Generality
Vaginal mycoses are infections caused by fungi that settle in the vagina. If not properly treated and / or if not promptly diagnosed, these fungal infections can also spread to adjacent areas or even evolve into systemic mycoses.
The most widespread vaginal mycosis is certainly that caused by Candida albicans yeast. This mycosis is called vaginal candidiasis.
Causes
The causes that lead to the development of vaginal mycoses can be multiple. These include: a lowering of the body's immune defenses; antibiotic therapies that can weaken the vaginal bacterial flora, favoring the onset of opportunistic fungal infections; unprotected sex with partners who may be infected; promiscuous use of underwear and towels. Furthermore, poor intimate hygiene can also contribute to the development of these infections.
Symptoms
The main symptoms that characterize vaginal mycoses are: malodorous vaginal secretions and losses, redness, edema, vulvar and vaginal burning, intense itching, pain during urination and pain during sexual intercourse.
Information on Vaginal Mycoses - Vaginal Mycosis Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Vaginal Mycosis - Vaginal Mycosis Drugs.
drugs
The drugs used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses are antifungals (or antifungals if you prefer). These drugs can be used both topically (vaginal creams, ova and lavenders), and systemically. The doctor will determine, on a case-by-case basis, the type of drug to be used and the route of administration through which to take it. Furthermore, if deemed necessary, the doctor may also decide to prescribe a combination of anti-fungal drugs via the vagina and by mouth.
It should also be remembered that in the case of vaginal mycoses, antifungal therapy is not only prescribed to the patient presenting the infection, but also to her partner, in order to avoid the so-called "ping-pong effect".
However, as often happens, the best treatment is always prevention. In this regard, we recommend:
- avoid unprotected sexual intercourse with partners who could be affected by mycosis (in fact, very often in men mycoses are asymptomatic, but this does not mean that they cannot infect their partner);
- avoid the mixed use of underwear and towels;
- take lactic ferments by vaginal and / or oral route in the case of antibiotic therapies, so as to restore the normal vaginal and / or oral bacterial flora;
- perform thorough personal hygiene.
clotrimazole
Clotrimazole (Gynocanesten®, Meclon®) is an azole-type antifungal drug, successfully used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses and, in particular, those caused by Candida .
For the treatment of vaginal mycoses, clotrimazole is available as vaginal tablets and creams.
The vaginal cream based on clotrimazole (usually available in concentrations of 2%), must be applied once a day, before going to bed, for three consecutive days. However, if the doctor considers it necessary, he can decide to extend the duration of the treatment.
In the case where the vaginal tablets based on clotrimazole (containing 100 mg of active ingredient) are used, the usual recommended dose is one tablet a day to be introduced into the vagina the night before bedtime, for at least six consecutive days.
Alternatively, two vaginal tablets can be used, always in the evening before bedtime, for three consecutive days.
econazole
Also econazole (Ecorex®) is an azole antifungal that is widely used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses. It is a drug available in the form of ova, cream (in concentrations of 1%) and vaginal lavages (concentration of 0.1%).
Also in this case, we recommend applying the cream containing econazole once a day, in the evening at bedtime. Usually, the treatment lasts for two weeks, but if it is deemed necessary, the doctor may decide to extend the duration.
When using eggs (usually containing 150 mg of econazole), it is recommended to use one per day, in the evening before bedtime, for a period of three days.
The vaginal cleaners based on econazole, on the other hand, are not used for the treatment of vaginal mycoses in monotherapy, but it is preferred to use them as a support therapy for oral anti-fungal treatments.
miconazole
Miconazole (Miconal®, Daktarin®) is another azole antifungal drug that can be used to treat vaginal mycoses. In particular, this active ingredient is particularly useful in counteracting Candida fungal infections, not only vaginally, but also in the skin, oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal level.
However, when it is used in the treatment of vaginal mycoses, generally, it is preferred to use miconazole-based pharmaceutical formulations suitable for vaginal administration, such as ova, soft capsules, creams and solutions.
If ova are used (usually containing 30 mg of miconazole), we recommend using an egg a day (before going to bed) for a period of two weeks.
If you use the vaginal cream (usually in concentrations of 1-2%), instead, it is recommended to run an application a day, always in the evening before bedtime, for a period of at least ten days.
If, on the other hand, the soft capsules containing 1, 200 mg of miconazole are used, it is advisable to use one capsule every evening for two or three consecutive days.
In any case, the doctor will decide which pharmaceutical formulation to use and for how long to continue the treatment.
Itraconazole
Itraconazole (Sporanox®, Trazer®) is also an azole-type antifungal drug, which can be used to treat vaginal mycoses. Unlike the aforementioned azole antifungals, itraconazole is available only in pharmaceutical formulations suitable for oral administration and intravenous administration.
When used orally in the treatment of vaginal mycoses, the dose of itraconazole usually administered is 200 mg a day, to be taken for three consecutive days. Alternatively, 400 mg of active ingredient can be taken per day through a single administration for a single day.
In any case, the exact dosage of medicine must be established by the doctor on an individual basis for each patient.
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B (Abelcet®, Ambisome®) is an antifungal drug of natural origin which, as a rule, is not used for the treatment of vaginal mycoses, except in very serious situations. More precisely, this active ingredient is used in the treatment of systemic mycoses that can be a complication of vaginal mycoses in immunosuppressed patients or those suffering from other pathologies.
Amphotericin B is a rather toxic drug and, for this reason, its use must be carried out very carefully and only by specialized personnel. Usually, amphotericin B is administered intravenously at a dose of 5 mg / kg body weight.
