Clotrimazole solution and its use for nail fungus

The antimycotic drug Clotrimazole for nail fungus eliminates the symptoms of mycosis and destroys the pathogen. The drug can be purchased in the form of ointment, drops, cream, solution and spray for local application.

To eliminate foot fungus, a solution and cream are often used. If the infection is present not only on the nails, it is recommended to treat with drops or spray. All forms differ in composition, therefore it is necessary to clarify the rationality of using each of them for a separate type and localization of mycosis.

Properties and action of Clotrimazole

The active substances included in the drug disrupt the synthesis of the main barrier link of the fungus. Ergosterol is the main structural element of their protective membrane. When it is damaged or destroyed, the protective function of the cell decreases. The permeability of the membrane is impaired, which leads to the death of the pathogen.

In addition, Clotrimazole inhibits the activity of intracellular oxidative enzymes. As a result, the amount of hydrogen peroxide inside the mushroom increases sharply and reaches its maximum point. The cell is destroyed from the inside - the organelles are destroyed, and the foreign organism dies.

The medicinal substance "Clotrimazole" is poorly absorbed through the skin epithelium and mucous membranes, but can accumulate (accumulate) in the superficial and deep layers of the epidermis, which helps in the treatment of fungal infections.

What is the treatment technology with clotrimazole

Drops are usually prescribed by a dermatologist, so before starting to take them, it is recommended to consult a doctor so that the use of the drug is effective and leads to a positive outcome.

In order for the drops to be effective and eliminate the fungus, you must follow the technology for using the medicine. This is due to the fact that the original nail may be thick, which is why the liquid does not have time to penetrate its structure, so pathogenic bacteria are not destroyed.

First you need to prepare the surface for work:

1. Wash your hands and prepare your tools for work by treating them with an antiseptic.
2. Use scissors to cut off the free edge, and with a file, slightly saw off the upper stratum corneum to ensure penetration of the active ingredients.
3. Make a steam bath, additionally adding sea salt, lemon juice or soda to prepare your nails for applying the treatment. The water should be warm, comfortable temperature.
4. After 15 minutes, dry your hands with disposable paper towels and dry them. Humidity can only provoke the growth of bacteria.
5. Apply the drug.

When using drops, they must be applied carefully, avoiding liquid dripping from the nails, which reduces the effectiveness of the manipulations.

The liquid is applied in a thin layer and then spontaneously absorbed within a few minutes. After 15 minutes, there is usually no sticky layer left, the girl can wash her hands and do household chores.

The composition has an accumulating property, so it gradually accumulates at the base of the nails. The high concentration of the active substance ensures the rapid destruction of harmful microorganisms, and then the natural manicure begins to recover. However, the solution creates a protective film for a day, so it must be used every day.

Release forms for the treatment of mycosis

Clotrimazole is produced in several variations for external use:

1. Cream (emulsion containing water and oil).
2. Ointment. It is a homogeneous soft mass that includes a synthetic base and the medicinal substance “Clotrimazole”.
3. Powder. Today, this form is not relevant due to its low penetrating ability.
4. Solution. Consists of water and dissolved Clotrimazole powder granules.
5. Spray. This is a form that includes a solution under pressure. The bottles have a special sprayer.
6. Paste (thick consistency ointment). It contains at least 25% powdery substances that remain on the skin for a longer time. Pastes are rarely prescribed, since there are very few pharmacies that produce them.

The drug "Clotrimazole" is also available in the form of gels, suppositories and tablets. They are used for other fungal diseases: mycotic lesions of the genitourinary system, stomatitis, etc.

The algorithm of action and effectiveness of the drug, regardless of the form of its release, are identical; the drugs differ only in price. The variety was created by pharmacologists for ease of use.

It is advisable to apply ointments, creams and solutions to clean and dry skin. It is worth covering not only the affected areas, but also the epithelium around them: this will prevent further “spreading” of the fungus and relapses of dermatological diseases.

Solution

Available in bottles with a special dispenser.

The solution can be sold in the form of drops. It is forbidden to use them in ophthalmology: if the drug gets into your eyes, you must rinse them thoroughly with plenty of running water.

The solution is used to treat the nail surface and surrounding skin. The foot should be left open to allow the fluid to dry. This form is convenient and quickly absorbed. The expected effect occurs after 1 month of therapy. The cost of the Clotrimazole solution for nail fungus is from 70 rubles.

Cream

It is also applied to the nail plate and the area around it. The therapeutic effect is achieved after 2 months from the start of the drug. The price starts from 150 rubles.

