Local treatment of vulvovaginal candidosis : general and practical considerations.
Vulvovaginal candidosis is a common worldwide female medical problem, occurring mostly in women of childbearing age. Currently available options for the treatment of this condition include local and oral (systemic) therapy. Both alternatives have been considered equally effective in the treatment of uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidosis, although oral regimens are often preferred by physicians and women. However, local treatment presents several advantageous and unique features that may favour this therapeutic approach. The availability of numerous antifungal drugs and products for topical administration makes the selection quite challenging as this task is mostly based on personal experience or anecdotal data. Also, recent advances have been made in topical antifungal formulations and there is an increasing availability of over-the-counter products. Therefore, a review of both general and practical considerations related to the local treatment of vulvovaginal candidosis is timely.In summary, azoles and short-term regimens are usually recommended for the local treatment of vulvovaginal candidosis, with nystatin and boric acid considered as second-line alternatives. Unconventional approaches may also be regarded as suitable in patients refractory to usual treatments. In addition to the susceptibility of implicated Candida spp. to the antifungal agents, this choice should take into consideration other important issues such as particular situations (e.g. pregnancy, menopause, drug hypersensitivity), women's preferences, and the availability, particularities and cost of antifungal formulations.
das Neves
José
J
Department of Microbiology, CEQUIMED, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. j.dasneves@gmail.com
Pinto
Eugénia
E
Teixeira
Branca
B
Dias
Gustavo
G
Rocha
Patrocínia
P
Cunha
Teresa
T
Santos
Bárbara
B
Amaral
Maria H
MH
Bahia
Maria F
MF
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002175:Candida / Q000187:drug effects; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs