Different medications are used to treat thrush in men and women. Zalain suppositories have proven their effectiveness in the fight against this disease. Since when treating candidiasis it is important to treat both sexual partners, Zalain cream is used to treat men. This medication has a small list of side effects and contraindications, so doctors often prescribe it to combat various fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. In our article we will also list analogues of Zalain.
Indications for use
Cream
used for the treatment of skin mycoses that are caused by microorganisms sensitive to sertaconazole, including:
- epidermophytosis of the feet and legs;
- inguinal dermatophytosis;
- dermatomycosis of hands and smooth skin;
- candida skin infections;
- pityriasis versicolor;
- trichophytosis of the facial skin.
Vaginal suppositories
used for local treatment of infections of the vaginal mucosa that are caused by microorganisms sensitive to sertaconazole, including mixed vaginal infections and vaginal candidiasis.
Use during pregnancy
Since animal studies have not revealed any negative effects of the drug on pregnancy and the fetus, there are no direct contraindications for using this drug while pregnant.
However, since no special studies have been conducted on pregnant women, medication during pregnancy can only be prescribed by the attending physician, after weighing the expected benefits and likely risks. The drug should be prescribed with extreme caution in the 1st trimester of pregnancy due to insufficient data on its effect on embryo development. If the doctor prescribed Zalain during pregnancy, the 3rd trimester and 2nd trimester are less dangerous periods in terms of the negative impact of the drug on the formation of the internal organs of the fetus.
Mode of application
Cream: the drug is used 1-2 times a day until the symptoms disappear completely. To prevent relapses, it is recommended to continue treatment for 2 weeks after the disappearance of clinical manifestations of the disease. The cream is applied in a thin layer to the damaged area of skin, while the cream is also applied to a small area of healthy skin adjacent to the affected area. The duration of treatment depends on the type of pathogen and the location of the disease. It is recommended to begin the course of treatment as soon as possible after the first symptoms of the disease appear.
Vaginal suppositories: the drug is administered once a day, preferably in the evening. It is recommended to insert the suppository as deeply as possible into the vagina while lying down. The use of the drug can be continued during menstruation. Usually, a single use of the drug Zalain is sufficient for complete cure. In case of a recurrent form of the disease, it is recommended to re-prescribe the drug after 7 days. When using the drug, it is not recommended to use soap with an acidic pH.
Zalain for thrush
Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of thrush in women are of great importance in obstetric and gynecological practice, since this disease is often combined with other microbiocenosis disorders and is associated with the threat of miscarriage, premature birth, and intrauterine infection of the fetus. Issues of treatment of genital tract candidiasis are relevant for pregnant women, since not all drugs against thrush are safe for the unborn child.
Most often, the fight against vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women is carried out with suppositories and cream - local remedies that have a low level of absorption from the vagina into the systemic bloodstream. Among the safest and most effective medications are Pimafucin and sertaconazole preparations, for example, Zalain.
Zalain cream against thrush is used to treat pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding, and is a safe remedy.
The consequences of inadequate treatment of thrush can lead to a decrease in a woman’s quality of life due to the persistent course of the disease, the impossibility of sexual intercourse, and complications in the form of the spread of the fungus to the overlying parts of the reproductive tract.
Frequent relapses worsen the pharmacoeconomic indicators of treatment: the course lengthens and becomes costly. Therefore, when fighting thrush, it is important to start treatment with high-quality and effective products. These include modern drugs based on itraconazole, fluconazole, sertaconazole, for example, Zalain cream.
The choice of treatment method for thrush, the determination of the drug, dosage, and course duration are completely determined by the clinical type of the disease:
- candidacy;
- acute candidiasis;
- chronic relapsing process;
- persistent form (continuous symptoms).
Carriage – the presence of yeast cells in the genital tract and the absence of clinical infection does not require medical intervention. If carriage is diagnosed in a pregnant woman, the genital tract is sanitized with local means, for example, Zalain cream.
