Overview of drugs for the treatment of thrush in women and men

Today, there are many drugs to eliminate thrush. A wide range of different forms of medications with different effectiveness and price allows you to choose the best option for therapy. But you can take the medicine only as prescribed by a doctor, after passing all the necessary tests and examination. Self-medication can cause serious consequences and will transfer the disease into a chronic, recurring form.

All pharmaceutical products are divided into 4 groups:

• Antifungal, local action (vaginal tablets, suppositories, creams for insertion into the vagina).
• Antimicrobial, local action.
• Antifungal, general action for oral administration (tablets, capsules).
• Combined drugs for local use.

The therapy is carried out in several directions simultaneously. First of all, it is the elimination of risk factors, taking antifungal tablets and restoring normal vaginal microflora.

As for local treatment, the main advantage of suppositories, ointments and creams is that they have a quick effect. Thrush can be eliminated within 1-6 days. The disadvantage is that a repeated course is required, which is a guarantee of recovery. All procedures are best done before bedtime.

The most popular drugs:

• Clotrimazole (Yenamazole 100, Canesten, Kanison)
• Miconazole (Ginezol 7, Klion-D 100)
• Nystatin (Polygynax, Terzhinan)
• Ketoconazole (Livarol, Ketoconazole, Mycozoral, Nizoral, Perhotal)
• Natamycin (Pimafucin).

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Fluconazole

Fluconazole is a triazole derivative with antifungal properties. It has high specificity when interacting with fungal enzymes dependent on cytochrome P450.

• Well absorbed, bioavailability exceeds 90%. Food intake does not affect the absorption level. Maximum concentration in blood plasma is achieved 1-1.5 hours after administration. Penetrates into all body fluids, excreted by the kidneys.
• The dosage is individual for each patient. Depending on the clinical situation and treatment regimen, 50 to 400 mg per day may be prescribed. The duration of therapy depends on the clinical and mycotic effect.
• During pregnancy and lactation, take only as prescribed by a doctor when there are potentially life-threatening fungal infections. If the medication is used by patients of childbearing age, it is recommended to use reliable contraception. The active substance is excreted in breast milk in high concentrations.
• Possible side effects: headache, cramps, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea. In rare cases, dermatological reactions occur: rash, skin diseases.

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Nystatin

Nystatin is an effective antifungal antibiotic, available in tablets, vaginal and rectal suppositories. It is active against yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

• After oral administration, it is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; when applied topically, it does not enter the systemic bloodstream. It is excreted with feces. Food intake does not affect the absorption process.
• If it is prescribed for candidiasis of internal organs, it is recommended to take 50 mg 4-8 times a day. For generalized candidiasis, take 250 mg 3-4 times a day. The duration of therapy is 7-14 days with a mandatory repeat course to prevent relapses.
• The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. To date, no cases of overdose have been identified. If it is taken simultaneously with clotrimazole, the activity of the latter is reduced.
• Side effects most often occur in the digestive system, causing nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. In rare cases, allergic reactions on the skin and fever are possible.
• Contraindicated for use in pancreatitis, liver dysfunction and pregnancy. Ulcers of the duodenum and stomach and intolerance to the components are also contraindicated for use.

Miramistin

Miramistin is an antiseptic for external and local use. It is produced in the form of a solution with the active substance benzyldimethyl-myristoylamino-propylammonium chloride monohydrate. It has a broad antibacterial effect and a pronounced bactericidal effect against gram-positive, gram-negative, anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. The drug has an antifungal effect and is effective against yeast-like fungi Candida.

• Local application is not accompanied by absorption of active substances through mucous membranes and skin. Irrigations and baths are used for the treatment of thrush. The procedures can be carried out both in the morning and in the evening, lasting from 5-12 days.
• To date, there are no data on cases of Miramistin overdose. When used simultaneously with antibiotics, their antifungal and antibacterial properties are enhanced.
• In some cases, side effects occur, usually local reactions - mild burning and redness, which pass in 10-20 seconds, so there is no need to stop using the drug. In rare cases, allergic reactions occur. It is prohibited in case of hypersensitivity to active components.

Terzhinan

Terzhinan is an antibacterial drug with antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It is produced in the form of vaginal tablets for topical use with the active ingredients: ternidazole, nystatin and neomycin sulfate. It is included in the group of imidazole derivatives, as it reduces the synthesis of ergosterol, and is active against anaerobic bacteria.

• The dosage is individual for each patient. The tablets are inserted deep into the vagina in a lying position. The procedure is best done before bedtime. On average, the course lasts 10 days, if preventive therapy is carried out, then 6 days.
• Terzhinan is approved for use from the second trimester of pregnancy. It is not used at earlier stages and during breastfeeding.
• Side effects are accompanied by local allergic reactions (irritation, itching, burning in the vagina). The main contraindication is intolerance to the components. It is not recommended to stop taking during menstruation.

