Pimafucin cream or clotrimazole which is better. Comparison of clotrimazole and pimafucin. How are the drugs similar?

Often some people have a question: “What is better Clotrimazole or Pimafucin? Which of these medicines will help get rid of the fungus faster and more effectively? Inside the human body, fungi can form in larger quantities than should be normal.

This kind of imbalance can be difficult to deal with. One of the natural fungi is candida (candida) - a yeast-like fungus, a certain amount of which must be present in the human body. Thanks to specialized antifungal agents, correctly selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the human body, it is possible to significantly reduce their deviation from the norm. Along with the use of drugs, be sure to follow the diet, hygiene and other recommendations of the doctor.

What is better Clotrimazole or Pimafucin - drug analysis

Candidiasis is a fungal disease that occurs due to a bacterial imbalance in the body due to antifungal therapy, infection, lack of hygiene, or for other reasons. The disease can be present not only in women, but also in men. The disease can be oral, nail, intestinal, vaginal, urethral and so on. Antifungal agents such as "Pimafucin" or "Clotrimazole" are produced on the basis of a special substance - imidazole and antibiotics of the polyene group. The main components of these drugs are designed not so much to suppress the activity of the fungus as to neutralize its reproduction.

Thanks to a comparative analysis, it is possible to consider in more detail all the characteristics of these medications, which have long been successfully cured of various types of candidiasis. We propose to consider the list of parameters of each drug in a special table.

Table for comparing two medications - "Pimafucin" and "Clotrimazole"

Monitor the patient's condition

When using candles, it is extremely important to monitor your condition, as well as take into account the degree of damage to the fungus. If this is a mild degree, then it is enough to use one suppository for 3 days.

For complex conditions, a weekly course of treatment will be required. Tablets are usually taken as prescribed by a doctor, but you can also listen to the recommendations in the instructions. But their use is appropriate for very complex forms of the disease. Creams are usually applied in a thin layer without rubbing, so as not to injure the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.

How medicines can differ

The difference between drugs can be in parameters such as price. Much depends on the manufacturer - a domestic product is always cheaper than an imported one. A foreign version of drugs can reach up to 500-800 rubles in price. The differences should be noted in the following features:

Pimafucin is practically not introduced into the blood when used, it simply does not get there, so it acts softer than Clotrimazole.

Clotrimazole should not be used in the 1st trimester, and during subsequent ones - with great care. Pimafucin can be used throughout pregnancy if there are no individual allergic reactions.

Clotrimazole tablets for oral administration (inside the body) are not available. There are only tablets to be used as suppositories vaginally.

In addition, there are some differences in indications, when and for what diseases one or another drug should be used.

What are the similarities between the two drugs

General characteristics of drugs - Clotrimazole and Pimafucin .:

1. The multiplicity of production points that produce both of these drugs.
2. Both are sold in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor.
3. Both cure candidiasis and other forms of fungal pathologies of any form - from mild to severe.

The pharmacological group of both drugs is almost identical.

Is it possible to say that one medicine is better than another?

How the body tolerates the effect of a particular drug depends on the therapeutic effect and the effect of the drug on other organs. Each person has their own individual characteristics of the body. In addition, each individual may have other diseases or conditions in which both of these drugs are either not at all suitable for use, or they should be used with extreme caution.

When using external agents, not all mucous membranes and skin can normally perceive some components of drugs. While taking pills, some people may experience rejection of the drug by the stomach, intestines, and the liver may react painfully.

But Pimafucin acts more gently, the effect is slightly weaker, but it does not create disturbing discomforts for the body. Men also note that Clotrimazole ointment is very effective, but it causes some inconvenience in the form of side effects - dry skin, tightness and slight burning.

With vaginosis, which is provoked by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida, doctors most often prescribe the drugs Clotrimazole or Pimafucin. They are considered the most effective in this case. But to determine which is more effective, you need to study the composition of each drug, the mechanism of their action and other features.

