How to take antifungal drugs after metronidazole. Metronidazole from thrush - instructions for use. Metronidazole - a brief description

Etiology

Candidiasis of the penis develops under the influence of favorable factors for the reproduction of Candida yeast fungi. Common causes of an infectious disease include:

  • Visiting public bathing places and intimate contact with a partner who is a carrier of a fungal infection.
  • Diagnosis of pathologies endocrine system, organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Long-term treatment with antibacterial drugs for ARVI, influenza, etc.
  • High frequency of stressful situations, nervous surges.
  • Microtrauma of the genitals.
  • Failure to comply with the basic rules of hygiene and care of the genitals.

Manifestation of a fungal infection

A photo of thrush in men represents a picture of the course of the inflammatory process. The place of localization of pathogenic microflora determines the types of the disease. Thrush on the head of the penis is called balanitis. In the case of Candida yeast infection, the foreskin of male candidiasis will also be called balanoposthitis. Thrush in men is easily determined at home. Pronounced symptoms of the disease indicate the presence of a problem and the need for an urgent solution. Their list includes:

  • The appearance of secretions of a milky color, curdled consistency with a sour smell on the glans penis.
  • Burning sensation when urinating.
  • The appearance of itching, which causes discomfort and determines the need for urgent treatment of the pathology.
  • Redness, soreness of the head of the penis.
  • The development of balanoposthitis, characterized by the rapid progression of pathology on the foreskin, the appearance of red spots, vesicles, erosive areas, swelling of the genitals.

Thrush in men can cause a deterioration in well-being, an increase in lymph nodes, the appearance of scars on the penis, phimosis. A serious attitude to solving the problem eliminates the development of complications and guarantees the removal unpleasant symptoms as soon as possible. Signs indicating the development of candidiasis in boys include whitish mucus on the glans penis, its swelling and swelling, discharge with a sour smell, and itching in the perineum. Parents should know what a fungal infection looks like. The features of Candida yeast include the rapid growth of their colonies, covering the penis of a child, an adult male with a dense film. After its removal, the inflamed skin of the penis is exposed, and you can see open erosion, small wounds. Thrush in men causes pain during sex and the appearance of irritation instead of pleasure.

Therapy for a fungal infection

Candidiasis in men, in order to avoid the development of a chronic form of the disease and complications, require immediate treatment. His scheme includes:

  • The use of pharmaceutical agents of local action in the form of ointments, creams.
  • Taking systemic medications in the form of tablets, capsules.
  • Using Recipes traditional medicine reinforcing healing effect pharmaceutical products for thrush in adult men, children.

Pharmacy funds

Thrush on the penis is successfully treated with topical preparations. These include:

  • Ointment Clotrimazole based on imidazole.
  • Creams Pimafucin based on natamycin and Mikozon based on miconazole.
  • Complex cream Triderm, containing in its composition betamethasone, gentamicin, clotrimazole.
  • Ointment Nystatin, which is an antibacterial drug of the polyene group with antifungal action.
  • Terbizil cream based on terbinafine.
  • Ecodax ointment based on econazole and Sebozol based on ketoconazole.

For the treatment of affected tissues of the penis, it is recommended to use antiseptic agents: Miramistin, Sodium tetraborate, Chlorhexidine. If the treatment with ointments, creams did not bring a positive result, medication is prescribed. Their list includes: Fluconazole, Diflucan, Metronidazole, Flucostat, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole. The duration of treatment is determined by the severity of the inflammatory process and, on average, is 1-4 weeks. Photos of thrush after treatment with antifungal drugs can be seen on medical sites.

Among the effective recipes of traditional medicine, it is necessary to note compresses and washing of the affected penis based on decoctions of chamomile, calendula, string, St. John's wort, celandine, oak bark, solutions of honey, soda, potassium permanganate, propolis tincture, eucalyptus. They help to enhance the effect of medications, treat the disease qualitatively and permanently eliminate yeast fungus in men.

Prevention of fungal infection

Prevention of the disease allows you to prevent the development of a fungal infection on the tissues of the penis and not to treat it. Men must observe and follow the rules of personal hygiene, protect their health, practice safe sex, and lead a healthy lifestyle. Timely detection and treatment of candidiasis provides an opportunity to exclude the development of a chronic form of an infectious disease, complications, relapses.

Violation of the normal microflora of the vagina, unfortunately, is familiar to almost every woman. Excruciating itching of the external genital organs, abundant liquid or thick discharge from the vagina, with or without odor, pain during urination or sexual intercourse - all this is a reason to be examined by a gynecologist.

It would be fundamentally wrong to try to establish a diagnosis, and even more so to prescribe treatment yourself. This can lead to dangerous consequences.

One of the most common gynecological problems is vaginal candidiasis. In the people, he is better known as thrush.

It is this diagnosis that women most often establish for themselves when any of the above symptoms appear. For many of them, suppositories or tablets indicated for this ailment help instantly, while for others, such treatment is useless.

Few people know that in addition to the banal thrush, there is such a violation of the state of the vaginal microflora as bacterial vaginosis, as well as a more complex one - bacterial candidiasis. It is on the latter that we will dwell in more detail.

  • What is meant by bacterial candidiasis?
  • Causes and methods of prevention
  • Clinical picture of bacterial candidiasis
  • What can offer modern medicine for treatment?

What is meant by bacterial candidiasis?