Livarol

Livarol is a topical medication with antifungal properties. The medicine is available in the form of yellowish or grayish vaginal suppositories with the active ingredient ketoconazole. It belongs to the category of imidazole-dioxolane derivatives for topical use. It is active against yeast fungi and dermatophytes.

• Since it is used intravaginally, systemic absorption is insignificant. The classic treatment regimen is one suppository before bedtime for 3-5 days. If the treatment is for chronic candidiasis, the drug is used for 10 days.
• Suppositories are not used in the first trimester of pregnancy and in case of individual intolerance to its components. According to doctor's prescriptions, they can be used in the second and third trimesters, as well as during lactation.
• In some cases, the drug causes hyperemia and irritation of the vaginal mucosa. Very rarely, patients complain of urticaria, rash and other allergic reactions.

Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antifungal agent with antibacterial action. It is produced in the form of tablets, suppositories, solution and gel for topical use. The active substance is metronidazole, has antimicrobial and antiprotozoal properties, is a derivative of 5-nitroimidazole. It is active against many gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, as well as anaerobes.

• It has a high penetrating ability, therefore it accumulates in all tissues and body fluids. The therapeutic concentration is maintained for 6-8 hours, about 30-60% is metabolized by hydroxylation.
• The maximum single dose is 500 mg, the duration of the course is determined individually. Depending on the nature of the fungal infection, a transition from oral to intravenous form or vice versa can be made.
• Overdose causes the following symptoms: nausea and vomiting, convulsions. Since there is no specific antidote, supportive and symptomatic therapy is used. Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. Side effects occur from all organs and systems, but most often these are nausea and vomiting, allergic reactions on the skin.
• Contraindicated in case of organic lesions of the central nervous system, leukopenia, liver or kidney failure, as well as hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, use is possible only on medical indications.

Fucis

Fucis is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication. The active substance, fluconazole, causes the death of fungal infection at the cellular level. It is active against Cryptococcus neoformans, Microsporum spp. and Trichophytum spp., Coccidioides immitis, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Hystoplasma capsulatum. It has high fungicidal activity against Candida spp. and other fungal microorganisms.

• When taken orally, it is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It has high bioavailability of 90%, food intake does not affect the degree of absorption. Binding to plasma proteins is low. The active substance penetrates well into all biological fluids. Most of it is excreted unchanged in urine and some in the form of metabolites.
• For patients with invasive forms of candidiasis, 400 mg of the drug is prescribed on the first day of treatment, and then the dose is reduced to 200 mg. For oropharyngeal candidiasis, 50-100 mg is taken once a day. For genital lesions - 150 mg, the duration of treatment is 7-14 days.
• Side effects and overdose symptoms include headaches and dizziness, tachycardia, arrhythmia, convulsions, nausea, vomiting and pain in the epigastric region. Contraindicated in case of intolerance to its components or other azole compounds that are close in structure to the active component. Do not prescribe during pregnancy and lactation.

Zalain

Zalain is an antifungal suppository for local use used in gynecology. The active substance is sertaconazole nitrate. It belongs to the derivatives of benzothiophene and imidazole. The mechanism of action is based on the inhibition of ergosterol synthesis, which causes the death of the fungus at the cellular level. It is active against Candida spp. and gram-positive bacteria.

• Since the medicine is intended for intravaginal administration, the active component is not absorbed and does not enter the systemic bloodstream. The course lasts seven days, each day at night it is necessary to insert one suppository. Before using it, it is recommended to wash the external genitalia with alkaline soap.
• Prohibited during pregnancy, but can be used during breastfeeding with appropriate medical recommendations. Side effects occur very rarely, which are accompanied by itching, burning and discomfort in the vagina. Do not use if you are intolerant to imidazole, benzothiephen or other components.

Malavit

Malavit is a naturopathic remedy intended for external use, i.e. treatment of mucous membranes and skin. It has antipruritic, analgesic, decongestant and deodorizing properties. It effectively fights infectious diseases caused by anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. It can act as an independent medication or in complex therapy, enhancing the effects of other drugs.

• The solution is necessary for external use. Thus, for hygienic purposes, 10 ml of the preparation is added to a bath of 200 liters of water. As for the dosage for baths for thrush, the dose is selected by the doctor, focusing on the stage and form of the disease.
• Side effects occur in isolated cases, causing allergic reactions. Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to its components. There is no data on use during pregnancy and contraindications.

Klion d

Klion D is an antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal medication. The active ingredient is metronidazole. It is available in the form of a solution, tablets, and vaginal suppositories. When used intravaginally, it is absorbed into the systemic bloodstream. It is active against many anaerobes, aerobic microorganisms, dermatophytes, gram-positive bacteria and fungi. It effectively eliminates itching and yeast infections without changing the pH composition and microflora of the vagina.