Considering the difficulties in the fight against urogenital candidiasis, experts have developed a number of requirements for medications:
- high activity against all types of fungus;
- the presence of not only antifungal, but also antimicrobial action, since thrush is often accompanied by bacterial infections;
- minimal inhibitory effect on normal microflora;
- maximum safety and effectiveness;
- comfort in use.
One of the modern medicines, Zalain, which is available in the form of suppositories and anti-thrush cream, meets these requirements.
Causes and symptoms
The cause of such a common genital tract disease as thrush is a special fungus from the genus Candida. They belong to the normal vaginal flora and in their properties are opportunistic, which means the manifestation of pathogenic properties only under certain conditions.
- A decrease in immunity, both general and local, is of decisive importance in the development of thrush symptoms. The general resistance of a woman’s body is suppressed by infectious diseases, hypothermia and overheating. Local vaginal immunity is significantly reduced with promiscuity and frequent STIs.
- Endocrine diseases - diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperestrogenism (PCOS, endometrial hyperplasia) - are often accompanied by thrush.
- Pregnancy is considered one of the periods of a woman’s life when thrush manifests itself most often.
- Treatment with antibiotics, glucocorticoids, cytostatics.
- Taking oral contraceptives with an increased dose of estradiol.
The most important species in the development of thrush is the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. It is responsible for 85-95% of cases of candidiasis in women.
But in recent years, the prevalence of other types of fungus of the genus Candida as a cause of thrush has been increasing, which creates some difficulties in treating the infection.
The change in the structure of morbidity has led to the need to select various antifungal agents, since the therapeutic effect of traditional substances often becomes low.
The modern antifungal agent sertaconazole, which is part of the Zalain cream, meets the necessary requirements: it destroys all types of candida and prevents the formation of chronic thrush.
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- discomfort, burning in the area of the external genitalia, inguinal folds;
- itching, intensifying after sexual intercourse, water procedures;
- profuse leucorrhoea, which has a cheesy character and a sour smell;
- the appearance of blisters, followed by the formation of fungal dermatitis in the skin folds, with the lesions looking like shiny bright red or crimson areas of skin, with exfoliated epidermis. Their surface is covered with a white coating.
The frequency of registration of vulvovaginal candidiasis among pregnant women ranges from 30 to 40%, and immediately before childbirth it is diagnosed in half of women.
A pregnant woman who has thrush causes the fetus or baby to become infected during birth.
In recent years, obstetricians have noted an increase in cases of candidiasis among full-term newborns, which indicates the need for a more thorough approach to the diagnosis and treatment of thrush in pregnant women.
Treating thrush during pregnancy with suppositories and creams is often a difficult task, due to the high level of estrogen in the blood, which affects the functioning of the vaginal epithelium and, accordingly, leads to a change in the biocenosis.
In pregnant women with anemia, obesity, and infectious diseases of the urinary tract, thrush is recorded much more often. In addition, in such women, thrush is more difficult to treat.
Diagnostics
When diagnosing thrush, the following studies are mandatory:
- bacterioscopy (microscopy) of a vaginal smear;
- inoculation of secretions on nutrient media to determine the species diversity of the vaginal biocenosis, testing for sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics and antifungals;
- PCR for all types of sexually transmitted infections: bacterial and viral;
- colposcopy;
- cytology of scrapings from the cervical canal.
Thrush is often accompanied by bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus infection. Often, against the background of candidiasis and other infections, ectopia, cervicitis, colpitis, and cervical dysplasia are diagnosed. Rarely, thrush in women occurs as an independent disease.
The development of this disease of the genital tract is possible only against the background of hormonal and bacterial imbalance. Therefore, treatment requires an integrated approach, including not only local creams and suppositories, but also antiviral, antibacterial, and immunocorrective therapy.
Restoring the normal flora of the vagina to prevent chronicity of the process is considered important in the fight against vulvovaginal candidiasis.
