Antifungal means. 'Clotrimazole' ointment

Clotrimazole is an ointment with a white color, a homogeneous consistency and a slight specific odor.

Auxiliary substances of the drug are: polyethylene oxide-400, propylene glycol, proxanol-268, preparation OC-20, cetyl stearyl alcohol. The active substance is clotrimazole.

Ointment refers to antifungal drugs for topical application. The mechanism of action of this drug is based on a decrease in the rate of synthesis of ergosterol, which is necessary in the construction of a membrane of fungal cells. The inhibition of the process causes a violation of its permeability and subsequent lysis of the cell.

Ointments based on clotrimazole increase the permeability of liposomal phospholipid membranes, vacuolize the cytoplasm, reduce the number of ribosomes. Due to the influence of the active substance, the peroxidase activity is suppressed. This, in turn, contributes to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide mushroom in the cell, which takes part in its destruction.

Clotrimazole ointment has a wide range of effects. The drug is effective against dermatophytes, yeast fungi. In addition, it has antibacterial action directed to streptococci and staphylococci.

The preparation is characterized by high penetrating power. With external use in the epidermis, the concentration of the drug is higher than in the subcutaneous tissue and dermis. Clotrimazole ointment in the systemic blood stream is practically not absorbed. Due to this, an overdose of the drug is unlikely.

Ointment clotrimazole. Application

The medicinal preparation is indicated for diseases caused by dermatomycetes, mold fungi, blastomycetes of cutaneous mycoses, as well as with secondary infections ( dermatomycosis of nails, feet and others).

The drug is applied two to three times during the day on the affected area and rubbed. The duration of therapeutic measures depends on the course and severity of the disease, the localization of pathological lesions, and the effectiveness of treatment. Typically, the duration of the course is four weeks or more. In the treatment of mycosis of the foot in order to prevent relapse of the disease, therapy is continued for three weeks after the removal of the symptoms of the disease. Before using the drug on feet, they must be washed with soapy water, in particular the interdigital spaces, and dried. The areas to which the drug will be applied should be clean and completely dry.

At the first application in rare cases local reactions are revealed, expressed in reddening, burning sensation, itching. As a rule, these manifestations disappear with the subsequent use of the drug.

Contraindication to the use of the drug is hypersensitivity to the active substance (clotrimazole) or other components of the drug.

There is a decrease in the effect of the drug with its simultaneous use with other antifungal agents. The effect of clotrimazole may be reduced by the use of dexamethasone in elevated doses.

With extreme caution, this remedy should be used by women during breastfeeding and during prenatal period. It should be noted that the drug has a negative impact on the health of the child and mother. The question of the expediency of using the drug in these cases is decided strictly individually after a medical consultation.

Do not apply the drug to the eye around the eye.

If the use of the drug does not contribute to the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease within four weeks, it is necessary to verify the diagnosis.

With the development of increased irritability or sensitivity in the affected area, it is necessary to stop therapy and choose other treatment.