• The tablets are taken for 10 days at 250 mg, the solution is administered intravenously by drip at 100 ml for 7 days, vaginal suppositories are used for 10 days, one per day.
• Side effects include itching, burning and pain in the vagina. Nausea, changes in taste, loss of appetite and dry mouth are possible. In rare cases, allergic reactions on the skin, constipation, headaches and dizziness occur.
• Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to its components, as well as in case of blood diseases, renal and hepatic insufficiency, during pregnancy (first trimester) and breastfeeding. Use with special caution in case of microcirculation disorders and diabetes mellitus.

Metrogil

Metrogyl is a broad-spectrum drug with bactericidal properties. It is effective against anaerobic microorganisms, protozoa and gram-positive bacteria. The active component, metronidazole, is a derivative of nitroimidazole. It is available in tablets and intravenous solution.

• When taken orally, they are well absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration in the blood plasma is achieved within 120 minutes. The substance penetrates into all biological tissues and body fluids. Protein binding is low - 18-20%. It is excreted by the kidneys, but a small part is excreted in the form of metabolites with feces.
• The medicine is taken as prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended to take the tablets during or after meals, with a sufficient amount of liquid. The doses are selected by the attending physician, for each patient individually. For the treatment of candidiasis, take 200 mg per day for 3-5 days, a repeated preventive course is possible.
• Side effects most often manifest themselves in the nervous system, causing severe headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances and irritability. In addition, patients experience bowel disorders, nausea and vomiting, inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity (glossitis, stomatitis). Darkening of urine, redness in the perineum, leukopenia and skin allergic reactions are possible.
• Contraindicated in case of intolerance to its components and other nitroimidazole derivatives. Prohibited in the first trimester of pregnancy and during lactation. Overdose causes nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headaches. There is no specific antidote.

Epigen spray

Epigen spray is an antiviral agent for local use. The active substance - glycyrrhizic acid is active against DNA-containing viral cells. Stops the replication of viruses at early stages and does not allow them to penetrate into cells. It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, improves tissue regeneration, which allows you to cure the disease faster.

• The dosage is individual and depends on the indications for use of the drug, i.e. the form and degree of candidal infection. Use during pregnancy and lactation is possible according to absolute indicators.
• Side effects are accompanied by allergic reactions. The main contraindication is hypersensitivity to the active ingredient.

Rumizol

Rumizol is a vaginal suppository used to treat vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and mixed vaginal infection. The active ingredient is metronidazole.

• Before use, the suppository must be removed from its shell and inserted deep into the vagina. It is recommended to insert 1 suppository at night and in the morning for 7 days. If thrush is recurrent, the course lasts 14 days.
• Contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and lactation. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug and its derivatives, severe liver dysfunction, epilepsy and porphyria are the main contraindications for use.
• Side effects are expressed as local allergic reactions and vaginal irritation. Headaches and dizziness, psychoemotional disorders, dry mouth, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting are possible.
• Overdose causes nausea and vomiting, stomatitis, headaches, and diarrhea. Symptomatic and supportive therapy is used for treatment. If the suppository was taken orally, gastric lavage is necessary.

Irunin

Irunin is an antifungal drug with the active ingredient itraconazole. It is available in capsule form for oral administration. It has a broad spectrum of action, is active against dermatophytes, yeast fungi Candida spp. and mold fungi.

• After oral administration, it is rapidly absorbed, maximum bioavailability occurs when taken before meals. The concentration of the active substance in tissues with keratin is several times higher than the concentration in blood plasma. It is well distributed over tissues affected by fungal infection. Therapeutic doses in the vagina are maintained for two days after a three-day course of treatment. It is excreted with feces and as metabolites in the urine.
• The dosage is selected for each patient. For optimal absorption, the capsules should be swallowed whole, immediately after meals. For the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, take 200 mg 1-2 times a day, the duration of treatment is 1-3 days. Oral candidiasis is treated for 15 days, taking 100 mg per day. The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding is prohibited.
• The main contraindication is intolerance to the active substance and other components of the drug. Side effects occur in all organs and systems. Most often, patients complain of headaches and dizziness, increased fatigue, neuropathy, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Menstrual irregularities, swelling, allergic and dermatological reactions are possible.

Rumikoz

Rumikoz is a broad-spectrum drug with antifungal properties. The active substance is itraconazole, a triazole derivative. The component inhibits ergosterol, which is the main component of fungal cells. As a result of this effect, the cells of harmful microorganisms die due to perforation of the cell membrane. It is active against dermatophytes, yeasts and yeast-like fungi, as well as against Histoplasma spp., Aspergillus spp., Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and other types of mold fungi. It is available in capsules for oral use.

