Multican Plus

Uses

Indicated in atopic, infantile & discoid eczema; prurigo nodularis; Psoriasis (excluding widespread plague psoriasis); lichen simplex or planus; contact sensitivity reactions; seborrhoeic dermatitis; discoid lupus erythematosus & adjunct to systemic steroid therapy in generalized erythroderma.

The confirmed indication for Clotrimazole include:

• All dermatomycoses due to dermatophytes (e.g. Trichophyton species).
• All dermatomycoses due to yeasts (Candida species).
• Dermatomycoses due to moulds and other fungi.
• Skin diseases showing superinfections with these fungi.

To the dermatomycoses listed under 1-4 belong for example, interdigital myocoses (e.g. athlete’s foot), paronychias (associated with nail mycoses), myocoses in skin folds, Candida vulvitis, Candida balanitis, Pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma.

Clotrimazole rectal preparation is used for vaginal itching, burning and discharge associated with recurrent vaginal yeast infections (Vaginal candidiasis) and also in viginitis due to Candida species as well as Mycotic infections complicated by other microorganisms sensitive to the drug.

Clotrimazole Sterile Eye Ointment is used for the treatment of fungal keratitis due to filamentous fungi and Candida species.

Clotrimazole Ear Drop is used for the treatment of fungal infections of the ear.

Multican Plus is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Gouty Arthritis, Adrenal cortical hypofunctions, Alopecia Areata (AA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Berylliosis, Blepharitis allergic, Blepharoconjunctivitis, Bullous dermatitis herpetiformis, Bursitis, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Congenital Hypoplastic Anemia, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Inflammation, Dermatitis, Eczematous, Dermatomyositis, Dermatosis, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), Edema of the cerebrum, Epicondylitis, Episcleritis, External ear inflammation, Eye allergy, Hypercalcemia of Malignancy, Inflammatory Reaction of the ear, Iridocyclitis, Iritis, Itching caused by Allergies, Keloid Scars, Keratitis interstitial, Keratoconjunctivitis, Leukemias, Lichen Planus (LP), Lichen simplex chronicus, Lupus Erythematosus, Malignant Lymphomas, Multiple sclerosis exacerbation, Mycosis Fungoides (MF), Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, Nephrotic Syndrome, Ocular Inflammation, Ocular injuries, Ophthalmia, Sympathetic, Pemphigus, Plaque psoriasis of the body, Plaque psoriasis of the scalp, Polymyositis, Post-Surgical Ocular Inflammation, Pruritus, Psoriasis, Psoriasis Vulgaris (Plaque Psoriasis), Psoriatic Arthritis, Psoriatic plaque, Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), Pure Red Cell Aplasia, Regional Enteritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile, Scleritis, Secondary thrombocytopenia, Severe Asthma, Severe Atopic Dermatitis, Skin Infections, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Temporal Arteritis, Trichinosis, Tuberculous Meningitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Uveitis, Verrucous Lichen Planus (LP), Acquired immune hemolytic anemia, Acute nonspecific tenosynovitis, Acute rheumatic carditis, Bacterial blepharitis, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Eczematous rash, Exfoliative erythroderma, Granuloma annulare lesions, Idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonias, Non-suppurative Thyroiditis, Ocular bacterial infections, Severe Allergic rhinitis, Severe Contact dermatitis, Severe Serum sickness, Severe Transfusion Reactions, Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, Superficial ocular infections, Symptomatic Sarcoidosis, Synovitis of osteoarthritisBalanitis candida, Candidiasis, Dermatitis, Dermatomycoses, Ear infection fungal, Erythrasma, Fungal Vaginal Infections, Fungal skin infection, Genital candidiasis, Inflammation, Mixed Vaginal Infections, Oropharyngeal Candidiasis, Pityriasis versicolor, Pyoderma, Ringworm, Skin Infections, Skin candida, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Pedis, Tinea inguinalis, Trichophytosis, Vaginal Candidiasis, Vaginal Mycosis, Vulvitis, Cutaneous candidiasis, Infection mycotic, Susceptible Bacterial Infections, Symptomatic Tinea Corporis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Symptomatic Tinea Cruris caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Symptomatic Tinea Pedis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Tinea versicolor caused by Malassezia infection

How Multican Plus works

Glucocorticoids inhibit neutrophil apoptosis and demargination, and inhibit NF-Kappa B and other inflammatory transcription factors. They also inhibit phospholipase A2, leading to decreased formation of arachidonic acid derivatives. In addition, glucocorticoids promote anti-inflammatory genes like interleukin-10.

Corticosteroids like betamethasone can act through nongenomic and genomic pathways. The genomic pathway is slower and occurs when glucocorticoids activate glucocorticoid receptors and initiate downstream effects that promote transcription of anti-inflammatory genes including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), IL-1-receptor antagonist, and tyrosine amino transferase (TAT). On the other hand, the nongenomic pathway is able to elicit a quicker response by modulating T-cell, platelet and monocyte activity through the use of existing membrane-bound receptors and second messengers.

