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Antifungal pessaries

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Antifungal Pessaries Canestan, Gyno-travogen, Zalain, Candid Adult

Antifungal pessaries - What is it for

​Antifungal pessaries are used to treat vaginal thrush. Vaginal thrush is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus known as Candida albicans. This infection causes symptoms such as itching, swelling, and thick, white odourless discharge. These medications will prevent the growth of the fungus and clear the infection. They may contain ingredients such as Clotrimazole or Isoconazole.

Antifungal pessaries - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Antifungal pessaries cause?

​Mild stinging, itching and redness may occur at the affected area.

  • If these symptoms do not resolve or worsen, stop the medication immediately and consult your health care professional.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

  • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Antifungal pessaries , what precautions must I follow?

  • ​Wash your hands before and after handling the pessary
  • Inform your healthcare professional if:
    • You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
    • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
    • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Antifungal pessaries ?

​Do check with your healthcare professional if other topical medications can be applied together with this medication

Antifungal pessaries - Dosage and How to Use

How should Antifungal pessaries be used?

  • ​Insert one pessary into your vagina every night, as deeply as possible.
  • Some products only require a one-night dose. Whereas other products require you to insert a pessary for 3 to 6 nights. Complete the entire course.
  • Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. Stopping too soon may cause the infection to come back.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse during the period of treatment
  • You may consider using a panty liner during the duration of treatment to absorb any discharge.
  • Do not use tampons, intravaginal douches, spermicides or other products to be used in the vagina when you are using this medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

What should I do if I overdose?

Antifungal pessaries - Handling

How should I handle Antifungal pessaries safely?

Antifungal pessaries - Storage

How should I store Antifungal pessaries ?

;#Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

​Discard this medication within a year after opening unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer

How should I dispose of Antifungal pessaries safely?

​Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

Antifungal pessaries - Additional Information

​Signs that you may require further medical attention include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Vaginal discharge which is either green, yellow, or with a fishy smell
  • Have symptoms which differ from previous vaginal thrush infections
  • Have had 4 or more cases of vaginal thrush within the last year
  • Symptoms reappear after 2 months
  • Previously had a sexually transmitted infection
  • Have a weakened immune system
  • Continue to have symptoms 3 days after your last dose of the medication

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

  • Tags: Antifungal Pessaries
  • Updated on 2/28/2020 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

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