Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is an antifungal compound used in the treatment of fungal (yeast) infections of exposed surfaces like mouth,vagina or skin.Its IUPAC formula is 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)(diphenyl)methyl]-1H-imidazole which gives it a formula of C22H17ClN2.It is administered in several diseases like athlete's foot,jock itch,oral thrush or body ringworm.Clotrimazole is found equally effective in infections of both animals and humans.
Clotrimazole is a broad spectrum antifungal which binds to the phospholipids present in the cell membrane and thus change membrane permeability which further leads to the loss of essential elements in intracellular fluid or space.Also,Clotrimazole inhibits the activity of cellular enzymes.This eventually results into death of the cell on which it is applied.Clotrimazole doesn't spread on the skin but acts on the restricted area of application.
Clotrimazole is available in various forms according the point of application.It is prescribed in the form of vaginal tablets or cream to insert and apply into vagina,lozenges (troches) to dissolve in mouth,liquid to put in ear and in the form of cream,solution or lotion to apply to skin.Clotrimazole also interact with other drugs because it is a potent and specific inhibitor of cytochrome P450 oxidase which would effect the metabolism of other drugs.So,it is better to keep a list of all drugs and vitamins or any other dietary supplements that a person is taking and show them to doctor before using Clotrimazole.
Clotrimazole Side Effects
Possible Side effects of Clotrimazole are:
- swelling of infected part
- itching and redness of skin
- stomach pain and fever
- foul smelling discharge if vaginal product is used
- vomiting with the lozenges (troches)
These side effects clearly indicate that appropriate precautions must be taken with its use.If a vaginal Clotrimazole is used,then sexual intercourse must be strictly avoided.One of compound in Clotrimazole weakens the latex products like condoms or diaphragms.So,sexual intercourse must not be performed within 72 hours of use of Clotrimazole.Clotrimazole is administered under various brand names like Femcare,FungiCURE,Lotrimine or Lotrisone.Lotrisone contain Betamethasone which adds steroid properties in Clotrimazole.
Some of researches show that Clotrimazole when used in combination with other chemicals,effect ocean environment negatively by harming microalgae. There has also been a study researching its side effects like erectile problems with men at clotrimazole research. Clotrimazole is a wonderful compound discovered to treat fungal infections but at the same time,care and guidance must be involved with its use to avoid any undesirable outcomes.