Clotrimazole acts primarily by damaging the permeability barrier in the cell membrane of fungi. Clotrimazole causes inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, an essential constituent of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is either completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact and functional cell membrane ,. Because ergosterol directly promotes the growth of fungal cells in a hormone‐like fashion, rapid onset of the above events leads to dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth .

Though decreased ergosterol, due to the inhibition of lanosterol 14-demethylase (also known as CYP51) is accepted to be primarily responsible for the antimycotic properties of clotrimazole, this drug also shows other pharmacological effects. These include the inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase, depletion of intracellular calcium, and blocking of calcium‐dependent potassium channels and voltage‐dependent calcium channels . The action of clotrimazole on these targets accounts for other effects of this drug that are separate from its antimycotic activities .

Dosage

Multican Plus dosage

Apply sparingly to the affected area 2 to 3 times daily until an improvement occurs.

Topical

Wash skin with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the cream or solution 2-3 times daily and gently massage over affected area as directed by the doctor. For Athlete’s foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes. Best results in Athlete's foot and ringworm are usually obtained with 4 weeks use of this product. The cream should be applied two or three times daily for one month or for at least two weeks after the disappearance of all signs of infection. If satisfactory results have not occurred within these times consultation with doctor is essential. For best results, follow directions and continue treatment for length of time indicated. The duration of treatment varies; it depends among other factors on the extent and localization of the disease.

Recommended duration of treatment :

• Dermatomycoses: 3-4 weeks
• Candida vulvitis and candida balanitis: 1-2 weeks
• Erythrasma and pityriasis versicolor (approx.): 3 weeks
• In fungal infection of the feet, to prevent relapses:Treatment should be continued for about 2 weeks beyond the disappearance of all signs of disease.

Clotrimazole cream is odourless, can be washed off and does not stain.

Rectal

First infections: In general, a 3-day treatment is sufficient for Candida vaginitis. On 3 consecutive nights, Clotrimazole 200 mg vaginal preparation is inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina. This is best achieved when lying on one's back with the knees slightly bent.

Re-infections: In general, a 6-day treatment is sufficient. This applies also to mixed infections with the above-mentioned causative organisms. On six consecutive nights, 1 Clotrimazole 100 mgvaginal preparation is inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina. If necessary, 2 Clotrimazole 100 mg(1 in the morning and 1 in the evening) or 1 Clotrimazole 200 mg daily can be used for 6-12 days. Treatment should be timed so as to avoid the menstrual period and be finished before the onset of menstruation. To avoid re-infection, the partner should undergo local treatment with Clotrimazole cream at the same time.

Clotrimazole 500 mg vaginal preparation: Single dose, complete treatment with one vaginal tablet. The tablet should be inserted as deeply as possible into the vagina. This is best achieved when lying on one's back with the knees slightly bent. It is recommended that the treatment should be timed so as to avoid the menstrual period. For prevention of re-infection the partner should be treated locally with Clotrimazole cream at the same time.

Clotrimazolevaginal preparation are colorless and do not stain the underwear.

Eye

Adult: It should be applied thinly and evenly to the conjunctival sac every 4 hours daily or as advised by a physician.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children have been established for Clotrimazole when used as indicated and in the recommended dosage.

Ear

Instill 2-3 drops of Clarizol Ear Drops in the affected ear two or three times daily.The treatment should be continued for at least two weeks after the disappearance of all signs of infection to prevent re-infection.

For the treatment to become a complete success, reliable and sufficiently long application of Clotrimazole cream is important. The duration of treatment varies; it depends among other factors on the extent and localisation of the disease.

Side Effects

Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrychosis acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliariamay be reported.

Clotrimazole is generally well tolerated after local application but the few side effects have been reported infrequently like erythema, stinging, blistering, peeling, oedema, pruritus, urticaria and general irritation.

Since there is practically no Clotrimazole absorption through the vaginal skin, no systemic effect is expected. The local tolerance of Clotrimazole vaginal tablet is generally good. Local irritation or burning sensation may occur in a very few cases but these symptoms are not considered harmful.

Rarely patients may experience burning or irritation immediately after applying the ointment.

Toxicity

Chronic high doses of glucocorticoids can lead to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, hypertension, water retention, hyperlipidemia, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, myopathy, osteoporosis, mood changes, psychosis, dermal atrophy, allergy, acne, hypertrichosis, immune suppression, decreased resistance to infection, moon face, hyperglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis, growth suppression, and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Overdose may be treated by adjusting the dose or stopping the corticosteroid as well as initiating symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Symptoms of overdose include erythema, stinging, blistering, peeling, edema, pruritus, urticaria, burning, and general irritation of the skin, and cramps. As with all topical agents, skin sensitization may result .