In fact, you will not find the name of such a pathology in any medical textbook. Why? It's simple, this is not one independent disease, but two parallel deviations in the state of the vaginal microflora: bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis. These diseases are completely different and most often develop separately from each other. But sometimes they happen at the same time.

Bacterial vaginosis implies uncontrolled reproduction of opportunistic microbes on the vaginal mucosa.

Conditionally pathogenic are those microorganisms that are part of a healthy microflora, but under certain conditions can cause the development of pathology.

Since most of the bacteria that cause vaginosis are gardnerella, the second name for this disease is gardnerellosis.

Vaginal candidiasis, also known as thrush, occurs due to active reproduction inside the vagina of a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. The latter is a permanent resident of the vagina of any woman and, like gardnerella, belongs to conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.

Causes and methods of prevention

Since vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis can develop in a woman's vagina at the same time, it is logical to assume that they are caused by similar causes. So, a combination of these two pathologies, called bacterial candidiasis, can occur under such conditions:


An additional cause of vaginal thrush is infection with a fungus from a sexual partner. A fungus of the genus Candida is able to develop on any mucous membranes on the human body, so infection is also possible during oral sex.

In most cases, a man may not be aware that he is a carrier of the disease, since it is mostly asymptomatic.

Sometimes there may be redness of the glans penis, a white coating on it, and pain during urination or sex.

How can you protect yourself from this disease, which is quite difficult to treat? In view of the listed factors that can lead to its formation, there are the following measures to prevent the development of the disease. So, you need:


In addition, try not to change sexual partners or use condoms and special antimicrobial suppositories.

Clinical picture of bacterial candidiasis

The disease in question, as we found out, consists of two completely different pathologies with distinctive manifestations. Pay attention to the comparative table of symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis.

It can be said that a fishy smell most often helps to recognize bacterial vaginosis, and a cheesy discharge and severe itching help to recognize thrush.

As you can see, pathologies have a completely different set of symptoms, so the presence of one of them can be easily guessed, especially by an experienced physician. But the fact that bacterial candidiasis has befallen you can be suggested by a combination of certain symptoms of two diseases.

For example, such combinations should prompt such a conclusion:

  • the smell of fish + curd secretions,
  • fish smell + intense itching/pain,
  • foamy discharge yellow color+ intense itching/pain.

The above information should in no way serve as an incentive for self-diagnosis.

What can modern medicine offer for treatment?

What are the features of the treatment of bacterial candidiasis? In every separate case the course appointed by the specialist must be individual. But almost always it takes place in three stages:

During the entire course of treatment for bacterial thrush, it is extremely important to abstain from sex.

Since a man can easily carry yeast-like fungi, he can infect a woman again and again with every sexual intercourse. Doctors often advise partners to undergo treatment together.

The combination of two different abnormalities in the state of the vaginal flora, popularly referred to as bacterial candidiasis, is not always easy to recognize, and even more difficult to cure. best advice, which can be given to a woman suffering from a similar disease, is to trust a specialist.

Is it possible and how to take metronidazole during menstruation?

The drug in question is one of the main medical methods of dealing with Giardia or amoebas in the human body. Good results are obtained by specialists in the treatment of trichomoniasis in patients with this medicine. Like any other aggressive drug, metronidazole has its own specifics, which most often depends on the dosage form used in medical practice.

When and how does the medicine work

The medical literature clearly outlines the range of diseases in which gynecologists prescribe this drug to their patients. Since experts consider the main advantage of metronidazole to be its antibacterial and anthelmintic effects, the drug is prescribed in the following cases:

  • First of all, these are inflammations of the vagina and urethra caused by Trichomonas.
  • Intestinal diseases, the cause of which can be Giardia or amoeba. Giardiasis can also provoke various inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.
  • Various skin diseases caused by protozoan bacteria are perfectly treatable with the ointment form of the drug. Experts note positive effect from the use of the drug even in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  • We should not forget about the various pathologies in the ovaries and tubes caused by infection. In the absence of proper therapy, the disease can spread to the kidneys, ureters and urethra.
  • And, finally, diseases of the uterus, such as endometritis, caused by protozoa.

It says that in its composition, the drug has nothing to do with the woman's menstrual cycle and absolutely does not affect the patient's hormonal background. The drug acts directly on the protozoa and microbes, causing the death of the cells of these microorganisms.

Modern medical research indicates the negative effect of metronidazole on the very reproduction of amoebae, Giardia and Trichomonas, which is the key to a complete recovery of patients when taking this medication. Among other things, gynecologists note that this remedy tends to accumulate in the tissues and fluids of the human body, which creates a protective background from re-infection for a rather long period.

Forms of the drug for the treatment of female pathologies

Modern pharmacology recommends to patients for the treatment of inflammation and problems in the intestines caused by protozoa, several dosage forms of metronidazole. Each of them is prescribed by a doctor in the presence of a certain pathology in a lady. Quite often, these forms are combined in one treatment course.

Solution for intravenous administration

This form of medication is used for severe inflammatory diseases or to prevent various consequences during surgical interventions on the pelvic and abdominal organs.

Given the rate of absorption of metronidazole into the patient's blood, the next dose cannot be taken earlier than after 8 hours. This rule is taken into account in the gynecological hospital when prescribing complex therapy.

