One of the few drugs approved for the treatment of thrush during pregnancy is Pimafucin. After all, the drugs that are prescribed to the expectant mother should not only be effective, but also safe for the fetus. This tool is just that. Consider the instructions for the use of "Pimafucin" during pregnancy, indications, contraindications, analogues and reviews of patients.
General information about the drug
The main active ingredient of Pimafucin is natamycin. This substance belongs to macrolide antibiotics and is effective against many pathogenic fungi. Pathogens of candidiasis are most sensitive to its effects.
Different forms of the drug additionally contain auxiliary components. They will be discussed in more detail below.
The main advantage of Pimafucin during pregnancy is that the drug, even in the form of tablets, is practically not absorbed into the blood. This means that it is completely safe for the fetus and does not affect its development.
Forms of drug release
There are three main forms of drug release:
- Tablets. Covered with a white shell, which protects the product from the effects of gastric enzymes and dissolves only after entering the intestines. Thanks to this, the drug can be used for damage to the lower parts of the digestive system by a fungus. In addition to the main active ingredient, Pimafucin tablets contain such additional substances as beeswax, potato starch, lactose, sucrose, talc, gelatin, kaolin and others.
- Cream. It has a white or slightly yellowish tint. Designed for topical use. The composition of the cream “Pimafucin” includes natamycin and auxiliary components: wax, water, cetyl stearyl alcohol, oleic acid and decyl alcohol ether and others.
- Vaginal suppositories. During pregnancy, Pimafucin suppositories are prescribed most often. They have a white color with a yellow or brown tint. In addition to the active substance, suppositories include sorbitol, cetyl alcohol, solid fat, and others.
Indications for use of the drug
The use of "Pimafucin" during pregnancy may be necessary for the development of diseases caused by the multiplication of fungi. It is usually prescribed for:
- vaginal candidiasis;
- vaginitis;
- vulvovaginitis;
- fungal lesions of the mucous membranes, skin, outer and middle ear.
These pathologies cause itching, burning, discomfort and adversely affect the course of pregnancy. In especially severe cases, candidiasis (thrush) can lead to thinning of the membranes of the fetus, resulting in their premature rupture.
In addition, the use of Pimafucin suppositories during pregnancy can protect the child from infection with thrush during childbirth. Therefore, often in the last weeks it is prescribed for preventive purposes.
Contraindications to the use of the drug
Despite the fact that natamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, the use of Pimafucin during pregnancy is contraindicated only in the presence of individual intolerance to the components of the drug. In other cases, there is no reason to refuse this tool and replace it with analogues.
Side effects
In the instructions for the use of Pimafucin suppositories during pregnancy, as well as other forms of the drug, the manufacturer warns of the possible appearance of some side effects:
- irritation of the mucous membranes;
- itching
- nausea and vomiting
- burning sensation;
- digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation);
- swelling.
As a rule, unpleasant symptoms disappear with the end of the medication. If this does not happen, you need to seek help from specialists. You will also need to pick up another remedy and complete the course of therapy prescribed by the gynecologist.
The use of the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy
Usually, at the beginning of pregnancy, doctors do not recommend the use of various medications for treatment. In most cases, the emphasis is on alternative methods of treatment.
Unfortunately, with infections, pharmacological preparations cannot be dispensed with. The same applies to thrush. For full recovery, douching or taking decoctions of medicinal plants will not be enough. After all, the main goal that must be achieved is to get rid of the pathogen.
The use of Pimafucin during pregnancy in the first trimester is not prohibited. Even taking into account the fact that the active substances are absorbed in a small amount into the mother’s blood and penetrate the baby, this will not affect his development in any way. During this period, it is best to abandon the tablets and use candles or Pimafucin cream.
The use of the drug in the second trimester of pregnancy
In the second trimester, the list of approved medications is quite large, and Pimafucin is also one of them. From 14 to 26 weeks, the drug can be used in any convenient form, including tablets.
During this period of pregnancy, the placenta is fully formed, which reliably protects the baby. In the absence of the effect of the use of "Pimafucin", the doctor can replace it with other, more potent agents.
The use of the drug in the third trimester
According to the instructions, “Pimafucin” during pregnancy in the third trimester is also not prohibited for use. Usually it is prescribed for thrush of mild to moderate severity. Severe forms of the disease will require the use of other, stronger drugs (Terzhinan, Viferon, Gino-Pevaril, and so on).
