Canesten®

introduction

Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent, i.e. a drug used to treat fungal infections, and is the active ingredient in Canesten®. Canesten® is at

• Vaginal fungus (Vaginal mycosis)
• Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) and
• Nail fungus (Onychomycosis or Tinea unguium)

used. A large part of the dosage forms are pharmacy-only, but prescription-free and are therefore among the 'Over-the-counter 'preparations ("Over the counter").

Effect of Canesten® preparations

Canesten® products contain different active ingredients, which are generally antifungal. This means that they intervene in the metabolism of fungi and thus inhibit or destroy their growth. Ultimately, the fungus dies and the infection heals with long enough treatment.
In the following section, the mode of action of the different Canesten® products will be discussed in more detail.
The active ingredient bifonazole is a so-called broad spectrum antifungal agent that is effective against various fungi.
As a fungistatic agent, bifonazole inhibits the growth of fungi. It blocks important steps in the production of the ergosterol which fungi need for their cell membrane. This hinders the growth and reproduction of the fungus.
The second active ingredient found in many Canesten® products is clotrimazole. This antifungal agent is also effective against many different fungi and is therefore also known as a broad spectrum antifungal agent.
Clotrimazole also hampers important steps in the production of ergosterol, which disrupts the growth of the fungus. In the treatment of nail fungus, another active ingredient is of great importance, namely urea. In a high concentration of 40%, this active ingredient dissolves the affected nail and therefore has keratolytic properties. It is also assumed that urea is also directly effective against bacteria and fungi.

Active ingredient clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is an imidazole derivative and is one of the Azole antifungal drugs. It works by damaging the membrane structure of fungi and thus primarily inhibits their growth.
Because of its growth inhibition, clotrimazole is ascribed a fungistatic effect. The spectrum of activity of azole antifungal agents is broad, which means that they are effective against all kinds of fungi and some bacteria.
Clotrimazole as an imidazole derivative is mainly applied locally, for example in the form of an ointment or solution. In addition to clotrimazole, bifonazole is also used.
The Canesten® Extra Cream and the Canesten® Extra Spray do not contain clotrimazole but bifonazole. Like the ending of the two active ingredients "-azole“However, both are closely related, which means that bifonazole is also an imidazole derivative and so to the Azole antifungal drugs counts.
Bifonazole also has an inhibitory effect on the growth of fungi (fungistatic). However, since it hampers the membrane structure in not just one place but in two places compared to clotrimazole, it is more effective.
Therefore it does not have to be used three times a day like preparations with the active ingredient clotrimazole. A once-a-day application is sufficient here. Both clotrimazole and bifonazole as components of Canesten® both act on structures that occur in fungi and not in humans and are therefore not stressful for humans.

Please also read our article on this Mushrooms.

Indications for Canesten®

Canesten® is a product line from Bayer, which consists of various products that are used against fungal and sometimes bacterial diseases. For each indication that Canesten® covers, there are different drugs that contain different active ingredients.
An indication for Canesten® is vaginal thrush. There are vaginal ointments and suppositories with the antifungal agent clotrimazole for this indication. Canesten® also offers vaginal self-tests for fungal infections, hygiene fabric softeners for laundry and vaginal capsules with lactic acid bacteria.
Another important indication for Canesten® products is athlete's foot or skin. To treat athlete's foot, there are creams and foot sprays with the active ingredients bifonazole and clotrimazole.
Aside from athlete's foot, nail fungus is also an indication for Canesten® products. The Canesten® nail set contains the active ingredients bifonazole and urea.
Another indication for the use of Canesten® preparations is bacterial vaginosis.

Areas of application

Clotrimazole is effective against fungal skin infections and is therefore used in the form of Canesten® to treat

• Vaginal fungus
• Athlete's foot or
• Nail fungus

used. It works against a wide variety of pathogens, i.e. against the three main groups of fungi involved in skin mycoses:

• Dermatophytes (thread fungi)
• Yeast mushrooms with the most prominent representative Candida albicans and
• Molds

The disadvantage, however, is that Canesten® is not effective against dormant spores. The treatment with Canesten® is for the most part quite successful. The healing rates are between 85 to 90%.
As a rule, there is also no resistance to clinically relevant fungi. The mushroom is an exception Candida glabratawhich causes vaginal infections and is resistant to the active ingredient in Canesten®.

Symptoms that indicate a fungal disease

Itching is a common symptom of yeast infections.
The vaginal fungus in particular is characterized by excruciating itching in the genital area. This should improve rapidly under therapy with Canesten® products.