There are several features in the treatment of inflammatory processes with a solution of the drug. In the first, the rate of drug administration should be 1 ml per second, and in the second, when using solutions, other dosage forms do not apply. This will help to avoid an overdose of the drug.

Often, patients are worried about whether metronidazole is possible during menstruation. If the drug is used in solution, then the patient's condition is of concern, so any interruption in treatment can adversely affect the woman's health.

Vaginal suppositories

This form of the drug is quite popular among specialists, as it allows you to directly affect the inflammatory process in the female genital organs or intestines. Each suppository contains up to 500 mg of active ingredient.

A distinctive feature of this medical form is the low probability of an overdose of the drug or the occurrence of severe side effects. This positive trait vaginal suppositories is due to the fact that the medicine in smaller doses enters the patient's bloodstream.

Usually the treatment period lasts from 7 to 14 days. The pharmacy package contains 7 suppositories, which is quite convenient for a woman.

They prefer not to prescribe metronidazole suppositories during menstruation, since under the influence of the changed vaginal flora and under the influence of outgoing blood, their therapeutic effect decreases several times. Therefore, the strategy for the treatment of the inflammatory process is built so that for a while monthly bleeding the use of this form of the drug could be ended and, if necessary, switched to tablets.

Tablets

According to experts, this dosage form of the drug is the most common for the treatment of protozoa in the female body. Each tablet contains 250 mg of medicinal substance.

But such a schedule is good in the absence of severe symptoms. If amoebic intestinal damage has become chronic, the dose of the drug is increased to 2 grams per day, and the treatment period is extended twice.

Also, tablets of the drug are prescribed for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis. This disease is treated with a course of 250 mg for 10-12 days. You can try to speed up the process. In this case, the dose should be doubled and, if necessary, the effect of the drug should be increased by intravenous administration of metronidazole.

Good results are shown by tablets in the treatment of ureaplasmosis. This microbial pathology is perfectly suppressed by 2 tablets per day.

Watch the video about the drug:

Creams and ointments

The modern pharmacological industry has developed a special form for the treatment of skin manifestations of pathology in a woman caused by protozoan microorganisms. Most often, this dosage form is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the vagina and external genitalia.

The course of medical intervention should not exceed a week. At this time, 5 grams of the drug is applied to the affected area of ​​​​the skin. This procedure is usually carried out twice a day.

Some patients believe that metronidazole causes menstruation. The external use of the drug does not affect the woman's menstrual cycle, and even if the drug is injected directly into the vagina, it does not affect the onset of menstruation.

Contraindications to the use of the drug

According to the Pharmaceutical Committee, the drug is prohibited in the following cases:

  • With the phenomena of pronounced allergic reactions to any dosage form, which indicates a complete individual intolerance to the drug.
  • Doctors do not recommend the use of metranidazole in acute renal and hepatic insufficiency. Although, according to various sources, the solution of the drug is included in the clinical regimen for the treatment of such pathologies.
  • The drug is prohibited in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Talk about the possible delay in menstruation after metronidazole is not supported by objective scientific data.
  • Do not recommend this medicine for diseases of the central nervous system and changes in the blood coagulation system.

The appointment of this drug is the complete prerogative of a gynecologist, since this drug belongs to a group of rather potent drugs. Self-administration of metronidazole can be fraught with various complications.

What should a woman be afraid of when taking

Most experts consider this drug to be among the drugs with a low toxic effect. According to doctors, taking this drug most often causes:

  • Disorders from the digestive organs. Patients note dryness of the oral mucosa, nausea, urge to vomit, periodic pain in the stomach and intestines.
  • General allergic reactions are possible, such as dermatitis, swelling of the nose and throat, fever, difficulty breathing.
  • Often taking the drug is reflected in the work of the genitourinary system. There may be cramps during urination, urinary retention or incontinence.
  • Some experts describe CNS problems in such patients. Headaches, sleep disturbances and changes in the perception of the world are possible. These symptoms usually occur with long-term use of the drug.

If a woman was taking metronidazole and there was a delay in menstruation, you should not link these two points. Doctors note when taking the drug thrush, disruption of the coagulation system, possible pain in the joints, but there is practically no question of a cycle failure. Such symptoms are just a coincidence, since the drug is used to treat inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, which in itself can cause menstrual irregularities.

How does metronidazole affect the menstrual cycle

If you carefully read the annotation to the drug, you will notice that menstruation is not a reason to stop treatment. Moreover, many gynecologists are sure that a break in the use of the drug can adversely affect the health of a woman and nullify all previous treatment.

This drug is usually prescribed to young ladies by a specialist, so he must acquaint the woman with all the intricacies of treatment with the drug in question. The only restrictive advice to this group of patients may be the recommendation not to use metronidazole suppositories during menstruation. The point is not allergies or other pathological reactions when using a similar dosage form. Vaginal suppositories practically lose their healing power during this period, since the vaginal flora levels the healing effect of the drug.

Thrush or candidiasis is a very common fungal disease that mainly affects women of childbearing age. In men, this infection is much less common, sometimes occurs in children, including newborns. Normally, representatives of the genus Candida are found in small quantities in the composition of the normal human microflora that lives on the skin and mucous membranes, including the intestinal mucosa. A healthy person does not feel the presence of candida in any way, however, under certain circumstances, fungi begin to actively multiply, provoking the development of an inflammatory process.

What will the article tell you?