In the third trimester, the doctor may prescribe the use of "Pimafucin" and for preventive purposes. This is especially true in cases when a pregnant woman has already experienced thrush at an earlier date. Thus, it will be possible to protect the expectant mother from the recurrence of pathology, and her baby - from infection during passage through the birth canal.
Doses and duration of therapy
The required number of applications of "Pimafucin" during pregnancy depends on the severity of the disease. Therefore, we consider only standard dosages that can be changed by a doctor individually.
- Instructions for the use of pimafucin tablets during pregnancy. Usually this form of the drug is used to treat chronic candidiasis of the mucous membranes and skin, as well as for fungal infections in the intestines. In this case, the course of treatment will last about a week, and the patient will have to take 1 tablet 4 times a day.
- Instructions for the candles "Pimafucin" during pregnancy. Suppositories are used to treat thrush, vulvovaginitis and vulvitis. Only 1 candle per day is needed. The duration of the course will be within 5-7 days. However, there are some features of the use of candles "Pimafucin." They need to be inserted into the vagina in a prone position, do this the night before bedtime. Do not be afraid if after using this form of the drug the next day the pregnant woman discovers unusual discharge. This gradually leaves the candle dissolved in the vagina.
- Instructions for use of the cream "Pimafucin" during pregnancy. It is most convenient to use it for the treatment of fungal diseases of nails and skin. A thin layer of ointment is applied to the affected areas up to 4 times a day. The duration of treatment will depend on how quickly the symptoms of the disease disappear. In this case, you will need to smear the affected area with cream for a few more days after the signs of the disease have been eliminated.
Despite the fact that Pimafucin is considered a safe drug, it can be used only as directed by a doctor. Previously, a specialist will need to assess the severity of the disease, calculate the necessary dosage and duration of therapy. It is very important to follow all his recommendations!
Drug cost
The cost of Pimafucin may vary slightly, depending on the pharmacy and the region of residence. Average prices for the product are:
- Candles (3 pieces per pack) - 250-300 rubles.
- Candles (6 pieces per pack) - 500-700 rubles.
- Tablets - 410-490 rubles.
- Cream - 270-300 rubles.
As you can see, the drug has a relatively low cost. What about its effectiveness? This will tell the reviews of patients who have undergone treatment with "Pimafucin."
Reviews about the drug
Women who used Pimafucin for the treatment of thrush, in most cases leave positive reviews about the drug. They note its high efficiency and the onset of improvements after the first use of the product! A significant advantage of Pimafucin is that it is allowed at any stage of pregnancy.
Some argue that for a long time they could not cope with the thrush, and after using this remedy, they finally forgot about it forever.
The low cost of the drug, which does not cause much damage to the wallet, deserves special attention.
Negative reviews about the drug are much less common, but they also need to be given attention. For example, some patients claim that Pimafucin was completely ineffective, and the drug had to be replaced with analogues. Experts say that such a situation could arise as a result of improper use, when a woman did not complete the entire prescribed course of therapy and was limited to only a few doses of the drug. Or the problem could be due to low sensitivity to the active components of the drug.
Periodically, there are cases when pregnant women complain of a deterioration in well-being or the occurrence of side effects after using Pimafucin. Unfortunately, no one is safe from this, and the reason lies in the individual intolerance of the components of the drug. It is unfortunate that a universal tool that will suit absolutely everyone has not yet been invented.
What to do if Pimafucin did not fit?
Fortunately, Pimafucin is not the only drug approved for the treatment of thrush during pregnancy. Therefore, if for some reason he did not fit the patient, the doctor will be able to easily pick up an analogue. A similar composition or type of action is possessed by such drugs as:
- "Ecofucin";
- "Funzol";
- Primafungin;
- "Clotrimazole";
- "Tsiskan";
- "Natamycin";
- "Fungavist";
- Natamax
- "Funginok";
- "Fluconazole";
- "Miconazole";
- "Nystatin";
- "Itraconazole".
Do not replace drugs at your discretion. First you need to consult your doctor. Only in this case, the treatment will be beneficial and will not harm the expectant mother and her baby.
Be healthy!