As a rule, when examining the patient, leukocytosis, grade 3 or 4 vaginal cleanliness is detected. In addition to Candida, the growth of staphylococci, E. coli, enterococci, Klebsiella and Proteus is recorded, which requires combined treatment. Not only creams and suppositories are prescribed against thrush, but also antiseptic and antibacterial local agents.
Action of Zalain for thrush
Zalain, which is based on the antifungal component sertaconazole, is considered one of the new agents for local treatment of thrush. Sertaconazole is a derivative of imidazole and benzothiophene. Zalain cream and suppositories have both a static and fungicidal effect against fungi.
The dual mechanism of action on fungal cells is due to the complex structure of the medicinal substance: the presence of traditional imidazole and a fundamentally new compound - benzothiophene.
This component is soluble in fat, which enhances the penetration of Zalain cream into the vaginal mucosa, since cell membranes consist of fatty structures. Zalain cream is active against staphylococci and streptococci, which actively multiply during urogenital candidiasis and lead to vaginal dysbiosis.
This allows for uncomplicated cases of thrush in a patient to use the cream as monotherapy without including other medications in the regimen.
Zalain cream inhibits the growth of all varieties of yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida, therefore it is used to treat complex cases of chronic recurrent thrush.
Patients note that already on the 3rd day of using Zalain suppositories vaginally and cream for external use, itching, cheesy leucorrhoea and swelling of the mucous membrane are significantly reduced.
If symptoms persist, doctors prescribe a second course of treatment.
During therapy with Zalain, sertaconazole is not detected in the blood or urine, which proves its safety when applied topically. This determines the frequent use of the cream during pregnancy.
Indications, contraindications and side effects
Zalain cream is used not only in gynecological practice for the treatment of thrush. Considering the activity of the drug against dermatophyte fungi, Zalain in the form of a cream is prescribed for the following infections, in addition to candidiasis of the genital tract:
- fungal infection of the skin of the legs, hands and feet;
- mycoses of the skin of the body;
- fungus of the scalp and beard;
- lichen versicolor.
Occasionally, when using Zalain cream, contact dermatitis of an allergic nature is observed. In rare cases, temporary redness of the skin is observed, which does not require discontinuation of the cream.
If there are allergic reactions to imidazole derivatives, Zalain cream is prescribed with caution.
Side effects
The drug is well tolerated by patients. Sometimes the development of undesirable reactions in the form of erythema was noted, however, it quickly passes and does not require discontinuation of the drug. Since the drug does not have a systemic effect, one should not expect the development of systemic side effects.
Zalain suppositories can provoke the development of the following side effects: A burning sensation and itching in the vagina, which goes away on its own, does not require special treatment and is not a reason to discontinue the drug, allergic reactions are possible. Typically, Zalain suppositories are well tolerated, without causing significant and noticeable discomfort in women.
Zalain for men
Zalain in the form of a cream in men is used to treat thrush of the penis or various mycoses of the skin of the body. Zalain suppositories are not used in men. For the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and thrush of the penis in men, Zalain cream is used according to the usual instructions for use.
This means that the cream is applied to the areas affected by the fungal infection, covering another 1 - 1.5 cm of healthy adjacent skin. It is recommended to lubricate the penis completely by retracting the foreskin and carefully treating the head, frenulum and folds of skin. To treat both penile thrush and body skin mycoses in men, Zalain cream must be applied twice a day - morning and evening, for 4 weeks.
If it is not possible to use the cream twice, it is recommended to apply it once a day - in the evening, before going to bed. The presence of cracks and wounds on the penis is not a contraindication for the use of Zalain, since the cream can be applied to both damaged and undamaged skin. Men are recommended to carry out preventive therapy for penile thrush in the absence of clinical symptoms if their partners are being treated for vaginal candidiasis.