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Active reproduction of fungi is facilitated by a weakened immune system, inflammation can occur against the background of physiological or pathological hormonal changes, prolonged antibiotic therapy, certain infectious diseases, and poor hygiene. Sometimes the symptoms of the disease appear suddenly, without visible prerequisites. Most often there are different forms of urogenital candidiasis.

Downstream candidiasis can be acute or chronic. The acute form of the disease is accompanied by itching and burning in the affected area. A whitish coating forms on the mucous membranes, sexual intercourse becomes painful, vaginal discharge is abundant, and acquire a curdled consistency. In men, with advanced urogenital candidiasis, ulcers can form under a raid of fungi, whitish discharge from the urethra is possible.

With timely detection, acute candidiasis is easily treatable. In the case of this disease, time plays a very important role, since the infection can become chronic. In severe forms of thrush, there is a risk of serious complications, including potentially life-threatening ones. For the treatment of thrush, antimycotics (antifungal agents) and broad-spectrum drugs are used.

Untimely or incorrect treatment of acute candidiasis is fraught with the transition of the disease into a chronic form with a relapsing course. The basis for the diagnosis of chronic recurrent candidiasis is the frequency of episodes of the acute form four times a year or more. In severe cases, exacerbations occur shortly before each menstruation.

The chronic form of the disease is characterized by a persistent course. The infection is resistant to antifungal drugs; against the background of fungal infection, bacterial and protozoal secondary pathologies often develop. Patients will have a long course of systemic treatment in combination with the treatment of concomitant diseases.

Treatment of candidiasis in women

Due to the prevalence of the disease, thrush is often not taken seriously. Oil is added to the fire by the ubiquitous advertising, which claims that one pill is enough to eliminate the disease. In fact, treatment requires an integrated approach. In addition to the use of medicines, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the rules of hygiene and not only intimate. The set of measures includes:

  • Disinfection of underwear and bed linen;
  • Replacing synthetic tight underwear with products made from natural fibers;
  • Refuse flavored intimate hygiene products;
  • Stop using oral contraceptives;
  • Stick to the diet recommended by your doctor;
  • During the period of treatment, as far as possible, observe sexual rest or use condoms.

Until recently, it was believed that when thrush is detected, treat both sexual partners. Today, this is being phased out.

The choice of treatment tactics and the appointment of a specific drug depend on the clinical manifestations and severity of the lesion. The main goals of therapy are the elimination of the inflammatory process, the restoration of the balance of microflora and the prevention of relapses. Treatment of candidiasis can be local or systemic, taking into account the general condition of the patient and comorbidities. In addition to antifungal drugs, the patient may be prescribed drugs to strengthen the immune system. If candidiasis is diagnosed against the background diabetes or other endocrine diseases, treatment lasts about six months.

In acute candidiasis, the course of treatment lasts 5-7 days. In chronic candidiasis, the course of treatment is longer, it takes several months. There is an opinion that a full recovery in such cases is unattainable, we can only talk about achieving a stable remission.

Metronidazole in the treatment of thrush

To date, there are diametrically opposed opinions on the use of Metronidazole in candidiasis. Some patients and doctors answer in the affirmative to the question of whether it is possible to cure thrush with Metronidazole. Their opponents reasonably refute this statement and consider the use of Metronidazole to be ineffective.

Metronidazole is an antibacterial drug that is used in the treatment of infectious diseases of the reproductive system of various etiologies. Sometimes it is prescribed for stomach ulcers and duodenum. Candidiasis can cause different types and fungal strains that differ in sensitivity to nitroimidazole, the active component of Metronidazole. In this regard, before using Metronidazole for thrush, the patient is sent for examination to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to the drug.

The action of the drug

Metronidazole for thrush in women is indeed often effective. The drug has several types of activity, namely:

  • Antibacterial;
  • Antiulcer;
  • Anti-alcohol;
  • Antiprotozoal.

Metronidazole is effective against anaerobic bacteria and some protozoa, partially inhibits the development of fungi and is almost useless against aerobic bacteria.

Penetrating into cells, the active substance causes disturbances in the respiratory cycle and DNA synthesis processes, which leads to cell death. Easily penetrates into cells and tissues, so the choice of dosage form depends on the severity of the disease.

Dosage forms and preparations

The drug belongs to the broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents and is used in the treatment of infectious diseases of various nature, including fungal. Metronidazole is also prescribed for candidiasis with different localization of the lesion, including candidal stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity caused by fungi of the genus Candida.

For ease of use, the industry produces several dosage forms of the drug for external and internal use, namely:

  • Tablets;
  • Injection;
  • Gel for external and intravaginal use
  • Cream;
  • Candles.

Against the acute form of candidiasis in women, external preparations of Metronidazole are mainly prescribed. This is a necessary precaution to reduce the effect of the active substance on the brain cells. The active substance is able to penetrate the placental barrier and accumulate in women's milk. Given this feature, Metronidazole is not prescribed to pregnant and lactating patients.

The drug is excreted from the body mainly through the kidneys.

The pharmacy chain has a fairly large selection of Metronidazole drugs, the most famous are Trichopolum and Metrogyl.

Side effects

The active component is characterized by high penetrating power and cumulative effect (accumulates in the body). As a result, the use of Metronidazole in candidiasis may be accompanied by side effects from different systems. Sometimes there may be:

  • General weakness;
  • Irritability;
  • Headaches;
  • Increased excitability;
  • Nausea;
  • Digestive disorders (constipation or diarrhea);
  • Vomit;
  • Insomnia;
  • convulsions;
  • Skin rashes;
  • Anorexia;
  • Disturbances of consciousness;
  • Nasal congestion;
  • Dryness of mucous membranes and skin;
  • Hallucinations..

Contraindications

When prescribing Metronidazole for the treatment of thrush, the doctor correlates the potential harm of the drug with the expected useful effect. Among the contraindications:

  • Pregnancy;
  • Lactation;
  • Allergy to the active substance or auxiliary components of the drug;
  • Hematopoietic disorders, in particular leukopenia, including a history;
  • Violations of the liver;
  • Epilepsy.

During treatment, it is important to strictly observe the dosage, frequency and method of application recommended by the doctor. During pregnancy, treatment of candidiasis is carried out only locally, Metronidazole is prescribed extremely rarely.

Features of the use of Metronidazole for thrush

  • Tablets

Metronidazole in tablets or capsules is mainly used for infectious diseases of the digestive system. In acute candidiasis, it is sometimes used as an additional remedy against concomitant infections. Treatment with this drug is indicated for advanced cases of the disease and its chronic form, when systemic therapy is required. The dosage depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease and the duration of the course of treatment. To achieve the maximum effect, the doctor may prescribe a combination therapy. In such cases, oral administration of the drug is combined with vaginal suppositories or gel. The treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor, the patient regularly takes a blood test for the timely detection of possible side effects.

  • Cream

Treatment of thrush with a cream is much less often accompanied by manifestations of side effects. Women are not prescribed a cream with Metronidazole, due to its inefficiency. This form of the drug is recommended for male urogenital candidiasis.

  • Vaginal gel

For the treatment of candidiasis in women, a vaginal gel is intended. The gel is available in tubes with applicators for easy dosing. When using the applicator, 5 grams of the product is released. The course of treatment is 5 days, the drug is injected into the vagina twice a day. After the administration of the drug, the applicator must be cleaned and stored under conditions that exclude the possibility of contamination. For the period of treatment should refrain from sexual intercourse.

The concentration of the active ingredient in the gel composition is lower than in tablets, but due to the high penetrating ability, a significant amount of the active substance penetrates into the blood. Given the cumulative effect of the drug, there is a risk of its penetration through the placental barrier and into breast milk. During pregnancy and lactation gel with Metronidazole is not used.

  • Solution

Due to the maximum risk of side effects, the injection form in the treatment of urogenital candidiasis diseases is used very rarely.

Treatment Precautions

During treatment, patients should refrain from drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumed while taking Metronidazole increases the likelihood of some side effects and can cause acute crampy abdominal pain. Sometimes there is a sharp rush of blood to the face.

Against the background of long-term use of Metronidazole, changes in the composition of the blood occur, so blood control is a mandatory precaution. The drug enhances the effect of indirect anticoagulants, which must be taken into account in the simultaneous treatment of candidiasis and comorbidities.

In the complex treatment of thrush and concomitant diseases in patients under 18 years of age, Metronidazole should not be administered simultaneously with Amoxicillin. After a course of treatment with Disulfiram, you can prescribe Metronidazole in any available dosage form no earlier than 2 weeks later.

Manifestations of a fungal infection may indirectly indicate the presence of serious problems in the body. Advertising of pharmacological preparations is modestly silent about this, and many perceive the warning about the dangers of self-medication as an annoying refrain. Metronidazole - the drug is unsafe, it can be taken only as directed by a doctor strictly following the instructions.

From this article you will learn: when Metronidazole is prescribed for thrush, indications for use, in which cases the drug is not suitable. Mechanism of action as Metronidazole is used. Possible Complications and contraindications, side effects.

Article publication date: 10/29/2017

Article last updated: 11/28/2018

Metronidazole is a drug that is active against pathogenic bacteria and unicellular protozoa (amoebae, Giardia, Trichomonas).

The drug does not have an antifungal effect, its appointment for thrush can be justified when the process proceeds against the background of:

  • vaginal dysbiosis (dysbacteriosis with a predominance of pathogenic bacteria);
  • sexually transmitted infections (trichomoniasis);
  • mixed infections (bacteria, protozoa, fungi).

In these cases, Metronidazole is prescribed in 89–92%, occasionally preferring other antibacterial agents to it. It quickly restores the normal microflora of the genital tract and normalizes local immunity, indirectly affecting the disappearance of pathogenic fungi (the main cause of thrush is weakened general or local immunity).

In the treatment of thrush, Metronidazole is not prescribed without any drug with a directed fungicidal action, since it is not effective against Candida albicans fungi (causative agents of candidiasis in 80% of cases) and can only temporarily eliminate the pronounced symptoms of the disease.

One of the representatives of antifungal agents is Fluconazole. The doctor may prescribe the drug in various dosages, depending on the characteristics and severity of the thrush.

The drug equally well helps both men and women due to the wide indications for use:

    For the treatment of sexually transmitted protozooses, they turn to a dermatovenereologist.

    With mixed bacterial and fungal infections of the genital tract in women - to a gynecologist, in men - to a urologist.

    For diseases of the stomach and intestines - see a gastroenterologist.

When is metronidazole prescribed?

