Thrush occurs at the most inopportune moment and delivers a lot of unpleasant sensations. According to statistics, candidiasis occurs more often in women, but men are also susceptible to this disease. The fungus can even occur in a nursing baby if the mother has not been able to get rid of the fungus during pregnancy. Diflucan for thrush is considered the most effective and safe remedy, it is prescribed for men and women, it can be used in childhood (after consulting a doctor).
For the action of the drug to be effective, you need to follow the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. Taking diflucan-fluconazole.net is possible only as directed by a doctor. Self-medication threatens with the transition of the disease into a chronic form.
What is thrush?
There are many microorganisms that live in the human body: bacteria, fungi, protozoa. One of them is called Candida.
It is a type of yeast that usually lives in small amounts in places like the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and skin without causing any problems.
Lactobacilli, which are normally present in the vagina, prevent the increased growth and reproduction of yeast fungi.
But when certain conditions arise, the number of bacteria decreases and an imbalance of the vaginal microflora occurs, as a result of which candida grow and multiply intensively.
The infection these fungi cause is called candidiasis (thrush). There are several different types of it. Most of them respond well to treatment with Diflucan.
Oral candidiasis is more common in newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
It also affects people who:
- are being treated for cancer;
- are taking corticosteroids or broad-spectrum antibiotics;
- wear dentures;
- suffer from diabetes;
The clinical picture of thrush of the oral cavity:
- white or yellow spots on the tongue, lips, gums, cheek mucosa;
- redness or soreness in the mouth and throat;
- cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- pain when swallowing.
Special instructions
The instructions for use speak of special instructions for taking the drug. These include statements:
- If the fungi are resistant to fluconazole, then treatment with it can lead to the development of superinfection.
- Taking Diflucan is accompanied by toxic changes in the liver, death is extremely rare. With the development of hepatotoxicity, there is no connection with the sex, age and race of the patient. The action is reversible, its signs disappear after drug withdrawal.
- Fluconazole, like other azoles, can cause anaphylactic reactions, exfoliative skin lesions. This is especially pronounced in AIDS patients.
- Diflucan therapy can lead to flicker, ventricular flutter, organic heart disease, and electrolyte imbalance.
- The use of the medication can cause dizziness and convulsions, therefore it is undesirable to drive a car and dangerous machinery during treatment.
- The drug does not affect steroid and testosterone levels.
Urogenital candidiasis
Women are more likely to suffer from genital candidiasis than men. Vaginal yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they can be spread through oral-genital contact or during intercourse. They are more common in women who are sexually active.
The causes of the disease can be:
- pregnancy;
- uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
- use of hormonal drugs or other contraceptives;
- weakened immune system (oncology, AIDS, tuberculosis);
- poor nutrition;
- lack of normal sleep
Thrush symptoms include:
- itching, burning, irritation of the vagina or vulva (the tissue that surrounds the vagina);
- pain and burning while urinating;
- discomfort during intercourse;
- redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva;
- a white, odorless vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
There are cases with a more severe course of fungal infection, with serious clinical signs, up to a violation of the general condition of the body.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The active substance of the composition has a high specificity in relation to fungal enzymes, which depend on the cytochrome system. Resistance (resistance) to the component can develop with a qualitative or quantitative change in the enzyme lanosteryl demethylase, a decrease in access to the target of fluconazole. The pharmacokinetics of the drug does not differ for oral and parenteral forms.
Both of them are rapidly absorbed, have 90% bioavailability, reach a maximum concentration 30–150 minutes after ingestion. The plasma half-life is 30 hours. Fluconazole is found in all body fluids: saliva, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid. Most of the component is found in plasma, sweat, and skin. The drug is excreted by the kidneys in the urine.
Diflucan – a pill for thrush
Diflucan (fluconazole) is an antimycotic drug. It is most often used in the treatment and prevention of yeast infections of the oral cavity, esophagus, lungs, urinary tract and vagina.
It can also be used to treat cryptococcal meningitis to prevent recurrence in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Diflucan reduces the risk of candidal infection in bone marrow transplant recipients.
This drug can be purchased under several brand names and in various formulations.
