Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This yeast normally coexists with other friendly bacteria on the skin, mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, mouth etc. It is harmless in small numbers and its number is controlled by the normal flora and a healthy immune system. But when the immune system is compromised due to various factors, the yeast multiply unchecked, causing yeast infection.
Some
vaginal yeast infections patients try to treat
their medical condition with an antifungal medication
called fluconazole. Fluconazole belongs to a new
subclass of synthetic triazole agents and is effective
against a broad spectrum of fungi. This drug acts by
stopping the yeast cells from making ergosterol, the
main component of cell walls. It is absorbed orally with
or without food and is widely distributed in body
tissues. It is eliminated unchanged in the urine and
therefore not indicated in patients with renal disease.
For vaginal yeast infections, a single dose of 150 mg is
recommended. It begins working as soon as the tablet is
taken and continues to work for next several days. Most
women begin to notice relief of symptoms within 24
hours. For some women it may take three to four days to
see any improvement. Almost 80% women reported relief
after a single dose of fluconazole. The dosage may be
repeated on medical advice.
Due to its
renal and hepatic toxicity it is contraindicated in
patients with liver and kidney diseases. Other
contraindications include pregnancy, breast-feeding,
diabetics on oral hypoglycemic medications, cisapride,
blood thinning medications, asthma medications etc.
Patients under 18 and those with HIV are not given
fluconazole.
Fluconazole
should be taken for the entire length of time as
prescribed by the doctor. The medicine may be stored at
room temperature away from moisture and heat and
definitely away from children. Liquid fluconazole may be
stored in the refrigerator but not allowed to freeze.
Throw away any leftover medication that is more than two
weeks old.
The drug
is generally well tolerated but occasionally may cause
side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
and flatulence, headache, allergic skin reactions,
seizures, fever, chills and flu-like symptoms and yellow
skin. Abnormal liver function tests and severe hepatitis
have been reported rarely. Moreover, the infection may
still persist even though the symptoms have resolved.
Fluconazole treats only the symptoms of vaginal yeast
infection and thus works temporarily to relieve
those symptoms. To prevent vaginal yeast
infection recurrence, one must take the drug daily,
which creates lifelong dependency.
Even though vaginal yeast infections are known to be caused by Candida albicans, the etiological factors are more complex involving genetic traits, lifestyle, dietary pattern etc. The treatment would obviously therefore, involve challenging all the causative factors. Only holistic therapy systems, which are more patient centered and less invasive, can accomplish this.