Properties of drugs

The effectiveness of treatment with one or another drug depends on the individual characteristics of the human body and the severity of the fungal disease.

In the body, fungi can form in large quantities, which sometimes exceeds the permissible limits. It is difficult to cope with this without medical treatment. Specialized antifungal agents contribute to a significant reduction in their number. But at the same time, you need to follow a diet, personal hygiene rules and other doctor's recommendations.

One of the frequent indications for the use of these funds is candidiasis. This is a fungal disease that occurs in the absence of hygiene, due to chronic infections, etc. Candidiasis happens:

• nail;
• vaginal;
• intestinal;
• urethral;
• oral, etc.

Both drugs are made on the basis of imidazole and polyene antibiotics. The components of the drugs contribute not so much to the suppression of fungal activity as they do not allow the reproduction of fungi. They are used in the treatment of fungal diseases of the vagina, male genital organs, skin, etc. If we are talking about sexual infections, then when one sexual partner is infected, both should be treated.

The active ingredients of the two products are different. The active component of Pimafucia is natamycin, and in the second preparation - clotrimazole.

clotrimazole

The drug appeared in the 70s of the last century. The active substance breaks the cell membrane of the fungus and key substances come out of it, which contributes to the destruction of fungal cells. The tool affects various pathogenic organisms:

• fungi Candida;
• staphylococci;
• trichomonas;
• dermatophytes;
• steptococci.

Candida fungi are most sensitive to the drug. Many clinical studies have shown that it is a safe and effective remedy for candidiasis. However, the drug is not suitable for systemic use, since it is excreted from the body quickly, and increasing the dose can cause intoxication of the body.

Pimafucin

The active substance natamiycin is a natural antibiotic, the agent belongs to the category of antifungal drugs, it is produced by actinobacteria. Its action is directed to ergosterol, with which the substance binds, as a result, the growth of fungal cells stops.

Natamycin is not absorbed by the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, with prolonged use of the drug, addiction to it does not occur.

The tool affects such fungi:

• nail;
• ear;
• vaginal;
• cutaneous;
• intestinal;
• urethral.

Comparative characteristics of Clotrimazole and Pimafucin

Both drugs belong to the same pharmacological group - antifungal drugs. They differ in active substances.

The drug based on natamycin has the following forms:

• vaginal suppositories;
• cream;
• tablets.

The second tool has more forms. These are gel, cream, ointment, suppositories, vaginal tablets, topical solution, granules and powder.

How are the drugs similar?

Both drugs have the following characteristics:

1. Used to treat candidiasis and other fungal diseases, both mild and severe.
2. Released without a prescription.
3. They have different release forms.

Both that, and another means belong to the same pharmaceutical group.

What is the difference

But there are a number of differences between the means. Among them:

1. Natamycin acts more gently and, when used, practically does not enter the bloodstream.
2. Pimafucin can be used throughout pregnancy in the absence of an allergy to the components, while the second can only be used in the 2nd and 3rd trimester.
3. The second agent does not have a release form in tablets for oral use.

Indications for use for the two drugs also differ, but not significantly, and possible side effects also differ. The cost may also be different, but here the differences depend largely on the manufacturers of the funds.

Domestic drugs are cheaper than foreign ones, but have a similar effect.

What is cheaper

The cost depends on the manufacturer. For example, a foreign-made Clotrimazole cream can cost up to 180 rubles, and an ointment with the same name from a Russian manufacturer is cheaper. Another drug in the form of a cream will cost more.

Differences also apply to the prices of products for vaginal use. For example, Clotrimazole vaginal tablets cost 50 rubles, and candles with a different name cost up to 500 rubles.

Which is better to choose: Clotrimazole or Pimafucil

The therapeutic effect and the effect of the drug on healthy organs largely depend on how the body transfers the components of a particular drug. It is also necessary to take into account whether a person has other diseases or pathologies in which both drugs cannot be taken, or it is possible, but under strict medical supervision.