Ointment

A more common form of product production. To make Clotrimazole ointment for foot fungus, you need the active substance and petroleum jelly. These are cheap raw materials, and accordingly, the price of the drug is low - from 60 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Clotrimazole has several positive aspects:

• Can be used on almost any form of infection;
• Ease of use. The drops are quickly absorbed into the plate and only need to be applied once a day;
• Availability. The drug or its analogues can be purchased at almost any pharmacy;
• Economy. One bottle is enough to restore all nails when treating the initial stage of the disease;
• Can be used for prevention.

Among the disadvantages of the medicine, it can be noted that it is only suitable for treating the initial form of infection, so it is not always effective for a girl.

Indications for use against fungus on the feet

According to the nosological classification, Clotrimazole is used to treat the following skin diseases of the feet:

• Dermatophytosis (dermatomycosis). This is a group of skin infectious pathologies caused by fungi of certain genera: Trichophyton
  ,
  Microsporum
  and
  Epidermophyton
  . Most often, the anomaly is localized on the big toes and little toes.
• Candidomycosis. One of the types of fungal infection. Affects nails and skin of the feet. Etiology – microscopic opportunistic yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida
  .
• Interdigital mycotic erosion. The fungus damages the upper layer of the epithelium down to the basement membrane. After treatment, the wound surface heals without leaving any traces.
• Mycotic paronychia. An inflammatory process in or under the nail cuticle, caused by various fungi.
• Mold. It is a type of fungal infection. The pathogens are aggressive and difficult to treat.

All of these diseases are caused by various pathogens. Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug, so it is very effective in getting rid of toenail fungus.

Description of the drug

The drug is produced by several manufacturers. By dosage form, the most common types are ointments, creams, solutions, tablets and suppositories. They are united by equivalent effectiveness and mechanism of action in relation to the causative agent of the pathological process.

Clotrimazole has the following properties:

• antiseptic;
• astringents;
• antimicrobial;
• antifungal.

The specific form of the medication is prescribed by the doctor or chosen by the patient based on ease of use, location of the problem area and cost. For example, if it is necessary to treat foot fungus with clotrimazole, it is most convenient to use ointments and creams, since they are quickly absorbed by epithelial cells and accumulate in the cells, providing a prolonged effect.

Clinical and pharmacological group

Clotrimazole is a local non-hormonal drug. The drug belongs to synthetic antibacterial antifungal agents. The main purpose of the medication in question is to suppress the pathogenic activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical composition is versatile and suitable for solving a wide range of problems of bacterial or fungal etiology.

pharmachologic effect

Antifungal ointment clotrimazole, like other dosage forms, relieves a large number of skin diseases and pathological ailments caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.

1. The peculiarity of the drug is its fungistatic effect if a small amount of the drug is applied. Small doses only suppress the high activity of microflora, block the ability of cells to reproduce and spread to healthy cells.
2. In fungal cells, the content of hydrogen peroxide increases, which leads to disruption of metabolic reactions in mitochondria. The structure of RNA is disrupted.
3. The fungicidal effect is observed with prolonged exposure to the drug in large doses. A weakened cell membrane allows the active ingredients of the drug to easily penetrate the cell and suppress the synthesis of ergosterol. In a pathogenic organism, a deficiency of phospholipids is formed, which entails the death of the microorganism.

After application, only a small part of clotrimazole penetrates into the main bloodstream. It has no effect on the functioning of the human body. Residual substances break down into several inactive elements, which are eliminated naturally.

Release form and composition

On the territory of the Russian Federation, the drug Clotrimazole is produced in 5 forms:

• cream (1%) – 50, 30, 20 and 15 g, in aluminum tubes and cardboard packages;
• ointment (1%) – 40, 30, 20, 15 and 10 g, in aluminum tubes, each tube in a separate pack;
• gel (1%) – 40 and 20 g each, in aluminum tubes;
• solution (1%) – 15 ml, in glass bottles;
• tablets - 500, 200 and 100 mg, in blisters of 36, 21, 18, 12, 9, 6 and 3 pcs., in 1 cardboard pack of 1 blister.

Each of the listed forms of medication is intended for use in certain areas of the body, in accordance with the recommendations for the therapeutic course.

The composition in the form of a gel helps to cope with fungal skin lesions on the hands, feet and nails. Its consistency is less thick than that of an ointment, and therefore its penetrating ability is higher.

