Comparison Tioconazole vs Miconazole:
Introduction
Yeast infections are commonly caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida, also referred to as yeast.
We all carry this organism in our mouth, on our skin, in our gastrointestinal tract, and, in the case of women, in the vagina.
But, if the balance of these organisms is altered, Candida albicans can multiply, resulting in overgrowth and potentially life-threatening medical concerns, particularly when yeast gets into the lungs or blood.
Candidiasis can spread via sexual intercourse; however, it is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, because people who are not sexually active may get it as well.
Symptoms
Common symptoms may include:
- burning when you urinate;
- pain or discomfort during sex;
- odorless vaginal discharge;
- soreness and redness in your vagina and labia.
Causes
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are one of the main culprits in causing yeast infections due to the fact that they destroy vaginal bacteria, thereby disrupting the normal balance among the vaginal microorganisms.
Corticosteroids
They are a class of steroid hormones that are used to treat symptoms of various diseases.
Corticosteroids act by lowering the immune system, which also causes the yeast to grow.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at higher risk for yeast infections, particularly if blood glucose (sugar) is not well controlled.
Hormonal Contraceptives
The risk of yeast infections may be substantially higher in women who use birth control methods that contain the hormone estrogen.
How To Prevent Future Yeast Infections?
To reduce your risk of getting a yeast infection, it is recommended to follow the next instructions:
- avoid very hot baths and hot tubs;
- avoid douches, deodorant tampons, and feminine sprays, that may contain chemicals that can be irritating;
- limit the amount of time you spend in very hot baths or hot tubs;
- use mild, unscented soap and water;
- take probiotics and prebiotics;
- remove exercise clothes and wet swimsuits right away;
- reduce your alcohol intake;
- change your menstrual pad, tampon, or panty liner frequently;
- if you have diabetes, work on maintaining good blood glucose control;
- wipe from front to back after a bowel movement;
- avoid tight-fitting clothing, like – tight-fitting jeans or pantyhose;
- try sleeping without underwear to allow some airflow;
- to help prevent irritation, use a vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse.
Treatment
Treatment of yeast infections involves the use of vaginal pessaries, antifungal creams, and/or oral medication.
Here is a comparison of two antifungals:
Miconazole
It is an azole derivative that is used mainly for the topical treatment of localized superficial infections.
This medicine is a member of a class of imidazole agents that elicit broad-spectrum antifungal activity.
Tioconazole
It belongs to the family of medicines called antifungals. It has been shown to have a broad spectrum of activity against yeasts and dermatophytes, as well as against some trichomonads, chlamydia trachomatis, and Gram-positive bacteria.
Uses
Miconazole
It is used for skin infections, like:
- vaginal yeast infections;
- jock itch (a fungal infection that typically develops in the skin around the groin);
- athlete’s foot;
- oral thrush (common in babies and older people with dentures);
- pityriasis (a type of skin rash which usually appears on the upper arms, torso, thighs or neck).
It is also given intravenously by infusion for the treatment of disseminated fungal infections (meaning that the fungal pathogen is in the blood).
Tioconazole
It is used for the topical treatment of the following conditions:
- cutaneous candidiasis (yeast infection of the skin);
- tinea versicolor;
- ringworm of the groin;
- ringworm of the foot (athlete’s foot);
- tinea corporis.
Mechanism of Action
Both agents ease the symptoms of yeast infections by killing the fungi causing the infection.
Side Effects
Miconazole
The most common adverse events associated with this antifungal include:
- headache;
- change in taste;
- diarrhea.
Call your doctor right away if you have a serious side effect like:
- swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat;
- difficult breathing;
- hives.
Tioconazole
The most common adverse events associated with this medication include:
- itching or irritation after use;
- mild stomach pain;
- mild vaginal burning;
- vaginal swelling or redness;
- runny or stuffy nose;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- pain when you urinate.
Call your doctor right away if you have a serious side effect like:
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat;
- difficult breathing;
- hives.
Dosage
For miconazole – apply to the affected area of the skin once a day. Relief of signs and symptoms should be observed within 3 days, and complete relief should occur within 1 week.
For tioconazole – apply 1 applicatorful at bedtime.
The duration of treatment depends on the infectious microorganism, the severity of the infection, and the location of the area to be treated.
Note – topical applications of tioconazole should be continued for at least 12 months or longer for toenails and 6 months for fingernails.
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Warnings & Precautions
Miconazole
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare professional if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
Do not take this medicine by mouth. Also, consult with your healthcare professional before using this medicine on open wounds or sunburned skin.
Clean and dry the skin area to be treated.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Also, do not wash the treated area after immediately applying this antifungal. Do not use douches while using this medicine.
Tioconazole
Do not apply an occlusive dressing over the area where you used this medicine unless you have been directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
It is not for ophthalmic use. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to this antifungal or if you have any other allergies.
Drug Interactions
These antifungals may interact in a negative way with the following medications:
- warfarin (a medication that is used as an anticoagulant);
- anisindione;
- Miradon (anisindione);
- Coumadin;
- Jantoven;
- dicumarol (a naturally occurring anticoagulant).
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Alcohol
These antifungals are commonly used vaginally or topically, which means that the medication does not get absorbed into the human body to a great extent.
Therefore, drinking alcoholic beverages will most likely not interfere with these antifungals.
Is It Safe During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?/strong>
Miconazole
It should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the unborn baby.
It is not known if the antifungal passes into breast milk and affects in a negative way the breastfed infant.
Tioconazole
It is not known whether this antifungal passes into breast milk.
Do not use it without your healthcare provider’s advice if you are breastfeeding a baby.
It is not known whether this antifungal will harm a developing fetus. Do not use it without your healthcare provider’s advice if you are pregnant.
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Conclusion – Miconazole vs Tioconazole – Which Is The Best Over-the-Counter Treatment for Yeast Infection?
Miconazole is an antifungal that is used to treat skin infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, pityriasis (tinea versicolor), and other fungal skin infections. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of an important component of the fungal cell membrane.
Tioconazole is an antifungal that is used to treat infections caused by a fungus or yeast, such as – oral thrush, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and vaginal yeast infections.
According to a 1982 double-blind comparison of a total of 99 patients, of whom 13 had erythrasma (a skin infection which is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum) and 86 fungal infections of the skin, tioconazole achieved a substantially higher mycological cure rate than miconazole.
As per a 1983 single-blind comparative study of 60 patients with fungal infection of the skin on the toleration, efficacy, and safety of both antifungals, both medicines were easy to apply, and no side effects were recorded during the study.
Overall assessment of the sufferers reviewed at the end of treatment showed that 63 percent of the patients treated with miconazole and 77 percent of the patients treated with tioconazole were clinically and mycologically cured.
Sources https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160504121327.htm http://www.jabfm.org/content/21/4/261.full https://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0601/p3306.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5533717/