With thrush

Both drugs are prescribed for thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis). But it is difficult to determine exactly what is more effective. The action depends on the form of the disease - acute or recurrent, whether the patient suffers from diabetes and other diseases.

If the patient is diagnosed with primary vaginal candidiasis, then he is mainly prescribed local antifungal drugs: suppositories, vaginal tablets, creams or ointments. In other cases, the decision is made by the doctor on an individual basis.

From the fungus

When choosing an ointment for a skin fungus, you need to take into account the characteristics of the body and contraindications to the use of a particular drug. Among them are both considered means. They work best in treating yeast infections on the hands, between the toes, and on the body.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, gynecologists often prescribe these drugs to women for the treatment and prevention of thrush in the form of creams, vaginal suppositories or ointments. But keep in mind that Pimafucin can be used at all stages of bearing a child, and the second drug - only in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Also, candles can be prescribed immediately before childbirth to reduce the risk of a fungal infection of the child when passing through the birth canal.

For women

Women use funds in any form, mainly for the treatment and prevention of thrush and other fungal diseases. Especially for women, a preparation has been developed in the form of vaginal suppositories.

For men

Means are prescribed to men for the treatment of candidal balanoposthitis. With proper treatment, the disease completely disappears in 2 weeks. When using Pimafucin cream, itching and burning decrease after a few days, the symptoms completely disappear within 10 days. When using the second drug, they disappear faster, about a week.

In the human body, a certain amount of fungi of the genus Candida is constantly present. The overgrowth of this opportunistic fungus is controlled by certain bacteria and the human immune system.

In some cases, when the bacterial flora is disturbed, which occurs in the case of the use of antibacterial agents or when the protective functions of the body are weakened, the fungal flora is activated. Activation of the processes of reproduction of an opportunistic fungus leads to the appearance of candidiasis.

In some cases, the disease can appear up to 3-4 times a year. In such a situation, we can talk about the recurrent nature of the pathology. For the treatment of mycotic infection, drugs are used, which are based on imidazole and polyene antibiotics. The most popular and common are Clotrimazole and Pimafucin.

What is better Clotrimazole or Pimafucin? To get an answer to this question, drugs should be compared in terms of chemical composition and their effects on the body.

What is this article about?

What is the difference between the drugs?

Both drugs belong to the pharmacogroup of antifungal drugs. These drugs have noticeable differences in chemical composition. In Clotrimazole, the basis is the active ingredient of the same name, and the main active compound of Pimafucin is natamycin.

The form of release of both drugs may be different, due to the different ways of their application, which depend on the form of the disease.

Clotrimazole is produced in the form of an ointment, gel, cream. Solution for external use. In addition, vaginal suppositories and tablets for intravaginal use are produced.

Both drugs have excellent antifungal activity. Therefore, it is quite difficult to choose which one is better. The best option can only be determined by the attending physician, taking into account the study. At the same time, the dermatologist or mycologist also takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body when prescribing the drug.

Pimafucin is produced:

• in the form of vaginal suppositories;
• tablets intended for oral administration.

Medicines based on clotrimazole are produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The most famous manufacturers of Clotrimazole in various forms are:

1. Sedate Health Care and Shreya Life Sciences is an Indian manufacturer.
2. Hyperion and Magistra C&C are a Romanian company.
3. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals and Medana Pharma are manufacturers from Poland.
4. Akrikhin, Farmakor Production, Sintez and some others are domestic pharmaceutical companies.

Pimafucin is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma, and is marketed by the Italian company Temmler.

The difference in the effect on the body of natamycin and clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is an imidazole derivative. Its therapeutic effect has been clinically proven against dermatophytes, pathogenic yeast-like and dimorphic fungi, as well as against certain types of gram-positive bacteria. With the further development of pharmacology, when new compounds of the imidazole series were obtained, clotrimazole was used as a standard for the antimycotic activity of compounds.