Metronidazole is a drug with a wide antibacterial and antiprotozoal action, it is prescribed for the treatment of:

  • mixed infection of the genital tract (caused by fungi, bacteria, Trichomonas) in women and men;
  • pseudomembranous enterocolitis (inflammation of the intestine against the background of antibiotic therapy);
  • inflammatory diseases of the vulva, vagina and uterus (except for the cervix) in women;
  • gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, provoked by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (in combination with the antibiotic amoxicillin);
  • protozoal intestinal and non-intestinal infections (amebiasis, balantidiasis, giardiasis, trichomoniasis, giardiasis);
  • ulcerative stomatitis;
  • bacterial infections of the pelvic organs (colpitis, endometritis, abscesses of the fallopian tubes and ovaries in women, acute inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity);
  • bacterial processes of the central nervous system (meningitis, brain abscess);
  • bacterial pathologies of bones, joints, connective tissue, skin (endocarditis, pneumonia, pyogenic arthritis, trophic ulcers, etc.).

Metronidazole helps fight Trichomonas

For prevention:

  • inflammatory complications after major and minor surgical interventions.

Metronidazole increases the resistance of healthy tissues and increases the susceptibility of cancer cells to cancer radiotherapy. With the complex treatment of thrush, it enhances the effect of antifungal antibiotics.

In what cases the drug is not suitable

The drug is ineffective in the treatment of bacterial infections that are insensitive to active substance drugs (for example, those caused by staphylococci and streptococci). Therefore, its appointment is made on the basis of sowing biological material (scraping, smear, secretions) from the lesion.

Mechanism of action

The active ingredient in Metronidazole is nitroimidazole metronidazole. The action is based on the activation of the substance due to the transport proteins of protozoa and bacteria. They attach and reduce it to a form that can inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids ( constituent parts DNA). This causes the death of pathogenic microorganisms.

The remedy is 99% effective against trichomoniasis, 82–85% effective against mixed pathogenic microflora in combination with antifungal agents.

Metronidazole from thrush is prescribed as an auxiliary antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent when a secondary or sexual infection is attached.

How is Metronidazole used?

Forms of release of metronidazole

In the treatment of thrush in combination with a secondary bacterial infection, different dosage forms of Metronidazole are used in this way:

    The gel is applied to the mucosa using a special applicator, 5 g twice a day (the course is 5 days) or a thin layer on the affected surfaces (skin), previously washed and dried (the full course of treatment lasts from 1 to 4 months).

    Suppositories are inserted as deep as possible into the vagina once a day (treatment is continued for 10-12 days, repeating courses if necessary).

    Tablets for the treatment of bacterial complications (including in combination with urogenital candidiasis) are taken twice a day (daily dose should not exceed 2 g). The duration of the course is adjusted by the attending physician, it usually lasts from 7 to 10 days. Other associated sexual infections (trichomoniasis) are treated with a total daily dose of 400 mg for a week.

    Injections are intended for the treatment of bacterial complications (abscesses) or severe protozoal infections (intestinal amoebiasis, dysentery), when the appointment of other forms of the drug is ineffective. In these cases, the dosage and duration of the course is determined individually.

Metronidazole tablets are prescribed for the prevention of bacterial complications before (from 750 to 1500 mg per day, 3-4 days) or after surgery (1000 mg once).

Possible Complications

When using the solution at the injection site, thrombophlebitis (inflammation of nearby subcutaneous vessels) appears quite rarely (1–2%), which is accompanied by swelling, redness, and pain.

A long course of treatment with Metronidazole can also cause thrush. The action of the drug is not selective, it inhibits the growth and development of any bacterial flora. This causes suppression of local immunity and the development of a fungal infection (candidiasis).

When taking alcoholic beverages, drugs on ethanol and Metronidazole appear sharp headaches, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting.

The drug may cause a false positive Nelson-Meyer test for syphilis.

Oral candidiasis caused by taking antibacterial agents against a background of reduced immunity

Contraindications

Metronidazole is contraindicated for use in:

  • organic diseases of the central nervous system (epilepsy);
  • low levels of white blood cells (leukopenia) in the blood;
  • allergies to the constituent components of the product;
  • pregnancy (in the 1st trimester, with caution in another period);
  • breastfeeding;
  • liver diseases (insufficiency, cirrhosis).

The drug is not prescribed to children under one year old and carefully combined with indirect anticoagulants, this can cause clotting disorders.

Today, one of the most popular indirect anticoagulants is Warfarin. Metronidazole with indirect anticoagulants is combined carefully

Side effects

The use of Metronidazole can cause numerous side effects:

    The central nervous system reacts with headaches, speech and coordination disorders, weakness, lethargy, irritability, the appearance of hallucinations, and insomnia.

    Gastrointestinal tract - dryness, taste of metal in the mouth, vomiting, nausea, stool disorders, gastrointestinal colic, the appearance of stomatitis, glossitis.

    The genitourinary system - the appearance of thrush and cystitis, a change in the quality (red-brown color) and quantity (increase) of urine.

    An allergy to the drug manifests itself in the form of skin rashes and redness, nasal congestion, temperature changes, joint pain.

The drug is able to change the number of leukocytes in the blood formula (reduce) and ECG readings.

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Metronidazole for thrush is used due to the presence of a variety of therapeutic effects:

  • antibacterial;
  • anti-alcohol;
  • antifungal;
  • trochomonas;
  • antiprotozoal;
  • antiulcer.

