Side effects of antifungal drugs Your doctor says you have a fungal infection of nails and you want to get rid of it quickly. But this is easier said than done because the disease is difficult to treat and repeated infections are common. This problem is compounded by the fact that most oral medications are expensive, can not work, and have serious side effects.
"There is no guarantee that the oral medications work or fungal infection will not return. Among those successfully treated with antifungal pills, 15 to 20 percent develop another infection in the coming year . The advanced age (over 60 years) decreases the probability of cure of about 65 percent, "according to WebMD.
So what is the right thing to do? To help you decide what is best for you, here's a summary of oral antifungal drugs in common and what to expect from them. If you have any doubts about a specific drug, always ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor will make recommendations based on your medical history and severity of your condition.
Terbinafine - is the first line of defense against fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. Studies show it kills 40 to 90 percent of nail fungus and produces a normal appearance within 35 to 50 percent of people who use it. The duration of treatment is eight weeks for fingernail fungus and 12 weeks for toenail fungus.
Itraconazole - is required if the disease is caused by molds or yeasts. He is caught in "pulse" doses - one week per month for two to three months. Itraconazole is effective in 45 to 70 percent of people who use it. A nail normal appearance was produced in 35 to 80 percent of users. However, drug interactions are common, especially with antibiotics and drugs against asthma.
Fluconazole - is often used if the infection is caused by Candida and is administered once a week for several months. Research shows it can improve the appearance of a nail infected with more than 75 percent in 72 to 89 per cent of people who use it. When taken in high doses once a week for three months for a nail infection, oral fluconazole produced a normal-looking nail in 90 percent of people who use it. Caution is recommended in patients with renal insufficiency and in those taking other medications.
Ketoconazole and griseofulvin - are rarely used today because of their low cure rates and high rates of recurrence (in the case of ketoconazole). Griseofulvin is safe and was once the cornerstone of oral antifungal treatment, but it has been replaced by newer drugs and more effective.
If you decide to take oral antifungal medication, know that there are rare but serious side effects associated with their use. These include dangerous drug interactions, liver damage and liver and heart failure. To monitor your condition, you may have to undergo blood tests every four to six weeks during treatment. Side effects include headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, itching and rashes.
A safer option is Somasin AFS, a totally natural herbal destroys nail fungus in just seven days. Unlike oral antifungal medications, Somasin uses a dual approach by attacking fungal nail infections. The oral complex works from the inside to strengthen your immune system, fight infection, and to resist further attacks. This effect is enhanced by the topical solution that penetrates into the nail fungus to stop dead in its tracks. Check http://www.somasin.com for more details.
Posted on January 22, 2010.
