A potent and effective choice of vaginal itching drugs

Vaginal itching is one of the most common female problems. The itching sensation can be caused by various things. However, most cases are often caused by bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis) and yeast infections Candida albicans . There are a variety of medications for vaginal itching that are available over the counter or on a prescription. Find out the drug options for vaginal itching based on the cause in this article.

Medicines to treat vaginal itching due to yeast infection

Medicines to treat vaginal itching due to yeast infection are classified as antifungal.

Antifungal drugs for the vagina are available in the form of topical creams, drinks, and suppositories. This medicine can be obtained at a pharmacy or drug store without a doctor's prescription.

1. Antifungal cream

Oral antifungal creams are usually sold with special applicators so that the dosage of the cream is according to the recommended dosage. The applicator also functions to keep the drug application sterile.

You can use your fingers to apply the cream to the outer skin of the vagina. However, you must wash your hands with soap before and after touching a vagina that has an infection.

Another thing to remember is not to use tampons, douches, spermicide lubricants, and other vaginal cleansing products when using antifungal creams.

Also make sure you have read the instructions for use on the packaging before using the medicine. This is because certain types of creams are only intended as a treatment for itching on the outside of the vagina.

Some examples of vaginal antifungal creams that you can buy at the pharmacy are:

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole works to stop the growth of infectious yeasts in the vagina. This medicine can be used by adults and children aged 12 years and over.

As an itch remedy, apply clotrimazole cream into the vagina and on the skin on the outside. The cream is usually applied a day before bed for 3-7 days in a row.

Usually the infection and the symptoms of itching will get better after three days of treatment.

This drug is sold over the counter without a prescription. However, you should consult a doctor first to a doctor before buying it. Make sure you also carefully read the instructions for use so that you don't get the wrong dose and increase the risk of side effects.

Butoconazole

Butoconazole cream is applied to the vagina and surrounding outer skin for once a day. This medication is effective if you don't move much after applying it. So, butoconazole cream is recommended to be applied every night before bed.

This drug can also be used to treat vaginal itching during menstruation. However, ask your doctor about how to use it so you don't get it wrong.

As a side note, butoconazole might cause the following side effects:

• Burning feeling in the vagina after the cream is applied
• Irritation of the vagina after the cream is applied
• Stomach ache
• Fever
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Miconazole

Miconazole is a cream that is applied to the skin area around the vagina to reduce itching and discomfort. This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 13 years of age.

Apply miconazole cream once a day, preferably before going to bed at night. If you forget it, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it has passed a day, do not double the dose. Continue with one dose as usual.

If after applying the cream you experience an allergic reaction, abdominal pain, and pain or swelling in the vagina, see your doctor immediately.

Tioconazole

Thioconazole ointment helps reduce burning, itching, and discharge that occurs due to vaginal yeast infections. This drug works to stop the growth of yeast or fungus that causes infection.

Like other antifungal cream variants, tioconazole also includes an applicator to help insert the cream into and around the vagina. However, always remember to wash your hands first every time you use the medicine and after.

Tioconazole can cause various side effects ranging from headaches, vaginal burning, itching, and pain. If the side effects get worse, don't hesitate to get it checked out by a doctor.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3-7 days of use. Especially if the infection recurs within 2 months.

2. Antifungal suppositories

Vaginal itching medications such as clotrimazole and miconazole above are also available in suppository tablet form.

Suppositories are a means of inserting a solid drug into the vaginal opening. Special drug suppositories are easy to melt, soften, and dissolve at body temperature.

You can put this drug into the vagina and let it dissolve on its own. Consult your doctor first before using this medicine to treat vaginal itching.

If you are still in doubt about using suppository type drugs, ask your doctor for help at the beginning of use.

3.Oral antifungals (oral drugs)

In some cases of yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe the drug fluconazole (Diflucan) which is taken by mouth. This medication is usually only prescribed for severe and recurring infections.

The drug fluconazole works to kill the fungus that causes infection while preventing it from growing back. Fluconazole is generally only taken once a day at a dose of 50 mg to treat vaginal yeast infections.

Remember, use this drug as directed by your doctor. Don't forget to read the instructions for use on the packaging.

Medicines to treat vaginal itching due to bacterial infection

If the cause of your vaginal itching is a bacterial infection such as gonorrhea or bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Antibiotics work to kill bacteria that cause the vagina to become inflamed and irritated. For the record, antibiotics can only be obtained by redeeming a doctor's prescription.

Antibiotics that are usually prescribed to treat vaginal itching include:

1.Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Metronidazole is the most effective antibiotic drug to stop the growth of bacteria in the vagina.

As a vaginal infection medication, metronidazole is available in gel form that is applied once a day for five consecutive days. Metronidazole gel is recommended to be applied at night before going to bed.

Read and follow how to use this drug when applying it to the vagina. Wash your hands before and after applying gel to the vagina. Be careful not to let the gel get into the eyes, mouth, and other body skin. If in eyes, wash with cold water and contact a doctor.

Do not increase or decrease the cream, or speed up or prolong the treatment period with the aim of getting better quickly. Do not have sex while still being treated until the doctor allows it.