Read more about this at: Symptoms of vaginal thrush

Athlete's foot and nail fungus are also often accompanied by annoying itching, which should also decrease quickly during therapy.
If symptoms do not improve, a doctor should be consulted. If necessary, another drug must then be prescribed.

Product overview at vaginal fungus

1. Canesten® GYN Once Combi

Canesten® GYN Once Kombi contains the active ingredient Clotrimazole and is used for vaginal thrush. It is a combination pack that contains a higher-dose vaginal tablet (500 mg clotrimazole), which can be easily inserted using the enclosed applicator, and a cream (1% clotrimazole in 1g) for the treatment of the external genital area.

Canesten® GYN Once Kombi is used for

• infectious discharge caused by yeast
• Inflammation of the labia and vagina (caused by fungus)
• Superinfections with bacteria, as some bacteria are also sensitive to clotrimazole.

The uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal thrush should go away within four days of the single dose. If this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted. Mindfulness when using the product is necessary if this problem occurs for the first time or has occurred more than four times in the last 12 months. Again, it is better to consult the attending physician.

Even if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, Canesten® GYN Once Kombi should only be used after consulting your doctor. You should not use Canesten® GYN Once Kombi if you are known to be hypersensitive to the active ingredient clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients.

Adverse drug effects on the skin can occasionally occur during use, i.e. in 1 to 10 out of 1,000 patients. These include irritative skin reactions such as redness or itching.

Very rare (less than 1 patient in 10,000) are generalized hypersensitivity reactions such as

• Shortness of breath
• Drop in blood pressure up to and including impaired consciousness
• Nausea and
• diarrhea

Caution should be exercised when using latex products at the same time (e.g. condoms or diaphragms). These can be restricted in their functionality by Canesten® GYN Once Kombi and thus no longer have the necessary security. Interactions with other drugs are not common.

2. Canesten® GYN 3-day combination pack

The Canesten® GYN 3-day combination pack is comparable to the Canesten® GYN Once Kombi product, but the combination pack contains 3 vaginal tablets that should be used in the evening.

The duration of the complaints and the use of Canesten® fit together here. Before using the product, a doctor should be consulted. If you are pregnant you should consult a doctor before use. Depending on the doctor's judgment, either the vaginal cream or the vaginal tablet without an applicator is used.

The following also applies here: Canesten® GYN 3-day combination pack should not be used if you are known to be hypersensitive to the active ingredient clotrimazole or one of the other ingredients.

Adverse drug effects on the skin can occasionally occur during use, i.e. in 1 to 10 out of 1,000 patients. These include skin reactions such as redness, stinging or itching.
Generalized hypersensitivity reactions are very rare (less than 1 patient in 10,000)

• Shortness of breath
• Drop in blood pressure up to and including impaired consciousness
• Nausea and
• diarrhea

In the case of condoms, diaphragms and other contraceptives containing latex, the use should be made with the knowledge that the Canesten® GYN 3-day combination pack is restricted in its functionality and can no longer offer the necessary safety. No other side effects associated with other medications are known.

3. Canesten® GYN 3-day single therapy vaginal tablets

Here only vaginal tablets containing clotrimazole with 200 mg clotrimazole each are administered over a period of three days. This can be sufficient if there are no symptoms in the external vaginal area or if these are only very minor. If those affected suffer from such symptoms for the first time, a doctor should be consulted before using the product for the first time. This is also advisable if the problem has occurred more than four times in the last 12 months.

Consultation with a doctor is also advisable during pregnancy. Canesten® vaginal tablets should not be used if hypersensitivity to the active ingredient clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients is known. Unwanted, allergic reactions can occur very rarely. (Redness, stinging, or itching). General hypersensitivity reactions (shortness of breath, drop in blood pressure through to impaired consciousness, nausea and diarrhea) are also very rare. So far, no drug interactions are known.

4. Canesten® GYN 3-day single therapy vaginal cream

In addition to the sole therapy with tablets containing clotrimazole, there is also the option of an exclusive therapy with a vaginal cream for three days. Therapy with Canesten® vaginal cream should not be carried out during menstruation.
For patients during or after the menopause, therapy with the vaginal cream alone may be the best treatment due to the possibly dry vagina. Patients should short-circuit with their doctor if they have the symptoms for the first time, or have had it more than four times in the last 12 months, if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Adverse drug effects on the skin or mucous membrane can occur very rarely, i.e. in less than 1 in 10,000 patients.

5. Canesten® GYN Sensicare

Canesten® GYN Sensicare is a mild care for every day. Canesten® GYN Sensicare is available in the form of a washing lotion in pharmacies.