When ingested, this substance contributes to the occurrence of disturbances in the processes that ensure the synthesis of one of the main components of the cell wall of the fungal cell - ergosterol. As a result of these phenomena, the membrane of the mycotic cell is destroyed. In addition, under the influence of clotrimazole, the synthesis of amino acids, phospholipids and sterols is stopped in the cell organelles, the listed negative phenomena occurring in the fungus lead to its death and destruction of cells.

Particularly sensitive to the effects of the drug are fungi belonging to the genus Candida. In addition, the drug based on clotrimazole can be successfully used in the fight against pityriasis versicolor. In a large number of clinical studies, clotrimazole has demonstrated itself as a safe medication with high antifungal efficacy when applied topically for the treatment of cutaneous and vaginal candidiasis. For systemic treatment, this compound is unsuitable, due to its rapid excretion from the body. Increasing the allowable dosage makes this drug toxic to humans.

Natamycin is a natural antibiotic. This compound is produced by actinobacteria belonging to the genus Streptomycetes. The main purpose of the substance when it enters the body is to disrupt the synthesis of ergosterol, which is required by the mycotic cell for the implementation of vital biochemical processes.

When penetrating into the focus of pathology, natamycin binds to ergosterol, which disrupts a large number of metabolic reactions in the cells of the fungus and leads to growth arrest and death.

Side effects and contraindications to the use of Pimafucin and Clotrimazole

The use of any antifungal compound of synthetic or natural origin in therapy can provoke the appearance of unwanted reactions in the patient. Such reactions may be the appearance of disorders in the functioning of the digestive tract, in addition, there may be disturbances in the work of the central nervous system. Quite often there is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

During the initial period of treatment with Pimafucin, diarrhea may be recorded. Often the patient has a feeling of nausea. Usually, with further therapy, negative symptoms begin to slowly disappear.

With the local application of Pimafucin, an allergic response to the drug as a whole or to the components contained in it may occur.

The main relative contraindications to the use of Clotrimazole and Pimafucin are significant violations of the functionality of the kidneys and liver. In the presence of these pathologies, a visit to a dermatologist is required, who, after the examination, will correct the dosage of any of the drugs that is optimal for the patient.

It is forbidden to use both drugs for the treatment of mycotic lesions in the first trimester of pregnancy, and Clotrimazole ointment cannot be used to treat patients who are under three years of age.

Features of the impact on the body of drugs

Both drugs can be used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis or thrush in women. However, it is impossible to say unequivocally which medicine is better. The positive effect of the drug depends on the severity of the disease and the presence of concomitant pathologies.

In primary candidiasis, it is preferable to use topical dosage forms in the form of a cream, vaginal tablets and suppositories.

When conducting research, it has been proven that in 87% the destruction of candida is achieved already 2 days after the use of Clotrimazole tablets, and 95% of the pathogenic flora is destroyed in the next few days.

When exposed to pathology with Pimafucin containing natamycin, about 88% of patients noted significant improvements in their condition. They lost the feeling of itching and other unpleasant sensations. 96% of women were cured of the disease already 6 days after the start of therapy with 2% natamycin cream.

Clotrimazole or Pimafucin, which is better for men?

According to statistics, about 10-11% of men suffer from candidiasis. For the treatment of this pathology, local forms of Clotrimazole and Pimafucin are used. The effectiveness of drugs has been proven in clinical trials.

When treating a fungal disease with Pimafucin cream, already after three days, 66% of patients experienced a decrease in the intensity of itching and burning. Patients were completely cured of the inflammatory process within 10 days. 100% recovery occurred in 97% of cases.

When conducting clinical trials of Clotrimazole, 93% of men experienced relief, and the symptoms almost completely disappeared 7 days after the start of therapy. About 73% of male patients were completely cured of the disease a week after the start of a drug course of treatment for a fungal infection.

A good effect is on the body during the treatment of recurrent pathology with Clotrimazole and Pimafucin in forms for local use, if combined with taking systemic antifungal drugs.

The cost of drugs, their analogues and reviews about them

Imported cream Clotrimazole in the territory of the Russian Federation has a cost of 160 to 185 rubles. Products of domestic manufacturers have a price 2-3 times lower. One tube of Pimafucin is much more expensive than Clotrimazole, its cost is twice as high.