Candidiasis can appear as a result of the negative impact of various types of pathogens. Due to the wide spectrum of action, metronidazole from thrush is often prescribed by doctors, regardless of the causes of the disease. With it, fungi, anaerobic bacteria, and some protozoa are eliminated. This drug is characterized by the presence of good penetrating power.

Metronidazole release form

Metronidazole is available as:

  • tablets;
  • vaginal gel;
  • candles;
  • solution for injection;
  • gel for external use;
  • cream.

Such a variety of drug release forms provides the most convenient treatment for candidiasis in women.

Use of metronidazole

Instructions for use provides information about the features of taking metronidazole.

  • Tablets

taken depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease. It is recommended to take the drug twice a day. The daily dose of the drug is 500 milligrams. It is necessary to drink tablets until complete recovery.

  • Candles

use once a day. To ensure maximum therapeutic efficacy of suppositories, it is recommended to carry out suppositories in evening time. This will ensure maximum resorption of the suppository and a positive effect on the therapy process. Before treatment, the necessary hygiene procedures are carried out. Otherwise, the drug is less effective.

  • Vaginal gel

Candles can be replaced with vaginal gel. In order to eliminate itching and burning, which are very common with candidiasis, a gel is used for external use.

Very well in the treatment of the disease helps the solution for injection.

Many women note that after taking metronidazole, the symptoms of the disease, in comparison with other drugs, were almost immediately eliminated.

Side effects

Despite the high effectiveness of metronidazole, if taken incorrectly, the following side effects appear:

  • When taking metronidazole, irritability may occur.
  • When the drug is taken incorrectly, women become overly aroused.
  • A fairly common side effect is insomnia.
  • Metronidazole has rarely caused hallucinations in women.
  • Some women noted the appearance of allergic reactions in the form of rashes on the skin.
  • In some women, after taking, they diagnosed hyperemia of the skin.
  • Taking medication can lead to nasal congestion.
  • Headaches may occur as a result of taking the medicine.
  • Most often, women complain of nausea and vomiting.
  • Stomach upset
  • Prolonged use of the drug in some cases led to anorexia.
  • Metronidazole may cause dryness of mucous membranes and skin.
  • Some patients felt weak when they treated thrush with this medication.
  • The drug may cause seizures.

Since metronidazole can cause a variety of side effects in a patient, it is imperative for a representative of the weaker sex to consult a doctor before taking the drug.

Contraindications

Treatment of thrush with metronidazole should be carried out only in the absence of contraindications.

  • In the presence of violations of the functions of the hematopoietic system in the form of leukopenia, the medication is prohibited.
  • It is strictly forbidden to treat thrush with the use of a medication during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
  • If the patient has impaired liver function, then he is not recommended to use the drug for the treatment of the disease.
  • With changes in the functioning of the central nervous system, it is not recommended to use metranidazole for therapy, it is also strictly contraindicated in epileptic attacks or convulsions.
  • If a representative of the weaker sex is breastfeeding a newborn child, then it is not recommended to use the drug for the treatment of candidiasis.
  • In case of hypersensitivity to one or more components of metronidazole, it is strictly forbidden to use it.

Before you start using metronidazole, it is imperative to determine the presence of contraindications. Otherwise, the woman may experience side effects.

Thrush is a disease that got its name from its main feature - intense white curdled discharge resulting from the inflammatory process of the vaginal mucosa. Provoke the inflammatory process yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Symptoms of the disease do not always manifest themselves, but in the case of an increase in the intensity of reproduction of yeast fungi, candidiasis manifests itself quite clearly.

Establishing diagnosis

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease is carried out by a specialist in the field of gynecology, a gynecologist. The main unpleasant signs of vaginal candidiasis are:

If a woman is concerned about only one of the listed signs, then we can talk about the erased course of vaginal candidiasis. And if a woman is not given due attention to the treatment of thrush, then she can become chronic and return to the patient at least four times a year.

Thrush that has become chronic is more difficult to cure, and it often leads to secondary diseases of the genital area.

The reasons leading to the occurrence of the disease are many:

The diagnosis of the disease and its treatment is carried out by a gynecologist, who must be contacted immediately, when the first signs of a developing disease appear. The specialist will conduct all the necessary studies and prescribe an adequate treatment strategy.

Therapeutic therapy of vaginal candidiasis is performed according to the basic principles:

  1. Identify and eliminate the causes of the disease.
  2. Normalize the metabolism in the body.
  3. Restore the protective functions of the body.
  4. Eliminate intestinal dysbiosis.
  5. Normalize the acidity of the vaginal environment and its microflora.

After completing the course of treatment, the patient must undergo a second examination to exclude the latent course of the disease and establish the fact of recovery.

Release forms and indications for use

In gynecology, Metronidazole is often prescribed to combat many diseases. The drug has wide range action and is able to quickly improve the patient's condition. Since Metronidazole is an antimicrobial, antibacterial drug, it is used in combination with antifungal agents to treat thrush.

And in connection with his helplessness against certain types of fungi, before his appointment, it is necessary to carefully establish which pathogenic organism has become the causative agent of the disease.

Metronidazole is available in several forms:

  1. Tablets.
  2. Cream.
  3. Candles.
  4. Solution.

The drug in the form of tablets is effective against the unpleasant manifestations of vaginal candidiasis. Tablets can also be taken by men against candidiasis, as well as a drug in the form of a gel.