Oral LD50 (rat): 708 mg/kg; Intraperitoneal LD50 (rat): 445 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LDLO (rat): 10 g/kg; Oral LD50 (mouse): 761 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LDLO (mouse): 10 g/kg; Intraperitoneal LD50 (mouse): 108 mg/kg;

Overdose

This drug poses no risk of acute intoxication, as it is unlikely to occur following a single vaginal or dermal application of an overdose (application over a large area under conditions favorable to absorption) or accidental oral ingestion. There is no specific antidote .

Effects on Fertility

No human studies of the effects of clotrimazole on fertility have been conducted; however, animal studies have not shown any effects on the drug on fertility .

Use in Pregnancy

There are limited data regarding the use of clotrimazole in pregnant women. Animal studies do not show direct or indirect harmful effects on reproduction. Although the topical application of clotrimazole may result in very low serum and tissue levels, the use of clotrimazole topical cream by pregnant women is not recommended unless it is advised by the prescribing physician. Clotrimazole topical cream should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy unless it is considered by the physician to be essential to patient well-being .

Use in Breastfeeding

Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological studies in animals have shown excretion of clotrimazole/metabolites in breastmilk. Clotrimazole should not be administered during breastfeeding. Although the topical application of clotrimazole has resulted in very low serum and tissue levels, the use of clotrimazole topical cream by lactating women is not recommended unless it recommended by the prescribing physician .

Precaution

Avoid long-term therapy particularly in infant & children; the treated area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Avoid contact with eyes.

If local intolerance develops, consider withdrawal of the medicine and institution of appropriate therapy. Clotrimazole solution is not intended for ophthalmic use. Avoid contact with eyes upon topical application. Children 3 yrs. Pregnancy, lactation. If irritation or sensitivity develops with the use of Clotrimazole ointment, treatment should be discontinued.

Interaction

Increased hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia with thiazide diuretics. Increased incidence of peptic ulcer or GI bleeding with concurrent NSAIDs admin. Response to anticoagulants altered. Dose of antidiabetics and antihypertensives needs to be increased. Decreases serum concentration of salicylates and antimuscarinic agents.

Potentially Fatal: Reduced efficacy with concurrent use of carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, barbiturates and rifampicin. Enhanced effect in women taking oestrogens or oral contraceptives.

There have been reports of a heat reaction when this medication used concomitantly with Sofradex drops in the ear.

Antagonism with polyene antibiotics.

Volume of Distribution

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the volume of distribution following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 94,584±23,539 mL(s).

The topical form is minimally absorbed in the serum and tissues . Clotrimazole is a lipophilic drug , and has been shown to be secreted in breastmilk in animal studies . There are limited data available regarding the volume of distribution following oral troche administration.

Elimination Route

The absorption and potency of any topical corticosteroid including betamethasone depends on the vehicle in which the steroid is delivered. For example, betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment is classified as a highly potent topical steroid, while betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream or lotion is considered to be moderately potent.

There are several structural modifications that can determine the potency of a topical corticosteroid. For example, corticosteroids containing a halogen at specific carbons, or that contain esters are more potent due to enhanced lipophilicity. As such, there is a marked difference between topical products containing betamethasone dipropionate vs. betamethasone valerate. Betamethasone dipropionate contains 2 esters which enhances its potency, while betamethasone valerate has only one ester and is less potent.

It should be noted that the use of occlusive dressings with topical steroids significantly increases the absorption, increasing the risk for adverse effects.

Because clotrimazole is generally not significantly absorbed, drug interactions are not a major issue with its use .

Half Life

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the half-life following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 10.2 ± 2.5 hours.

Clearance

In a study that included Indian women of reproductive age, the CL/F following a single intramuscular dose of betamethasone phosphate was 6,466 ± 805 mL/hour.

Elimination Route

Corticosteroids are eliminated predominantly in the urine.

Mainly hepatic .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids and should not be used extensively for a prolonged period. Caution should be excercised when topical corticosteroids are administered in nursing women.

Pregnancy:Clotrimazole is recommended during pregnancy only after first consulting a doctor.

Lactation:Because systemic absorption of clotrimazole following topical application is marginal, there should be no risk for the infant during lactation.

Contraindication

Betamethasone is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. Betamethasone Eye/Ear/Nasal Drops is contraindicated in Herpes simplex virus infection of the eye; known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient; red eye due to unknown causes; viral or fungal infections in the treatment area; tuberculosis, glaucoma etc.

Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole.

Acute Overdose

Long-term intensive topical use may lead to systemic effects

Supportive measures should be taken incase of accidental oral ingestion.

In case of accidental oral ingestion, supportive measures should be taken.

Storage Condition

Protect from light. Do not freeze. Store between 15 °C and 30 °C.

Store at a cool and dry place. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

Innovators Monograph

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