Butoconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat vaginal infections caused by Candida yeast. It works by destroying the cell wall of the yeast cells. The drug is available in cream form and should be used for the full course of treatment to avoid drug-resistant yeast strains. Side effects are usually minor, and the drug is not known to cause serious long-term effects, but recurring yeast infections may be a sign of other underlying health issues.
Butoconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat vaginal infections caused by Candida species of yeast. For most women, a vaginal yeast infection will be treated effectively with one course of the medication. This drug is sold under several brand names, including Mycelex®, Femstat® and Gynazole®.
Almost all cells, including animal, plant, bacterial and fungal cells, require a cell wall or membrane to maintain cellular integrity. As with many other antifungal and antibacterial drugs, butoconazole works by destroying the cell wall of its target organism. Yeast cells that are vulnerable to the drug begin to shed after exposure to the drug and cannot maintain normal cell function. These cells eventually break open and die.
Butoconazole is available in the form of a cream which is introduced into the vagina with the use of a disposable applicator. The applicator is typically made of plastic and comes with doses of the drug. As with antibiotics, the full course of antifungal cream should be used, even if symptoms begin to disappear after a day or two. Stopping the course of the drug too early can lead to the development of a drug resistant yeast strain. A woman who is using this antifungal cream should continue with the course of the medication even if her period starts during treatment.
Most side effects of butoconazole cream are minor but can be unpleasant or painful. The most common side effects are burning sensations in the vulva or vagina, as well as vaginal pain, swelling, or itching. Some women may also experience pain or cramping in the abdomen or pelvic region. These side effects are uncommon, but can develop after the first use of topical antifungal cream.
Butoconazole is not known to cause serious long-term side effects. Clinical trials have found no evidence that the drug causes cell mutations that could lead to cancer or fertility problems. Even so, there have been no long-term studies to determine whether the drug increases the risk of cancer. Additionally, the drug’s effects in pregnant or nursing women are unclear, and it has not been conclusively proven that it does not cause fetal abnormalities.
In most cases, a yeast infection will go away after a single course of treatment when used as directed. Sometimes, however, the infection may not clear up or come back within a few weeks. This may be a sign that another disease has reduced immune system function and allowed the yeast infection to recur. In women at risk, recurring yeast infections are sometimes a sign of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and should be taken seriously.
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