As for the composition of the medications listed above, it differs only in the auxiliary components. The main active ingredient is clotrimazole. Additional substances: propylene glycol, nipagin, polyethylene oxides, methylparaben, sage extract, polysorbate 60, cetostearyl alcohol, etc.

The most suitable forms of release for combating fungus on the legs and arms are creams and solutions. We will dwell on them in more detail.

Instructions for use

Frequency of use of Clotrimazole: the drug in any release form is applied to the affected area at least 2-3 times a day.

The duration of treatment for foot fungus is from 2 to 4 weeks. If no improvement in the clinical picture is observed within a month, then a microbiological study is required. Based on the results obtained, either this diagnosis is confirmed or differential diagnosis with other diseases is carried out.

Clotrimazole for nail fungus is applied to clean, dry skin. After this, you should not put on socks or shoes until the medicine is completely absorbed.

After contact with affected skin, it is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the fungal infection from spreading to other areas of the body. Maintaining personal hygiene is the basis for the prevention of dermatomycosis and other diseases.

Preparation for application

First you need to detect all affected nail plates and skin. Feet should be washed with soap and dried. Now you can apply the drug.

After hygienic cleaning of the feet, it is recommended to thoroughly wipe and dry the skin. Soap is lye. The effectiveness of antifungal agents in such an environment is sharply reduced.

Foot baths before using Clotrimazole are very useful. The procedure is quick, but it speeds up the process of destroying the fungus. It will help relieve skin irritation and swelling.

The simplest recipe for a foot bath: add tar soap and a couple of tablespoons of sea salt to a basin of warm water, soak your feet in it for 10-15 minutes. Salt will relieve swelling of the feet, and tar soap will have an antimicrobial effect.

After steaming the feet, necrotic (dead) tissue and the most problematic areas of the nail are removed using nail scissors or a nail file. The softened stratum corneum is easier to remove. In the treated field, the active medicinal substance penetrates deeper and faster.

After each procedure, used instruments are disinfected.

Clotrimazole is applied to the prepared area of ​​skin and nail.

General treatment recommendations

To obtain the desired treatment result, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a dermatologist and take tests to determine the sensitivity of the infection to drugs. The effect of the antifungal agent will depend on the concentration. In a smaller dosage, Clotrimazole has a fungistatic effect, while a larger dose provides a fungicidal effect.

You should additionally consult a dermatologist when there have been previous cases of allergies to antifungal drugs, as well as for women during breastfeeding.

The use of any dosage form is not allowed when the causative agent of the infection is not identified. If during the development of mycosis, treatment with any medications is carried out, it is necessary to check with the doctor about drug interactions. The combination of certain substances with Clotrimazole may lead to the development of an adverse reaction. During the treatment period, it is important not to miss the time of application of the medicine. Long breaks will reduce effectiveness, which will affect the duration of treatment.

Clotrimazole is available without a prescription. It should be stored out of the reach of children and away from a light source. Clotrimazole is in many ways safer than similar drugs, but before use you still need to be examined by a doctor and determine the cause of the fungal infection for comprehensive treatment.

Side effects

When using any product, unwanted effects may occur. After applying Clotrimazole, sometimes there is a burning sensation, swelling, irritation or peeling of the skin. In rare cases, intense redness, blistering and parasthesia (sensitivity disorder manifested by sudden crawling sensations or slight tingling sensations) are observed.

In case of individual intolerance, an allergic reaction may begin, including hives and severe itching.

Contraindications

Treatment of fungal infection with Clotrimazole is contraindicated during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. There are restrictions in case of hypersensitivity to the main and additional components. An antimycotic agent is prescribed with caution during breastfeeding.

Clinical studies have not established the negative effects of Clotrimazole on the fetus and pregnant woman. Despite this, the rationality of using this group of drugs is decided individually.

Application of the drug to the mucous membranes and around the eyes is unacceptable (with the exception of some forms prescribed by a dermatologist). When signs of hypersensitivity or allergy appear, treatment is stopped immediately. If long-term use does not produce any effect, a repeat test is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Side effects

Undesirable side reactions develop extremely rarely. You may observe tingling in the area where the ointment or cream is applied, swelling and burning. Possible local reactions:

• peeling and drying of the skin;
• erythema and blisters;
• allergic reaction in the form of urticaria and itching.

Pros and cons of using

The use of Clotrimazole as an antifungal drug has its positive and negative sides.

Methods of use

Before applying the drug, you should clean the nail plate. It is best to use a cosmetic file for these purposes, which will allow the product to penetrate deeper into the tissue.