In this case, you should treat the penis with Zalain cream twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. During the period of using Zalain cream for the treatment or prevention of penile thrush, men are advised to refrain from any types of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal) and masturbation. When engaging in sexual intercourse, you should remember that Zalain cream reduces the effectiveness of the contraceptive effect of condoms, spermicidal suppositories and ointments, cervical caps and diaphragms.
Composition and pharmacological action
The antimycotic drug Zalain is available in two dosage forms - suppositories and cream. The main active substance is sertaconazole, which has fungistatic and fungicidal effects. The effect that the medicine has directly depends on the type of fungus that provoked the development of the disease and its characteristics (resistance to medications).
A positive result from the use of the drug is achieved due to its properties to create unfavorable conditions for the growth and reproduction of mycoses. The drug is able to inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, which provokes a violation of the integrity of the cell membrane of fungi and bacteria, as a result of which they die.
Zalain is used not only for thrush, but also for the treatment of certain types of bacterial colpitis and other pathologies caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Suppositories and cream are intended exclusively for topical use. The medicine exerts its effect on the surface, penetrating only into the nearby layers of the skin and mucous membrane. Destroys the causative agent of the disease and does not enter the systemic bloodstream.
What is Zalain
Zalain, or sertaconazole nitrate, is a newer antifungal agent for topical use on affected areas of the skin or mucous membranes. It combines the components benzothiaphene and azole, which not only stop the growth of Candida fungus colonies, but also cause the death of these pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it is effective even against fungi that are resistant to other antifungal drugs. This means that after using sertaconazole, relapses of thrush are much less likely to occur. In addition, Zalain's therapeutic activity has been proven against pathogenic species of streptococci, staphylococci and Trichomonas vaginalis, which quickly colonize inflamed mucous membranes and prevent their healing.
For pregnant women, it is very important that sertaconazole is not absorbed into the general bloodstream, which means it does not penetrate to the fetus and cannot cause any negative reactions in it.
The undeniable advantage of the drug is its duration of action. Just a single administration is enough for the therapeutic concentration of the drug to remain for a whole week.
Price and analogues
"Fluconazole" is one of the analogues of "Zalain"
"Zalain" can be purchased at a pharmacy in any city. The price of the cream is in the range of 450-550 rubles. Candles cost about 500-600 rubles per package. You can find out exactly how much you need to pay for the drug from your pharmacist.
For certain reasons, the patient may be interested in analogues of Zalain. This drug can be replaced with the following medications:
- "Ketozoral";
- "Nystatin";
- "Fluconazole";
- "Irunin";
- "Candide B6";
- "Livarol."
There are other substitutes for Zalain. Analogues are similar to it in their pharmaceutical effect. Therefore, they also bring good results when carrying out antifungal therapy.
About the drug
Candidiasis worries many pregnant women. As a result, many women are concerned about the use of certain medications during this period.
During pregnancy, gynecologists advise using Zalain, which is considered an effective local remedy in the fight against thrush. Zalain is a new generation antifungal drug that fights not only the fungus Candida albicans, but also has a powerful therapeutic effect against staphylococcal and streptococcal infections.
The drug has a strong fungicidal effect on the fungus, due to which the number of relapses of the disease is reduced to a minimum. However, when prescribing the drug, it is necessary to take into account the risk ratio of the disease for the mother and fetus, as well as the duration of pregnancy .
Release form
The main forms of release of the drug Zalain are vaginal suppositories (suppositories) and cream. The suppositories are produced in a blister in the amount of 1 piece per package and are intended for single insertion into the vagina. The cream is available in a 20 gram aluminum tube, which is sealed in a cardboard box.
To achieve maximum effect and quick cure, doctors advise using these forms of the drug together. With this use, a woman will be able to get rid of the unpleasant manifestations of vaginal candidiasis in a short time.
Sometimes Zalain cream is also prescribed to the partner of a pregnant woman, since in men, fungal infection can be asymptomatic and subject to treatment.
