Even positive reviews of any broad-spectrum antifungal drug will not guarantee that in your case the composition will cope with the destruction of the pathogen. The choice of an effective drug should be based on the results of laboratory research – such an analysis will help to accurately determine the type of fungus that caused the disease. For each mycotic lesion there are certain standards of treatment, and the appointment of effective antifungal compositions is more reasonable to entrust to the attending physician. The entire huge group of antimycotics (antifungal) has a complex and very diverse classification by many features – by the active ingredient, origin and form of the drug, patient tolerance, sensitivity of the pathogen to the composition, mechanism of action, etc. At the same time, means for clinical practice can be conditionally divided into three categories:
- Preparations for cutaneous mycoses;
- Means of therapy against systemic candidal infections (lesions of internal organs) – including intravaginal tablets, suppositories;
- Drugs (including broad-spectrum) for lesions of nail plates.
In each case, not only the antifungal agents themselves are chosen individually, but also the method of their use. For the therapy of mycosis, the doctor chooses a drug with the highest activity against fungal pathogens, but at the same time as convenient as possible for use. Modern pharmacology offers a wide choice of dosage forms of drugs of a wide range – external formulations in the form of creams, gels, liquid forms of means, also solutions for infusion, tablets and capsules.
For what is needed antifungal broad-spectrum
Fungal infection in the body can spread in three main directions – skin lesions, destruction of nail plates and infection of internal organs. It sounds daunting, but there are over 500 species of opportunistic and pathogenic fungal infections in total. Given this number of strains, the creation of an antifungal drug active against all the studied microorganisms, in the fullest spectrum, is simply impossible.
Nevertheless, there are some types of drugs that have a devastating effect on certain groups of mycosis pathogens: for example, against dermatophytes, mold or yeast-like fungi. Compositions that are effective against all strains in different groups at once, there is no such thing, but means active against most of the causative agents of fungal diseases, you can find enough in the pharmacy. These types of drugs and are called antifungal drugs with a wide spectrum of action.
The most toxic drugs, for the treatment of deep lesions, are sold only by prescription: in these cases, complex therapy will be required, with the reception of tablets – antibiotics and antimycotics, as well as the use of external compositions in the presence of manifestations on the skin or nails. Medicines with antifungal action for the early stages of the disease are dispensed without prescription.
Antifungal antibiotics and antifungal medications
The lesion of the nail plates on the hands and feet, skin fungus, as well as fungal diseases of internal organs at different stages of development requires individual development of therapy. With deep mycosis of the skin, nails, with systemic lesions, the doctor prescribes complex therapy: a combination of tablets and compositions for external use. Tablets, capsules for ingestion, as well as solutions for infusion are selected for their activity against certain groups of pathogens, the doctor also takes into account the age of the patient and possible contraindications.
Antifungal agents for systemic candidiasis
A widespread and unpleasant infection is found on the internal organs, this type of lesions comes from candida – yeast-like fungi Candida. Diseases belong to systemic (visceral, generalized) candidiasis, fungi spread in the gastrointestinal tract, on the respiratory organs, in the urinary system. Less often – in the nervous and cardiovascular system, in brain tissue. Various types of antimycotic drugs are active even in chronic, granulomatous forms of visceral candidiasis.
Therapy with antibiotics and antifungal drugs is always supported by other means: antiseptics, vitamins, pills to stimulate immunity, antibacterial, etc. Often systemic candidiasis is accompanied by manifestations on the nail shafts, plates. In this case, therapy is supplemented with drugs for external use (formulations of Terbinafina, Ciclopirox, Amorolfina, see the previous paragraph). Skin lesions in candidiasis are rare.
Appointment of one or another remedy is made according to the indications: depending on which organ is affected by candidal infection, how pronounced it is, with what speed it spreads.
Are broad-spectrum antifungals prescribed for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
Definitely, to delay the treatment of fungus of any localization when carrying a baby and subsequent breastfeeding is categorically not recommended. The disease itself and the fear of using pills, creams-antimycotics will harm more than the varieties of drugs. Of course, about 90% of the listed antifungals are forbidden to pregnant women, but infection with fungal infection of the child in the womb is more harmful than medications.
If the drugs to combat moderately common nail fungus is allowed to choose independently, the types of drugs to combat systemic candidiasis and skin lesions is prescribed only by a doctor! Diseases of the genitourinary system and dermatophytosis require preliminary laboratory examination of the type of fungus.
Tablets and other forms of drugs for ingestion to choose at their own discretion is strictly prohibited. For pregnant women in different trimesters clinically approved only external formulations of some groups, many can be purchased in the pharmacy without a prescription.
This material is for informational purposes. Medicines are listed as examples of their possible use and/or application, which is not a recommendation for their use. Before using the medicines, please consult a specialist.