Vaginal tablets have a price of about 50 rubles, Pimafucin in candles costs about 500 rubles for 6 pieces.

If hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or components of the drug is detected, it can be replaced with analogues. Such means are Candide, Nystatin, Terzhinan and some others.

Pimafucin analogues that can be used in the process of drug therapy are:

• Pimafukort;
• Primafungin;
• Diflazon;
• Lomexin;
• Natacin;

Both Clotrimazole and Pimafucin are drugs aimed at healing the body from fungal infections. It is important to understand that both drugs have approximately the same effect. The difference lies in the substances used. In the case of Clotrimazole, the active substance aimed at destroying the fungus is clotrimazole. In Pimafucin, the role of the active substance is assigned to natamycin.

In this regard, Pimafucin is more suitable, as it is approved for use at any stage of pregnancy. However, Pimafucin is a strong allergen. Initially, it is important to take the minimum dosage in order to see the real reaction of the body. In the presence of allergies (rashes on the body, vaginal mucosa itches, etc.), the drug is immediately canceled.

As already mentioned, in the early stages of pregnancy, Clotrimazole is not used (in any form). Pimafucin can be prescribed (for example, to combat thrush). It is strictly forbidden to use the drug during pregnancy without the consent of the attending physician!

Among the most common side effects of Pimafucin are the following:

• the occurrence of nausea;
• have diarrhea;
• decrease in hemoglobin level;
• stomach disorders.

However, the above side effects appear only in the initial period of using the drug. Subsequently, they disappear.

Of course, this does not apply to allergic reactions. Individual intolerance to the drug is the only and sufficient reason for its immediate cancellation.

In addition to all of the above, the use of Clotrimazole and Pimafucin is prohibited if the pregnant woman has problems with the natural functioning of the kidneys. It is important to understand the possibility of a drug inconsistency with other drugs that a pregnant woman may well use in view of some reason.

For this reason, early consultation with your doctor is important.

The fact is that if there is a fungus on the mucous membranes of the vagina, then during natural childbirth, the baby becomes infected with candida in 100% of cases (the most common causative agent of fungal infections that develop on the mucous genital organs).

Therefore, in the last stages of pregnancy when diagnosing a fungal disease, the use of Clotrimazole or Pimafucin is essential.

If we talk about affordability, then the average price of Clotrimazole is 100 rubles per pack. The indicated price is due to a wide range of manufacturers. After all, the drug is produced in Poland, India, Romania, Russia.

Pimafucin is produced only by the Netherlands. The average retail price in a pharmacy is 450 rubles.

Pregnant women are not the only ones at risk for fungal infections. Moreover, thrush is just as common in the male half of the population. However, in the case of men, it is appropriate to carry out treatment with the same drugs, but in a different form.

We are talking about the total effect of tablets and creams, ointments. While women use candles. Clotrimazole in the form of oral tablets is not produced (exclusively vaginal). As a rule, in the case of choosing Clotrimazole, men are prescribed a spray.

The video talks about the possibility of taking Clotrimazole during pregnancy:

Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. For external use, the agent is produced in the form of an ointment or cream containing 10 mg / g of the active substance.

Clotrimazole belongs to the antifungal agents from the imidazole group and acts by disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is the main component of the cell membrane of the fungus.

Indications for use Clotrimazole in the form of ointment and cream

Clotrimazole affects the following types of fungi:

• Dermatophytes (epidermophyton, microsporum, trichophyton);
• Yeast-like and moldy (Candida, Aspergillus, Torulopsis, Cryptococcus);
• Dimorphic fungi (blastomycetes).

Also sensitive to Clotrimazole are pathogenic microorganisms such as trichomonas, staphylococcus, streptococcus, amoeba.