Also read our topic: Treatment of vaginal thrush

Product overview at nail fungus

Canesten® Extra nail set

The Canesten® Extra nail set comes with Fungal diseases of the nails for use. It can be sent to the Hands as well as the Feet be applied. The Treatment lasts usually 6 weeks and should be done once a day - if possible in the evening. The Canesten® Extra nail set contains two active ingredients: Bifonazole as Anti-fungal substance and highly concentrated urea (urea), to the dissolve infected nail substance.

By the Dissolve the affected area can he Anti-fungal agent soak well to the infected area. Of the uninfected Proportion of the nail is spared. After applying the ointment, the nail is through a band Aid protected, which is included in the package. To 24 hours the patch can be removed, the Toe bathed and then the infected part of the nail with the attached Spatula detached become.

After the nail has dried, the process starts again. Not used the nail set should be used if hypersensitivity to the above-mentioned components is known. Even with a well-known one allergy against other Andi mushroom products (Antifungal drugs) mindfulness is indicated when using Canesten®. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the Canesten® Extra nail set should only be used after consulting your doctor.

In the area of ​​the nail have been used so far the following adverse drug reactions observed:

• Inflammatory reactions of the skin with rash and itching
• Nail discoloration
• Nail malformations
• Softening of the skin and flaking.

There has not yet been any interaction with other drugs.

Product overview for skin fungus

1. Canesten® Extra Cream

The active ingredient of Canesten® Extra Cream is that Azole antifungal drug (Anti-fungal agent) bifonazole. The cream is etimes a day applied to the affected areas of the skin. Canesten® Extra Creme comes in Mycoses (Fungal diseases) the

• Feet
• hands
• Skin folds and the
• remaining body skin

for use. In addition to fighting the fungal disease, Canesten® Extra Cream also alleviates the disease after a few days Redness, the Burn and the itching (Pruritus).

Therefore you can also use the cream anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) effect to write. Despite this, the cream should Applied over three weeks so that the fungal disease can be completely healed.

Not used the bifonazole-containing cream should be if one Hypersensitivity to bifonazole or other components are known. During pregnancy, consult a doctor before use. Same goes for that Lactation. In addition, the cream not applied to the breast area during breastfeeding become.

Generally it can too Hypersensitivity reactions in the area of ​​application or Fluid build-up come in the tissue. However, these adverse drug reactions disappear after the therapy is completed. There is also the possibility of one circumscribed skin reaction (Contact dermatitis) due to the additional component cetostearyl alcohol. Is already one Allergy to cetostearyl alcohol known, it should go to a cetostearyl alcohol-free dosage form, such as a Bifonazole solutionto be gripped.

2. Canesten® Extra Spray

In addition to the cream, the active ingredient bifonazole can also be used in the form of a spray on the applied to affected skin become. There is also an additional one here anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) Effect. It is particularly suitable for fFor hard-to-reach parts of the body. Here, too, the product is enough once a day for one Period of three weeks best to apply in the evening. Then the active ingredient should be rubbed in. Occurs within a week no improvement in the symptoms, so a doctor should be consulted.

The spray containing bifonazole should not be used if hypersensitivity to bifonazole or other components is known. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to a doctor beforehand. In addition, the spray must not be applied to the breast area. Also the Contact with the eyes should be avoided. Generally it can lead to hypersensitivity reactions in the application area or Build-up of fluid in the tissue come. However, these adverse drug reactions disappear after the therapy is completed.

3. Canesten® cream

The active ingredient of Canesten® cream is the azole antimycotic (anti-fungal agent) clotrimazole. Infected skin areas must be used for successful treatment Creamed two to three times a day for three to four weeks become. The cream can also on mucous membranes be applied. The cream containing clotrimazole should not be used if hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or other ingredients is known. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before use.

In addition, the cream can be used during breastfeeding not in the area of ​​the lactating breast be applied. Occasionally, i.e. in less than 1 in 1,000 but more than 1 in 10,000 patients treated, irritative skin reactions such as reddening, burning sensation and stinging may occur. There is also the possibility of a limited skin reaction (contact dermatitis) due to the ingredient cetostearyl alcohol. If you are already allergic to cetostearyl alcohol, a cEthyl stearyl alcohol-free dosage form, such as a Clotrimazole spray be grasped.

4. Canesten® spray

Similar to Canesten® cream, this contains the active ingredient clotrimazole. This is especially for that Treatment of remote areas of the body useful. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the Canesten® spray should only be used after consulting your doctor. The same applies in the case of an allergy to clotrimazole. Adverse drug effects on the skin can occur during use occasionally, that means at 1 to 10 in 1,000 people enter. These include irritative reactions of the skin like redness and itching. Interactions with other drugs are not common.

