onto the tube and then filled with Candide in the amount recommended by the doctor. In a lying position with legs apart, unscrew the dispenser and insert it into the vagina. By pressing the plunger, a measured amount of gel is squeezed out. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor and depends on the type of fungal infection and the severity of the inflammatory process.
Powder
Candide powder is used for 1-4 weeks three to four times a day. It is possible to use it for a longer period of time, but only as prescribed by a doctor. Before applying the powder, the skin is treated:
- damaged areas are washed with water;
- Dry the inflamed skin well.
Then the plastic bottle is shaken well and, using the built-in “strainer,” the powder is evenly distributed on the reddened skin.
Side effects
After external use of Candida, local adverse reactions may occur. They manifest themselves as the following signs of hypersensitivity:
- hives;
- itching;
- burning, tingling;
- erythema, edema, blisters;
- peeling and irritation of the skin.
After insertion of a vaginal gel or tablet, you may experience unpleasant sensations of dryness and irritation. Discontinuation of drugs is not required if they disappear after a few minutes. There have been isolated cases of itching and burning in the genitals, vaginal discharge, swelling of the mucous membranes, pain during sexual intercourse, headaches, frequent urination and intercurrent cystitis. You should stop treatment and consult a gynecologist.
Symptoms of thrush
One of the most striking and recognizable symptoms is copious curdled vaginal discharge. They do not always have a characteristic smell. However, thrush may initially present itself differently, before heavy discharge becomes noticeable:
- redness of the mucous membrane of the labia minora, a feeling of sticking together;
- burning sensation spreading to the inner surface of the labia minora during contact with water or during urination;
- itching at the entrance to the vagina;
- peeling, spreading not only to the genital area, but also to the anus.
In men, thrush appears as a white coating and rash that covers the head of the penis. If candidiasis in a man was caused by a malnutrition (poisoning or excessive consumption of sweets), then the disease will manifest itself as itching around the anal ring.
Candidiasis can affect not only the mucous membranes of the genital organs. In infants, thrush often occurs in the mouth when the body experiences a lack of fluid. In adults, oral thrush may appear after taking large doses of antibiotics. It manifests itself as redness of the inner surface of the cheeks, tongue and gums. An astringent sensation is created in the mouth, accompanied by a white coating.