Clotrimazole in the form of a cream and ointment is prescribed for the treatment of the following diseases:

• Thrush in men and women;
• Trichomoniasis;
• Fungal infections of the skin and outer ear;
• superficial candidiasis;
• Secondary pyoderma;
• Onychomycosis;
• Pityriasis versicolor;
• Erythrasma.

Comparison of clotrimazole cream and ointment

Since different excipients are used to create cream and ointment, there are several differences between these dosage forms:

• The ointment is a fat-based remedy which is absorbed for a long time and forms a film on the surface of the skin. Thus, it prevents the formation of an overdried crust, under which inflammation can develop;
• The cream is an oil-in-water emulsion.. It absorbs very quickly without leaving marks on clothes. When applied to the skin of the cream, the water evaporates quickly, without disturbing the breathing of the skin, while the product has a softening and moisturizing effect;

• Ointment improves tissue nutrition, eliminates peeling, helps moisturize the skin, softens overdried crusts;
• The cream dries out weeping wounds, has a strong local anti-inflammatory effect.

It is better to use clotrimazole in the form of an ointment: with onychomycosis and severe fungal skin lesions, when there are a large number of crusts, plaques, peeling, deep cracks on the surface.

Use clotrimazole cream: in case of damage to the mucous membranes, in the presence of small lesions on the skin caused by scratching, or if the damage to the skin is not so serious.

Description of Clotrimazole cream

Ingredients of Clotrimazole cream:

• Clotrimazole 10 mg;
• Cetylstearyl alcohol - a mixture of stearic and cetyl fatty alcohols, has stabilizing properties, promotes better mixing of the components. It also forms a film on the surface of the epidermis, which helps retain moisture;
• Octyldodecanol - has emollient properties and improves the tactile quality of the cream;
• Polysorbate - emulsifier;
• Sorbitan stearate - emulsifier;
• Purified water.

For the treatment of mycoses, the drug is used as follows:

• The skin is pre-washed with warm water and soap. For these purposes, you can also use a soda solution (1 tablespoon per liter of water) or a decoction of oak bark;
• The skin must be thoroughly dried with a towel, paying special attention to the folds of the skin and the area between the fingers;

This article is often read:

• The drug is applied in a thin layer 2-3 times a day and gently rubbed;
• The cream is applied to the mucous membranes in small strips and rubbed;
• The duration of treatment should be 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the disease;
• In order to avoid recurrence of the disease, Clotrimazole cream is used within 2 weeks after the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease.

Description of Clotrimazole ointment

The composition of the ointment Clotrimazole:

• Clotrimazole 10 mg;
• Propylene glycol is a viscous transparent liquid that is a good solvent for compounds of various classes;
• Polyethylene oxide 1500 is an agent that is used as a binder and fixative for fragrances. It affects the melting point, the solubility of the active substance and the viscosity of the drug;
• Polyethylene glycol is a viscous liquid that is used as a binding base;
• Methylparaben is a methyl ester of para-hydroxybenzoic acid used as a preservative and antiseptic.

Mode of application:

• First, the skin must be washed with warm water and thoroughly wiped, paying special attention to the area between the fingers;
• The ointment is applied in a thin layer on the skin or mucous membranes 1-3 times a day and gently rubbed;
• Treatment continues from 1 to 4 weeks. In order to avoid recurrence of the disease, the drug continues to be used for 2 weeks after the symptoms disappear.

Which is better: Pimafucin or Clotrimazole

Unlike Clotrimazole, the active substance of Pimafucin cream is a polyene antimycotic from the Macrolide group - natamycin. It also has a wide spectrum of activity. It belongs to the most gentle antifungal agents. and rarely causes side effects. The drug most actively affects fungi of the genus Candida. However, it can be used by pregnant and lactating women.

Therefore, for the treatment of candidiasis, especially in pregnant and lactating women, it is worth choosing. To eliminate other diseases, it is better to give preference.

Which is better: Nystatin or Clotrimazole

It is a polyene antifungal antibiotic that is active against fungi of the genus Candida. When applied externally, it does not penetrate well through intact mucous membranes or skin, so it is practically not absorbed into the blood.