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Doctors prescribe a fungicide drug to those who suffer from fungal infections. Before you use it, it is essential to learn its potential side effects. Let's see what the side effects of this medication are.
What is Antifungal Medication?
Antifungal medicines treat fungal infections that occur on your skin. The fungus can cause skin infections. Breathing in fungal spores might result in respiratory disorders. Usually, people with weak immune systems have higher risks of fungal infections.
This drug works by subsiding the production of ergosterol. Ergosterol is the primary building block of the fungal cell membrane. It also slows down the function of enzymes necessary for cell growth.
Causes of Fungal Infections:
More than 40% (approx.) of the population develops a fungal infection. Some common causes of fungal infections include the following -
- Candida
- Ringworm
- Athlete's foot
- Inadequate cleaning of the skin
- Prolonged use of specific medication
- Any cut or infected wound
About the Antifungal Medicine:
Fungal infections are quite a severe problem. The infection usually comes back in a short period. Moreover, it is difficult to treat infections caused by fungi. The medicine treats fungal infections, but the drug can cause several side effects.
You might complain of side effects (like skin rash and irritation) on this medicine. The severity and type of side effects vary from drug to drug. That is why doctors prescribe the medication in shallow doses.
Which infections does Antifungal Drug treat?
This medication usually treats the following –
- fungal nail infections
- vaginal thrush (candidiasis)
- oral thrush
- dandruff
- athlete's foot
There are better choices than this drug regarding its side effects and safety. The effectiveness of the medicine is proportional to its concentration in your blood. Those who use a higher dose of the drug usually get affected by side effects.
How does Antifungal Drug Work?
The drug kills fungal cells. The drug prevents the fungal cells from growing and reproducing. When you use the drug, the growth of the fungus is reduced. The medicine usually takes a few days to cure the infection completely. Sometimes, you might take two weeks of medication to eliminate fungal infections.
There are different classes of medication. Your doctor will select the best prescription medicine. You might get severe infections when you use the drug in high doses. So, it would be best if you stuck to the amounts prescribed by a doctor.
Potential Side Effects of Antifungals:
Antifungals are generally safe and well-tolerated. But, at times, this medication can have some side effects. Side effects from these drugs vary. How severe the side effect will depend on the drug, dosage (strength), and fungus.
side effects -
- Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is a sensation between the chest and pelvic regions. Using the drug might cause abdominal pain. You might feel dull or intermittent cramping in your stomach.
- Upset stomach
Doctors prescribe medicine to get rid of fungal infections. Here, you might experience inflammation in the stomach lining and intestines.
- Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common occurrence with the use of this medication. The drug might increase the frequency and volume of bowel movements.
- Itchy skin, burning sensation
You can also feel the skin dry on using the drug. Those who use the medicine for a prolonged time might experience a burning sensation and itching.
- Skin rashes
Skin rashes might appear within a few days of using the tablet. You might get skin irritation, inflammation, or a burning sensation.
Serious Side Effects of Antifungals:
Doctors consider this medicine to be safe. Very rare, this drug causes serious problems.
- Liver damage
- Allergic reactions. For example, Anaphylaxis, blisters, and peeling skin
- Jaundice
You might develop these severe side effects. But remember, they vary from one person to another. Some patients experience no side effects from using the drug.
How long will you need to use Antifungals?
The length of the treatment of fungal infections with the drug will depend on your condition. If your immune system is weak, you should take medicine for a long duration.
There are chances that fungal infection on your body will spread to other people. Moreover, the disease also gets applied to other parts of your body. In such scenarios, your healthcare provider will prescribe an antimycotic agent.
It would help if you asked your pharmacist for advice on how long to use the drug. Sometimes, the fungal infection gets worse. In such a case, the medication isn't working correctly. You must see a doctor immediately.
If you take an antimycotic agent for vaginal thrush, the doses are small and for a small duration. However, you have to use them for much longer when treating Ringworm. This is why you must follow the directions that come with your medicine. You should also follow whatever your doctor tells you.
Who should not take Antifungals?
Don't take this medicine if you are allergic. Fungicide can have side effects on children and older adults. So, consult a doctor before using the drug if you are a parent to a kid with a fungal infection. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid taking this tablet. However, it is best to ask your healthcare provider about its usage.
Breastfeeding infants infected with an oral yeast infection can take oral/mouth drops. In this case, the mom also requires treatment. She should apply a skin cream. But oral antifungals can lead to rare but severe side effects, like liver damage. So, your healthcare provider will decide whether it is safe for you and your child to take medicine.
When to Call a Doctor about Antifungals?
Suppose you have tried using an antifungal medication advised by a pharmacist, but it's not working. See a doctor for further advice. Sometimes, your infection might even get worse. Immediately see a doctor.
Below, we have mentioned some cases where you need to go to the hospital/seek a doctor immediately.
Anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction on your neck, skin, face, or tongue swelling
- Trouble breathing or fast heartbeats
- An irritation that begins to peel or turns into blisters
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Sudden loss of appetite, sickness, nausea, or signs of liver damage
- Eye or skin darkening (yellowing of the whites, dark pee, unexplained tiredness)
- Unbearable chest pain
- Shortness of breath and dizziness
- Delusion, confused thoughts, and restlessness
Some Quick Tips:
- It would be best if you watch out for allergic reactions due to this drug.
- Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve within two weeks.
- You might also have difficulty while consuming the drug. This is because of allergic reactions to certain ingredients present in the drug. In such cases, you should use home remedies.
- You might take the antimycotic drug for months or years to clear up. Fungus infection in the blood and lung requires prolonged treatment.
Conclusion:
So, now you know why your doctor prescribes antifungals. The drug is a broad term for medicines that can kill fungi. To prevent side effects of the medication, practice good hygiene when taking the drug. Hygiene ensures that the infection doesn't come back.