Clotrimazole vs Miconazole – Which Is More Effective For Treating Infections?
Clotrimazole
It is used to treat skin infections, like – tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), candidiasis (various yeast infections of the mucous membranes and skin), ringworm (tinea corporis), tinea versicolor (patches of skin which are different in color than the rest of the skin), and infected diaper rash.
Mechanism of Action
This medicine works by blocking the growth of fungus (yeast), which causes the infection.
It does this by stopping the yeast from producing ergosterol, a sterol molecule that is an important component of fungal cell membranes (there are essential for yeast survival). Disruption of ergosterol production leads to holes in the fungal cell membrane.
This medication is available for purchase without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets (these are used to treat yeast infections of the vagina and the skin).
However, it is also available on prescription (this form is used to treat yeast infections of the skin and mouth).
It comes as a lotion, cream, solution, and powder, that can be applied to the skin; vaginal cream and vaginal tablets to be inserted into the vagina; lozenges to dissolve in the mouth.
Dosage
Before and after using this medicine, you should wash your hands and make sure the target area is dry and clean. The lotion, cream, or solution is applied to the affected skin areas, two times per day (in the morning and evening).
These vaginal creams should be inserted via applicator once per day, recommended at night, for a week.
Side Effects And Precautions
When applied to the skin, this medicine can cause some allergic reactions, such as – hives, skin rash, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, as well as burning and redness as side effects.
It is usually considered safe to use by pregnant women. Currently, there are no studies linking the use of this medication on pregnant women and earlier birth or a higher chance of a baby having low birth weight.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
If a pregnant woman uses it to treat vaginal thrush, it is recommended that she inserts it with the fingers rather than with the applicator provided.
Also, it is not known precisely whether this medicine can pass into breast milk. Therefore, do not take it without first talking to your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Additionally, do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old without your doctor’s advice.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between this antifungal and alcohol intake.
Miconazole
It is an antifungal agent that has an antimicrobial activity for use in the local treatment of fungal infections.
It comes as a mouth gel, cream, vaginal pessaries, and vaginal cream. This medicine is from the same family of solutions as itraconazole, ketoconazole, or fluconazole, which are used mostly in yeast diseases.
Mechanism of Action
This medicine inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a primary component of yeast cell membranes.
This interferes with membrane-bound enzymes and with the barrier function of the membrane. In addition, it may alter fungal adherence, inhibit catalase systems, and inhibit the formation of mycelia and germ tubes.
Dosage
The dose of this antifungal medicine is different for different sufferers. Therefore, you should follow the directions on the label or your healthcare specialist’s orders.
The applicator of the cream form should be inserted into the vagina for one week (recommended at night) to treat vaginal yeast infections.
If the signs and symptoms do not improve after 3 days and last for more than a week, contact your healthcare professional at once.
Side Effects
It can cause side effects, including – fever, burning or irritation of the vaginal skin, stomach foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain.
Also, this medication has a risk for women who are taking the blood thinner warfarin. It is contraindicated in girls under the age of 12.
Drug Interactions
It may interact with the following drugs:
- warfarin;
- fluconazole.
Clotrimazole vs Miconazole – Which Is More Effective For Treating Yeast Infections?
These medicines are quite similar to antifungals, and, typically, healthcare professionals use them interchangeably. Both inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, thereby causing disturbances in the function and permeability of the cell membrane.
Both are considered very useful, especially for minor fungal infections, with only the area of infections to determine which product gets used.
According to a 2005 study, miconazole demonstrated a faster response in dermatophytosis than clotrimazole.
Natural Remedies for Yeast Infections
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has many benefits and can be used both externally and internally. To use it, you may soak cotton balls in ACV and apply them directly to the rashes.
This procedure should be repeated daily until the infection is gone completely. Also, ACV can be consumed orally along with warm water.
Coconut oil
It has natural antifungal properties that make coconut oil one of the most known foods which help patients with candida problems.
That is because of its lauric acid content, a compound that has potent antifungal and antibacterial properties.
To get rid of yeast infections, you may apply coconut oil to the affected skin three times per day. Moreover, you can combine coconut oil with cinnamon oil for faster results.
Garlic
This vegetable is one of nature’s fantastic “drugs,” which has a variety of health benefits, such as – reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels and lowered blood pressure.
Garlic can be used to treat a severe yeast infection by taking a clove of garlic and placing it inside of the vagina, according to a 2003 article issued in “Midwifery Today.”
Salt Baths
Salt is an excellent deodorizer and cleanser. To treat yeast infections, only use Himalayan pink rock salt or natural sea salt.
Tea Tree Oil
This essential oil is a renowned home remedy for vaginal yeast infections. For this, soak an organic cotton tampon in 3 drops of this essential oil, diluted in vegetable oil.
Insert this natural remedy in the vagina and leave it overnight.
Cranberries
These fruits have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can help to fight the fungi causing a yeast infection.
This is due to a substance that helps prevent bacteria from clinging to mucous membranes, including the intestines, mouth, and urinary tract.
Gentian Violet
Gentian violet has potent anti-fungal qualities, which make it useful in the treatment of yeast infections. It is commonly used to treat breastfeeding mamas and babies with thrush.
Note
Some foods, like wine, beer, milk, cheese, and ice cream, are strongly associated with candida. If you suffer from recurring yeast infections, it is recommended to eliminate these foods from your regular nutrition.
However, foods high in vitamin C boost your immune system and help prevent these types of infections.
Images credit – Shutterstock
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7482105 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958259205000829