Also pay attention to the possible risk of side effects of this drug, such as:

• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Gag

2. Tinidazole (Tindamax)

Tinidazole is an antibiotic drug used to treat vaginal itching due to bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. This drug stops the growth of bacteria and parasites that cause it.

Take the medicine once a day with the dosage according to the doctor's instructions. This medicine is recommended to be taken after eating so that the stomach does not feel sore. For best results, take the medication at the same time each day.

Take the medicine even though the symptoms of the infection improve and the vagina no longer feels itchy. Stopping treatment too soon can cause the infection to recur.

Side effects that may arise when taking this medicine include a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and dizziness.

This medicine may also cause the urine to become darker in color. This is harmless and will go away when you stop taking the drug.

3. Clindamycin

Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, etc.) works to slow down and stop bacterial growth. However, this drug cannot be used to treat vaginal itching due to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis.

Clindamycin is available as a cream and suppository that is inserted into the vagina. Suppositories are usually used once a day for three consecutive days. While the cream is used once a day for 3-7 days in a row.

It's a good idea to apply the cream at the same time every day, that is, before going to bed. Read the instructions for use first and ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is still unclear.

This medication is only intended for use in the vagina. Do not apply the cream to other parts of the body. If accidental contact with eyes or if swallowed, rinse with water and then see a doctor.

4. Azithromycin

Azithromycin is a drug used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, including those caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea.

These drugs work to prevent bacteria from making their own proteins, as well as prevent the spread of drug-resistant infections.

Before using azithromycin to treat vaginal itching due to gonorrhea, doctors need to do an effectiveness test first. The goal is to find out whether the bacteria that causes this infection can respond to azithromycin.

Azithromycin is available in pill and solution form. Medicines can be taken with or without food first. The dose and duration are given according to the severity of the disease.

Although mild, this drug can still cause side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Gag
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Watery stool
• Stomach ache

5. Doxycycline

Doxycycline is a tetracycline class of antibiotics that fight bacteria that cause urinary tract, intestinal, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infections. These diseases can cause vaginal itching.

Take doxycycline with a full glass of water. Certain types of doxycycline can also be taken with other foods or medications. Swallow the drug whole. Do not cut, bite, grind, or chew. Don't open the pill capsules either.

Take the medicine until it runs out within the specified time even though the symptoms have improved. Skipping even one dose can increase the risk of drug-resistant bacteria.

The effects that may appear after drinking doxycycline are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Loss of appetite
• Mild diarrhea
• Skin rash or hives
• Itching accompanied by vaginal discharge

Medicine for vaginal itching due to pubic lice

If the cause of your vaginal itching is due to pubic lice bites, the medicine is permethrin cream. Permethrin works to paralyze and kill lice and their eggs that stick to the skin.

Reporting from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1% permethrin lotion containing pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide is safe and effective to use according to the instructions on the packaging label.

This medication is available with or without a prescription at your nearest pharmacy.

Estrogen medicine for vaginal itching in menopausal women

Menopause symptoms can cause the vagina to feel itchy. Menopause itself is characterized by a decrease in estrogen levels in the body.

So, the drug for menopausal women who experience vaginal itching is synthetic estrogen therapy. Estrogens are available as pills, patches, gels, and vaginal sprays. Among these, estrogen pills are the most frequently prescribed by doctors.

Common types of estrogen pills are conjugated estrogens (Cenestin, Estrace, Estratab, Femtrace, Ogen, and Premarin) or estrogen-bazedoxifene (Duavee). Usually taken estrogen pills once a day without needing to eat first.

While estrogen therapy is in the form of a cream (Estrace or Premarin), gel, or spray, the way to use it is to apply or spray directly on the skin so that the drug absorbs and enters the bloodstream.

If what you are using is a ring (Estring or Femring) or suppository tablet (Vagifem), the drug can be inserted directly into the vagina. Usually this type of estrogen can also be used to treat vaginal dryness, itching, and burning.

The dosage schedule will vary depending on the product. Generally, the vaginal ring needs to be replaced every three months. Suppository tablets are used every day for several weeks, after which it is necessary only twice a week.

Corticosteroids for vaginal itching due to skin problems

Corticosteroids are drugs to treat vaginal itching due to symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis, which irritate vaginal skin.

This drug is available in two types, namely cream or ointment and oral medicine.

Cream or ointment applied 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks to relieve rash and itching in the vagina. While drinking drugs are usually used to treat more severe cases of irritable inflammation.

In addition, the doctor will also provide antihistamine drugs to reduce itching on your vaginal skin.

Other treatments for vaginal itching

Woman with Hands Holding her Crotch

Not all cases of vaginal itching are necessary and can be treated with medication.

Vaginal itching caused by vulvar cancer, for example, the treatment will usually be in the form of cancer cure itself. Either with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination thereof. The type of therapy and medication given is adjusted to the severity of the condition.

Meanwhile, if the itching is due to stress, one thing you can do, of course, is to avoid the stress triggers. Do a variety of fun activities such as exercise, meditation, and walking as a way to relieve stress and vaginal itching.

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