After applying Clotrimazole solution against nail fungus, you must wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the infection from spreading further. It is recommended to use a separate towel during treatment, which will need to be disinfected each time after use. It is also worth using liquid soap, which, unlike a bar, will reduce the likelihood of spreading infection to a minimum.

In the event that a patient has been undergoing fungal treatment with Clotrimazole for a long time, but there is no desired result, it is best to consult a doctor for advice and adjustment of treatment.

However, it also happens that the patient stops using the drug as soon as he sees that the signs of the disease have gone away. But there is no need to interrupt treatment under any circumstances.

It is recommended to use the drug for 2 weeks after obvious signs of the disease have gone away. This is necessary so that the fungal pathogen is completely eliminated.

Important! To make sure you no longer have nail fungus, it's worth getting tested.

Overdose and interaction with other drugs

The issue of interaction and overdose of Clotrimazole should be given special attention, since the success of treatment directly depends on this.

Interaction with other drugs

If the patient has another disease in addition to foot fungus, Clotrimazole should be used with caution. The fact is that this drug tends to reduce the effectiveness of other antifungal agents. For example, when taking Dexamethasone, you should be aware that Clotrimazole will reduce its effectiveness. In this case, it is worth increasing the dosage.

Clotrimazole is a drug that has long been actively used in the fight against fungal infections, and its popularity has been proven more than once. Therefore, if you choose between other similar remedies, you can lose a large amount of money, but in the end, still return to a time-tested medicine. Don’t also forget that we are talking about nails, and Clotrimazole against fungus will help restore not only health, but also aesthetic beauty.

As for adverse reactions, they occur rarely. Thus, during treatment, patients may complain of swelling or a burning sensation in the area where Clotrimazole is directly applied.

Important! The drug can cause exclusively local reactions, which manifest themselves in the form of peeling, drying of the skin, blistering, erythema or urticaria.

Overdose

As for an overdose of the drug, there is no need to talk about such a phenomenon, since all drugs based on clotrimazole, in principle, cannot lead to a dangerous outcome, even if used uncontrollably. An overdose is only possible if the patient accidentally swallows the drug.

Reviews

Oksana, 28 years old: I came back from vacation with a fungus on my feet. It is problematic to buy medicine there, so the problem has already started. A friend advised me to buy Clotrimazole. I liked that it was easy to use, and it was inexpensive compared to other anti-fungal medications. I cured my nails.

Egor, 43 years old: When I discovered the fungus, I made a mistake - I bought some kind of cream myself. Nothing helped me until I went to the doctor and was prescribed Clotrimazole. It turned out to be several times cheaper than my cream, and it helped quite quickly. It took a long time to undergo treatment, but the result is worth it.

Alena, 33 years old: Clotrimazole did not suit me. After the first application, it burned strongly, and then the skin turned red. It turned out that the body does not tolerate this medicine. They prescribed another remedy, but in the form of a cream. They cured everything.

Vladimir, 39 years old: I used Clotrimazole for several weeks, but did not notice any special effect. I took some tests and was prescribed another medicine. Clotrimazole may be effective, but it is not a panacea for everyone.

Clotrimazole has antimycotic properties and is active against many pathogens. For treatment to be effective and to avoid recurrence of infection, you must strictly follow the instructions and observe the duration of therapy prescribed by the specialist. The drug may not be suitable due to existing contraindications or possible adverse reactions.

What are the advantages of Clotrimazole therapy?

Treatment with this particular remedy has many advantages:

• low cost;
• treatment of pityriasis versicolor, mold, yeast-like fungi, systemic fungal diseases;
• a small number of side effects;
• harmlessness of the components of the drug to health;
• preventing the development and spread of fungus;
• quick relief of irritation and inflammation.

In order for the therapy to be successful and give the desired result, you must adhere to the instructions for the drug and follow all the doctor’s recommendations. You should not expect any visible effect after a week of use. Cure will occur only after completing the full course of therapy.

Indications for use of ointments

An antifungal drug in the form of an ointment is prescribed by dermatologists to treat diseases of the nail plates of infectious etiology to patients who have the following indications:

1. Changing the natural color of nails . The surface of the plates becomes yellowish with spots. Sometimes the color can be grayish with black or greenish splashes.
2. Severe itching.
3. Unpleasant smell.
4. The skin surrounding the nail begins to peel off.
5. Thickening of the nail plate.
6. Delamination of the nail plate.
7. The fungus causes the nails to crumble; in this case, ointments also help.
8. On the lateral edges the nail lags slightly behind the bed.
9. Foci of infection cause pain.
10. There is swelling of the surrounding skin.