It is more expedient for women to use the drug in the form of vaginal suppositories. The drug in the form of a solution in ampoules, used intravenously through droppers, is more often prescribed against pulmonary infections, gangrene and infections of the abdominal organs.

Metronidazole can be prescribed if the patient is diagnosed with:

Taking medication for various ailments of the genital area

With bacterial vaginosis, the use of Metronidazole is the most optimal method of treatment. The recommended dose is 0.5 g orally in tablet form, twice a day. The course of taking Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis is at least a week.

Despite the possible side effects of taking the drug and its absolute incompatibility with alcoholic drinks, bacterial vaginosis is successfully treatable and there is practically no risk of transition of bacterial vaginosis to more complex forms and stages.

In addition to the use of tablets, bacterial candidiasis is treated with a gel. It is injected into the vagina at least twice a day. The course of treatment is five days.

It is worth noting that with vaginosis Metronidazole in the form of tablets is prescribed in the presence of related infectious diseases. In other cases, it is more expedient for women to carry out therapeutic therapy with vaginal suppositories.

In the case of an acute form of trichomoniasis, a loading dose of the drug (2 g) is prescribed at a time. In some cases, with trichomoniasis, the following treatment regimen can be prescribed: 0.25 g twice a day, a course of 10 days. Chronic trichomoniasis is treated according to the scheme: 0.5 g of the drug, three times a day, a course of 12 days.

If trichomoniasis is diagnosed in a woman in a state of pregnancy, and the risk of complications of the disease is high, then starting from the second trimester of pregnancy, Metronidazole, 2 g once, at bedtime, can be taken.

Complicated trichomoniasis, recurrent trichomoniasis, as well as in cases of carriage of trichomoniasis, the drug is prescribed as follows: 0.5 g three times a day, for at least 12 days. At the time of treatment of trichomoniasis with Metronidazole, it is necessary to completely abandon the use of alcoholic beverages.

For therapeutic therapy against Giardia, the dosage of a single dose is from 0.5 to 1.5 g, with a course of up to 5 days.

For patients diagnosed with gardnerellosis, Metronidazole is prescribed both topical application of the drug in the form of a gel and suppositories, and oral administration of tablets. The drug is used for gardnerellosis in the form of a gel or suppositories, mainly at night, by introducing suppositories or gel into the vagina, and in the case of an acute course of gardnerellosis, the drug is injected into the vagina several times a day, morning and evening.

In the form of tablets, a remedy for gardnerellosis is prescribed twice a day. Due to the ability of Metronidazole to destroy the DNA of anaerobic microorganisms, it is quite effective in this disease. The drug has a high permeability and accumulates not in the blood, but in the focus of accumulation of pathogens. The withdrawal of funds occurs through the kidneys.

Ureaplasmosis is also treatable with Metronidazole. The drug against ureaplasma is used mainly in the form of tablets. The method of using Metronidazole against ureaplasma differs from the treatment of other diseases. Drink a tablet exclusively during meals, washed down with a glass of milk. Taking the medicine on an empty stomach with water is strictly prohibited. It is also forbidden to break or crack the tablets. Side effects in the treatment of ureaplasma with Metronidazole:


When treating, it is important to consider that the simultaneous use of Metronidazole with alcoholic beverages leads to adverse effects.

Treatment of chlamydia is also carried out with Metronidazole, but in this case, parallel administration of amoxicillin is often prescribed. The fact is that chlamydia quickly adapt to Metronidazole, and the combined use of two drugs enhances the action of both drugs, eliminating the development of bacteria adaptation to Metronidazole, making therapeutic therapy against chlamydia more effective.

Side effects of metronidazole in the treatment of chlamydia:


If you find one of the above signs in yourself, it is recommended to immediately inform the specialist who prescribed the treatment.

Vaginal suppositories Metronidazole for thrush are prescribed only in combination with antifungal drugs, because. they are not effective against certain fungi that cause candidiasis. Candles have many contraindications for use, and, in case of hypersensitivity to the drug, the candles are replaced with a gel that is applied topically, on the external genital organs, to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of candidiasis.

Important! The drug Metronidazole is contraindicated for the treatment of women during pregnancy and during breastfeeding!

Preparations in the form of suppositories containing a substance

Treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system is more appropriate to carry out locally, using vaginal suppositories.

The most popular preparations in the form of vaginal suppositories containing the antiseptic metronidazole are:

  • Metronidazole suppositories;
  • Metrovit;
  • Metrovagin.

Apply preparations in the form of vaginal suppositories once a day, mainly at night. The course of treatment is, on average, ten days. A specialist, a gynecologist, a course of treatment can be re-appointed no earlier than a month later.

Despite the local use of drugs, they are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. They also do not recommend their use in cases of blood and central nervous system diseases. An important condition for the treatment with these drugs is the complete rejection of the use of even the weakest alcoholic beverages.

Side effects in the treatment of drugs in the form of vaginal suppositories can occur from the genitourinary, digestive and nervous systems.

The effectiveness of treatment with drugs with metronidazole increases with their sharing with vaginal suppositories containing nystatin. Reception of these funds is prescribed in the first half of the woman's menstrual cycle, after critical days. At the time of therapeutic therapy, it is necessary to limit visits to pools, ponds and baths. It is also worth refusing to douche.

Conducting therapeutic therapy of diseases of the genital area, it is necessary to jointly examine and treat the patient's sexual partner.