Compound
The active component of the drug Zalain is sertaconazole, and the excipients differ depending on the form of the drug. One Zalain suppository contains 300 mg of sertaconazole, as well as auxiliary elements in the form of silicon dioxide, witepsol and suppositir. The white candle has a convenient shape and soft consistency for comfortable administration.
Zalain cream contains 2% of the active substance, that is, 20 mg of sertaconazole per 1 g of cream. In addition, the cream contains saturated glycosylated glycerides, polyethylene glycol palmitostearate, sorbic acid, paraffin oil, distilled water and others.
Indications for use
Zalain is considered the most prescribed drug for thrush during pregnancy. But there are some other pathologies for which Zalain is indicated for pregnant women.
The main indications for the use of both forms of Zalain during pregnancy are the following pathologies:
- Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa caused by candidiasis.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
- Vulvovaginitis.
- Thrush of the skin.
- Colpitis.
- Candidiasis of the hands.
- Some forms of lichen.
- Other fungal diseases.
Reviews
Nikolay, 42 years old I myself work as a dermatologist. Through negligence, he became infected with a fungus from a patient. I decided that this drug would best cope with the disease. “Zalain” in the form of a cream was used daily to treat the problem area that was affected by infection. It only took me 2 weeks to completely forget about the unpleasant symptoms of this disease. I will continue to use the cream for a while to prevent the fungus from reoccurring.
Valentina, 30 years old I am worried about such a problem as chronic thrush. Therefore, from time to time I have to undergo therapy for a fungal infection in the intimate area. I was once treated with Zalain in the form of suppositories. But over time, the drug stopped working. Therefore, I had to switch to another medicine. Most likely, this product is simply not suitable for continuous use. So it is better to use it for simple thrush, rather than chronic.
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Contraindications and possible side effects from use
An absolute contraindication for use is individual intolerance or a hypersensitive reaction to the drug. In rare cases, side effects may occur in the form of local itching and burning sensation. True, if such a reaction occurs, then the medication is not to blame, since this is a reaction of a damaged mucous membrane to the action of a chemical substance.
You should also remember that although this drug is approved for the treatment of thrush during pregnancy, this does not mean that you can buy it yourself without the permission of a specialist. Only the doctor will select the dosage in the individual case along with the appropriate medication.
Special conditions
Therapy with this medicine is required not only for the woman, but also for her partner
The drug for the treatment of candidiasis cannot be used in ophthalmic practice.
When applying the composition to the skin, it is necessary to avoid contact with acidic hygiene products. This is because they create an ideal environment for the active development of pathogenic microflora.
If the infection affects not only the vagina, but also the external genitalia of women, then they should simultaneously use the medication in the form of a suppository and cream. Additional treatment with a local agent increases the effectiveness of the therapeutic course.
Suppositories are approved for use during menstruation. During treatment they should abstain from sexual intercourse. On the recommendation of a doctor, not only the woman, but also her partner needs to undergo therapy with this medicine.
If antifungal therapy is required for a pregnant woman, the doctor should take into account the potential benefits of Zalain and the possible harm it may cause to the health of the baby. Some representatives of the stronger sex who were treated with this drug while carrying a child remained positive about it. Others encountered a number of adverse reactions that negatively affected themselves and the health of the fetus.
During pregnancy, it is best to fight the fungus with safer means, which, moreover, may be more affordable than this synthetic product.
Contraindications
It is highly undesirable to use Zalain during pregnancy.
The drug should not be used in the treatment of fungal infections in patients who have contraindications to it. These include the following conditions:
- Individual intolerance to components that are present in the composition of candles or creams;
- Childhood. Cream treatment is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Candles are strictly contraindicated for them;
- Pregnancy and lactation period. To date, doctors do not provide information about the effect of the drug on the health of the expectant mother and her baby. Therefore, it is extremely undesirable to use Zalain during pregnancy.
If the patient neglects contraindications, then he will not be able to avoid side effects as a result of treatment with Zalain.
