A fungal infection of the vagina is a condition that many women experience at some point in their lives, which can be a bit annoying and uncomfortable. We also call this 'vaginal yeast infection'. Symptoms include itching, burning, and a white discharge from the vagina. As a treatment for this, your doctor may prescribe a vaginal suppository called Terconazole. So today, let's talk in detail and very simply about how to use this medicine exactly, what to be careful about, and what side effects may occur.
What kind of medicine is Terconazole?
Simply put, Terconazole is an antifungal medication. It works by stopping the growth of the yeast that is causing your vaginal infection, killing the yeast cells and curing the infection. Since it comes as a suppository, it can be administered directly to the site of the infection. This makes it a very effective treatment.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete understanding of your health condition. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Terconazole or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: This is very important if you are currently pregnant or are hoping to become pregnant in the near future.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform the doctor about this as well.
Based on this information, it will be easier for the doctor to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
Most importantly: This medicine should only be used for vaginal insertion. It should not be taken orally or applied to any other part of the body for any reason.
Usually, doctors recommend using this medicine before going to bed at night . This means that since you won't be moving for a few hours after you go to bed, the medicine will dissolve and stay inside the vagina, giving it a chance to work properly.
You can easily do this by following the steps below.
| Steps | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Preparation | Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after using the medicine. Also read the instructions on the medicine box carefully. |
| Step 2: Applying the medicine to the applicator | Take the applicator (the device that inserts the medicine) from the medicine box and insert the suppository into the tip. |
| Step 3: Posture | Lie on your back in bed or on a flat surface. Bend your knees and spread your feet slightly apart. This position makes it easier to insert the medicine. |
| Step 4: Inserting the medicine | Carefully and slowly insert the tip of the applicator into the vagina, as deep as possible. Then press the plunger (the back part) of the applicator to release the pill into the vagina. |
| Step 5: Cleaning | Carefully remove the applicator, wash it thoroughly with warm water and soap, dry it, and store it for the next day. |
A few other important points
- Complete the course: Don't skip the number of days your doctor prescribed just because your symptoms have subsided. You need to take the medicine for the full course to completely cure the infection.
- Menstruation: Even if your menstrual period starts while you are taking the medicine, do not stop taking the medicine. Continue taking it.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Symptoms: If your symptoms (such as itching, burning) do not improve within a few days, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
- Sexual relations: It is best to avoid sexual intercourse during treatment. There are two reasons for this. One is to wait until the infection is completely cured. The other is that this medicine can damage condoms or diaphragms. This may reduce their ability to prevent birth control and protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Clothes getting dirty: Vaginal medication may come out a little. This is normal. To avoid staining your clothes, you can use a mini-pad or sanitary napkin.
- Tampons: Do not use tampons during treatment, as they can absorb the medication and may reduce its effectiveness.
- Underwear: To help the infection heal faster, wear clean cotton underwear instead of underwear made from synthetic fabrics.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, some people may experience minor side effects when using Terconazole. But most people don't. Let's take a look at what these side effects are, and what to do if they occur.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Notify your doctor immediately. | |
| Severe vaginal pain | If you experience unusual, unbearable pain after using the medicine. |
| Pain during urination | If you experience burning or pain when urinating. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Minor vaginal irritation, itching, or discomfort | It's normal to feel a little burning at first after applying the medication. But if it persists or becomes severe, tell your doctor . |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
| Menstrual pain | Some people may experience pain similar to menstrual cramps. |
| Stomach pain | There may be slight abdominal pain. |
Other general things to know
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
Suppose you forget to take your medicine at night. If this happens, take that dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Is it okay to give the medicine to others?
No. This medicine has been prescribed by the doctor only for you. Do not give this to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. A doctor should decide on the treatment needed for that person.
How do you store the medicine?
Keep medicines out of the reach of small children . It is best to keep them at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius). Throw away any medicine that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Terconazole is a vaginal suppository used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
- Even if your symptoms subside, take the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any other allergies, tell your doctor before taking the medication.
- Condoms and diaphragms can be damaged during treatment, so do not rely on them for birth control.
- If you experience severe side effects, such as severe vaginal pain or urinary tract infection, or if your symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න