• After oral administration, it is well absorbed in the intestine and reaches maximum concentration after 3-4 hours. Excretion occurs in two stages and takes 24-36 hours. About 15% is excreted by the intestine, 0.03% by the kidneys unchanged and 35% as metabolites within a week after administration.
• It is recommended to take the capsules after meals, without chewing or crushing. The duration of treatment is individual for each patient. For the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, take 200 mg twice a day, the course of treatment is 1-3 days. For oral candidiasis, take 100 mg per day for 15 days.
• Side effects most often occur in the digestive system, these are vomiting and nausea, stool disorders and dyspeptic phenomena. Increased activity of liver enzymes and severe toxic liver damage are possible. In addition, there may be headaches and dizziness, allergic reactions, menstrual irregularities, dark urine coloring and much more.
• The medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in case of individual intolerance to the active components. It is used with special caution in liver diseases, chronic renal and cardiac failure.

Nuvaring

Novaring is a contraceptive hormonal drug. The drug is released in the form of a vaginal ring, which contains estrogen and gestagen components. The drug causes a delay in ovulation, changes in the uterine endometrium and an increase in the viscosity of cervical mucus, due to which pregnancy does not occur. The Pearl Index (the coefficient of contraceptive effectiveness) is 0.765. Normalizes the menstrual cycle, reduces the severity of PMS and algomenorrhea, reduces the intensity of bleeding during menstruation, which prevents the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

• Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel included in the vaginal ring are well absorbed into the systemic bloodstream through the vaginal mucosa. The maximum plasma concentration is achieved within 1 week. The active components are metabolized in the body and excreted as metabolites with bile and kidneys.
• Nuvaring is intended for intravaginal insertion. The ring can be inserted independently, choosing a comfortable position, or you can seek help from a gynecologist. After insertion, the ring should remain in the vagina for 21 days. If it is accidentally removed, it should be washed with hot water and immediately put back. Seven days after removing the previous ring, the next one can be inserted. Menstruation should begin during the week-long break, but the ring is inserted regardless of the cycle.
• As a rule, the contraceptive is well tolerated. However, minor headaches and migraines, emotional instability, increased fatigue, and decreased libido are possible. If the ring is not positioned correctly, unpleasant sensations may occur during sexual intercourse. Side effects from the digestive tract include pain in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting, and bowel disturbances. In rare cases, allergic and dermatological reactions occur.
• Nuvaring is contraindicated in case of intolerance to the active substances. It is not prescribed to patients with neurological diseases, thrombosis, thromboembolism, pancreatitis or liver dysfunction. It is not recommended to use in case of liver tumors, vaginal bleeding of unknown genesis and suspicion of pregnancy. It is prescribed with special caution to patients with diabetes, obesity, ulcers, Crohn's disease, heart valve diseases.
• When used in high doses, it causes nausea and vomiting, and bloody vaginal discharge is possible. There is no specific antidote, so if the above symptoms develop, you should seek medical help and undergo symptomatic therapy.

Treatment of thrush with trichopolum

Trichopol is a medicine used to treat many diseases. It is active against some bacteria that can affect the genitals, causing infectious and inflammatory diseases. The tablets contain metronidazole, which is prescribed for trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and other inflammatory and infectious diseases in the urinary tract, genitals and kidneys.

The instructions do not indicate activity against yeast fungus. Moreover, metronidazole does not have a bactericidal effect against viruses and fungi. That is, thrush is not sensitive to trichopolum. In addition, inappropriate use of the drug can cause an exacerbation of candidiasis and sharply reduce the protective properties of the immune system.

But sometimes this medication is still included in the treatment complex. This is explained by the fact that candidiasis is often accompanied by other diseases, for example, bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. In this case, combination therapy with antifungal agents and Trichopolum will help eliminate thrush and associated ailments.

Treatment of thrush with ASD

There is a method of treating candidiasis with the drug ASD Fraction. The drug was developed by scientist A.V. Dorogov and was supposed to be a real breakthrough in medicine. It was created to protect the body of people and animals from radiation and to strengthen the immune system. It is used to treat almost all diseases, but before using it, it is better to consult a qualified doctor.

So, for thrush, it is recommended to use a 1% solution of ASD, it is used both for irrigation and baths, and taken internally. It is better to use with water, the course lasts 3-5 days, during which you need to take 2-5 ml of the medicine. Douching will also be useful, for this you need to take 30-60 drops of ASD per 100 ml of water. Only boiled cooled water is suitable for diluting the medicine, both for internal and external use. Take ASD on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours after it.

The medicine is available in a glass bottle, closed with a rubber stopper, which is rolled with an aluminum cap. The capacity of the bottles is 50, 100 and 200 ml. It does not cause side effects and has no contraindications for use. But during therapy, it is necessary to refrain from drinking alcohol, as this can cause a deterioration in health. To date, the medicine has not received official approval in the list of drugs of traditional medicine. This is why many doctors are skeptical about its use and possible therapeutic properties.