Indications for use
The drug can be used to treat children and adults. The instruction highlights the following indications:
- coccidioidomycors;
- cryptococcal meningitis;
- invasive candidiasis;
- mucous, oropharyngial, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, lesions of the esophagus, candiduria;
- vaginal acute and recurrent candidiasis;
- candidal balanitis;
- dermatomycosis, dermatophytosis of the feet, trunk, groin, versicolor versicolor, cutaneous candidiasis;
- onychomycosis (nail damage);
- relapses of the above diseases, including patients with neutropenia, hemoblastosis, while undergoing chemotherapy.
Diflucan action
Diflucan is the first of a new subclass of synthetic triazole antifungal agents. It is a white crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water and saline.
Like other derivatives of imidazole and triazole, fluconazole inhibits the fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme 14α-demethylase. This inhibition prevents the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol (an essential component of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane).
The cell membranes of fungi are essential for their survival. They prevent the entry of unwanted substances into cells. Fluconazole forms several holes in the membrane, the essential components leave the cells and the fungi are destroyed. This will eliminate the yeast infection.
Diflucan, first of all, has a fungistatic effect, but it can also show fungicidal properties against certain microorganisms, depending on the dosage.
What is the drug
The main task of the gynecologist is to choose an effective drug that acts as soon as possible. “Diflucan”, the active ingredient of which is fluconazole, will quickly eliminate the symptoms of candidiasis and at the same time have a high degree of safety.
“Diflucan” is produced by the famous American. It has long established itself on the pharmaceutical market as a drug with clinically proven efficacy. The main active ingredient, fluconazole, in its composition belongs to the antifungal pharmaceuticals of the triazole group.
The mechanism of action of “Diflucan” is to disrupt the synthesis of sterols in the cell wall of the fungus. Moreover, it acts strictly selectively on the sterol compounds of the pathogen. In the studies conducted, no effect of fluconazole on the synthesis of sterols in the human body has been established.
Fluconazole is effective against the following types of fungi of the genus Candida:
- Candida albicans;
- Candida tropicalis;
- Candida Glabrat;
- Candida parapsilosis.
Also in medical experiments, it was found that this drug is effective for cryptococcosis, microsporosis, trichophytosis, histoplasmosis and other fungal infections.
Instructions for use for thrush
According to the instructions, it is forbidden to take this drug more or less than the recommended doses, or longer than the doctor prescribed. When treating thrush, one tablet will be enough.
It is important to know that certain other drugs can lead to undesirable or dangerous consequences when using Diflucan, especially:
- Theophylline,
- Prednisolone,
- Amitriptyline,
- Halofantrine,
- Cisapride.
Before starting treatment, a doctor’s consultation is required, during which you should inform him about any medications that you start or stop using. And you should also talk about the presence of liver disease, kidney disease, heart rhythm disturbances.
Antifungal drugs reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive contraceptives, therefore, to prevent pregnancy, it will be important to replace the contraceptive method (condom, spermicide) during the period of treatment with Diflucan.
What are the contraindications?
Even if the doctor prescribes the medicine, you should carefully study the instructions to make sure there are no contraindications and to know the possible reactions of the body.
Like any other medicine for thrush, Diflucan has its own contraindications for use. The main contraindication is hypersensitivity and intolerance to the active substance, as well as to other drugs similar in structure to fluconazole.
List of contraindications:
- Children under the age of three should not take Diflucan capsules.
- Lactation period.
- Lactase deficiency.
- Galactose intolerance.
- Fluconazole intolerance
It is possible to use Diflucan during pregnancy, but only as directed by the attending physician, if it is not possible to take softer drugs. A single dose of the medication will not harm the fetus, but if a pregnant woman takes drugs with fluconazole for a long period, the child may develop congenital pathologies: abnormal structure of the facial and femur bones, cleft palate and heart defects.
Diflucan should not be taken with medicines containing the following substances: erythromycin, pimozide, quinidine, terfenadine, cisapride, astemizole. The combined use of these substances with fluconazole can cause side reactions and affect the concentration of drugs in the body.
The drug is prescribed with caution for liver and kidney dysfunction. The patient needs to warn the doctor about the presence of chronic diseases so that effective pills for thrush are correctly selected.
How to take Diflucan?