Dosing of Canesten® products

The dosage of Canesten® products differs depending on the product, active ingredient and area of ​​application.
However, the manufacturer provides precise information on the dosage that must be taken into account, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor.
For the preparation. "Canesten GYN Once Kombi" is intended for a one-time use. For the product "Canesten GYN 3-day combi" a dosage of one vaginal tablet daily for a period of 3 days is provided, in addition, the cream should be applied externally once a day.
With the “Canesten Extra Nail Set”, the cream for external use should be applied once a day for a period of 2 weeks.
With the product “Canesten EXTRA Bifonazole Cream”, the cream is used for external application once a day for a period of 3 weeks. With the preparation “Canesten Cream 1% Clotrimazole”, the cream is applied for external use over a period of 14 days, two to three times a day.

Duration of use of Canesten®

The duration of use depends on the Canesten® product and the treatment indication.
For the treatment of vaginal thrush, there are products that only have to be used once and products that have to be used over a period of 3 days.
Therapy for athlete's foot usually takes about 3 weeks, and therapy for nail fungus also lasts for several weeks.

Side effects of Canesten®

In general, Canesten® products are very well tolerated, but unfortunately, as with all drugs, side effects can occur. These vary depending on the active ingredient contained and the area of ​​application of the drug.
In the following section, the most important side effects of common Canesten® products are presented.
During treatment with Canesten® products, which contain the active ingredient clotrimazole, in very rare cases minor allergic reactions (hypotension, hives), severe allergic reactions (shortness of breath, fainting), skin rash, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, edema, genital skin peeling, Itching, burning, reddening of the skin and skin irritation occur. However, these side effects have been reported so rarely that even a frequency cannot be given. If side effects occur, the drug should not be used and the doctor should be informed.
Canesten® products with the active ingredient bifonazole can in very rare cases also cause side effects. The side effects are local to the site of application and are of a temporary nature. These include skin irritation, itching, burning, redness, eczema, pain, and hives. Canesten® products with the active ingredient clotrimazole can lead to side effects such as severe allergic reactions (fainting, shortness of breath), milder allergic reactions (hypotension, hives), blisters, peeling skin, pain, itching, redness, skin irritation and rashes.
Treatment with the Canesten® nail set can also lead to side effects locally, i.e. on the nail and the surrounding skin. These are also rather rare. Possible side effects include skin irritation, softening of the skin, itching, rash, flaking, skin inflammation, nail discoloration and malformation, pain in the limbs and pain at the application site.

Interactions between Canesten® products

Canesten® products are only suitable for external use and therefore show hardly any systemic effects. The manufacturer does not provide any information on interactions, but no relevant interactions are to be expected.
Only with drugs containing clotrimazole can the effect be weakened by the simultaneous administration of other antimycotics such as nystatin, amphotericin B and natamycin.
However, whether this interaction actually occurs with topical application of clotrimazole is doubtful.

Alternatives to Canesten®

In addition to Canesten® products, there are also many other products available for the treatment of fungal diseases.
Which product is suitable depends on the indication for treatment and the severity of the disease. For fungal infections of the vagina, for example, there are also products from the Kadefungin® range in the over-the-counter range.
In the case of stubborn infections, however, such over-the-counter products are often insufficient, so that the doctor can prescribe stronger medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole for oral intake. Vaginal tablets and creams may also require a prescription, for example the preparation "GynoPrevaryl".
There is also the option of using alternatives to treat the nail fungus or athlete's foot. There are various antifungal nail varnishes with the active ingredient ciclopirox, such as CICLOPIROX® Winthrop nail varnish, for treating nail fungus. Alternative over-the-counter drugs are also available for athlete's foot. Examples of this are “LAMISIL® Creme” or “LAMISIL® ONCE”.

Read more on the topic: Medicines for fungal infections

Fungal infection in pregnancy

Some antimycotics must not be used to treat fungal infections during pregnancy, as they can endanger the unborn child.
The Canesten® nail set for the treatment of nail fungus should not be used in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Thereafter, therapy should only take place after careful consideration of the risks and benefits. The drug should therefore not be used without first discussing this with a doctor.
The same safety regulations apply to Canesten® products that are used to treat athlete's foot.
The treatment of vaginal thrush during pregnancy should only be carried out as directed by a doctor.

Canesten® and Pill- Are they compatible?

There are no known interactions between Canesten® products and hormonal contraceptives such as the pill. There is no need to interrupt taking the pill. Contraceptive protection is also guaranteed during antifungal therapy.