Application during pregnancy and lactation
Animal studies using high doses of the drug have revealed the facts of embryonic mortality, teratogenicity and fetotoxicity. There are no data on clinical trials conducted in pregnant women.
Several epidemiological studies do not confirm an increased risk of congenital anomalies in a child when a mother receives low doses of Diflucan (150mg).
There have been several cases of birth of children with congenital defects in women who took from 400 to 800 mg / day, mainly during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Among the identified anomalies:
- congenital heart defects;
- thin ribs;
- abnormal development of the skull;
- brachycephaly;
- cleft palate;
- hypoplasia of the nasal bones;
- contractures of the upper and lower extremities.
These effects are similar to those in animal studies.
When breastfeeding, a single dose of up to 200 mg is allowed. If it is necessary to take high doses of the drug, it is recommended to switch to artificial mixtures.
Important! The use of Diflucan should be avoided, except in severe and potentially dangerous situations for the mother’s life.
Can i stop taking if there are no symptoms?
Skipping a dose may increase the risk of increased manifestations of a fungal infection.
It can also cause its resistance to antifungal drugs.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
Additional (double) reception is not required.
Should I treat my partner?
Uncomplicated thrush is usually not spread through sexual contact. Thus, treatment of the partner is not required if the partner is asymptomatic.
What happens if you take a large dose?
An overdose of Diflucan is accompanied by confusion, obsessive thoughts or ideas, and a change in behavior. You must immediately contact a specialist.
What should i avoid while taking the drug?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any food, drink, or work restrictions.
This drug may cause impaired thinking and behavior.
Be careful when driving a car or performing other duties that require extra care.
Vaginal candidiasis (thrush)
The required dosage of Diflucan reaches 150 mg in one oral capsule.
Oropharyngeal candidiasis
It is recommended to drink within 200 mg on the first day, on the following days, 100 mg once a day. Treatment should be given for at least 2 weeks to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Esophageal candidiasis
The permitted dosage is 200 mg on the first day, on the following days, 100 mg once a day. The maximum daily dose reaches 400 mg, with a positive patient response to treatment.
Systemic Candida infections (candidemia, pneumonia)
The therapeutic dosage and duration of therapy have not been established. In open-label studies of a small number of patients, doses up to 400 mg per day have been used.
Cryptococcal meningitis
The recommended intake of Diflucan reaches 400 mg on the first day, on the following days, 200 mg once a day. Therapy should be carried out for 2 to 3 months. You can stop treatment after the rehabilitation of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Prevention in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (after radiation or chemotherapy)
Daily intake – 400 mg, once a day. Patients who are expected to have severe granulocytopenia (less than 500 neutrophils per cubic millimeter) should start prophylaxis with Diflucan a couple of days before the onset of netropenia and continue it for 7 days after the granulocyte count has increased above 1000 cells per cubic millimeter. m.
Reviews about the drug
Inna, 22 years old
Recently I felt a terrible itching. He accompanied me everywhere, and at night he did not let me sleep. Behind him, I noticed a whitish discharge, with particles similar to cottage cheese. It became clear that it was a thrush. I faced this for the first time, ran to the pharmacy, where they suggested that you can drink Diflucan in such situations. In the morning I drank a capsule, and in the evening it is already easier. The night slept, and then all the symptoms disappeared.
Ekaterina, 31 years old
I heard about Diflucan from advertising. Like, one pill is enough, and thrush will go away forever. I have suffered from it for a long time. Almost before every period, everything itches, hurts, and this discharge is maddening. It’s uncomfortable at work, but you can’t run away. It’s not a cold. I bought Diflucan at the pharmacy and drank the same single pill, but a month later the familiar symptoms appeared again. I went to the doctor, and he said that with chronic thrush, a completely different scheme. Painted everything in detail, was treated. After that 4 months I do not suffer.
Alexander, 40 years old
I didn’t even know that men can get sick with it. I noticed a plaque, everything was swollen, itched. I went to the doctor, and it turned out to be a thrush. The doctor prescribed Diflucan, told in detail how to drink correctly. I did everything according to these recommendations. But my wife was prescribed a slightly different course, they said that one pill was not enough, and candles were also needed. Abstained from sex and were treated at the same time. The treatment was successful.