Trichopolum is a drug that has antiprotozoal antibacterial properties. For many decades, this medication has been used to treat sexually transmitted and gynecological diseases, but now it has another purpose. Dermatologists and cosmetologists recommend using Trichopolum for acne.
Composition and release form
Trichopolum is produced in the form of tablets for oral administration. The tablets have a round shape and a white shell. When exposed to light, the shell acquires a yellowish tint.
The tablets are packaged in blister packs of 10 pcs. A cardboard box is used as a container.
The active composition contains one substance - metronidazole. Each tablet contains up to 250 mg.
The list of auxiliary components includes:
- gelatin;
- potato starch;
- magnesium stearate;
- starch syrup.
pharmachologic effect
The main substance of the composition is a derivative of 5-nitroimidazole. The mechanism of its action is that when it enters the human body, metronidazole penetrates the membrane of pathological microorganisms and disrupts the synthesis of nucleic acids. As a result of such exposure, the pathogenic cell loses the ability to further develop and reproduce.
This drug is active against a number of microorganisms, including:
- Giardia intestinalis, Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as Gardnerella vaginalis, Lamblia spp. and Entamoeba histolytica;
- gram-positive microorganisms - Peptostreptococcus spp., Peptococcus spp., Clostridium spp. and Eubacterium spp.;
- obligate anaerobes (these are some types of microorganisms Bacteroides, Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Prevotella).
Viruses, fungi and a number of bacteria are immune to this medicine. To neutralize them, a combination of Trichopolum with other drugs is often used.
The therapeutic effect for acne and rashes is explained by the activity of metronidazole against demodex (a subcutaneous mite that often causes dermatological diseases).
When taken orally, the active component is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability of the drug reaches 80% or more. In this case, 20% of metronidazole binds to blood proteins.
The drug is highly active and is capable of penetrating most tissues and body fluids. Its presence is noted in the kidneys, liver, skin, brain tissue, lungs, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, and saliva.
Metabolism occurs in the liver, where 30-60% of the substance is oxidized and bound with glucuronic acid.
The elimination period reaches 6-12 hours. Elimination of the drug from the body occurs through the kidneys (60-80%) and intestines (about 20%).
Special instructions for the use of the drug Trichopolum
Metronidazole is used with caution in diseases of the central nervous system. If neurological disorders develop during drug therapy (numbness, paresthesia or convulsions), use of the drug is possible only if the benefit of treatment outweighs the possible risk of complications. The drug is used with caution in severe liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. Metronidazole should be used with caution in patients treated with corticosteroids and prone to edema. Patients who have developed hemogram changes before and after treatment with metronidazole should be under medical supervision if repeated use of metronidazole is necessary. When using the drug for 10 days, it is necessary to monitor hemogram parameters. After using metronidazole, candidiasis of the oral mucosa, vagina and gastrointestinal tract may develop, requiring appropriate treatment. During treatment with metronidazole and at least 1 day after the end of therapy, you should not drink alcohol due to the increased risk of adverse reactions. Metronidazole may change some laboratory parameters (ALAT, AST, LDH, TG, glucose). During pregnancy and breastfeeding . Controlled studies of the use of metronidazole during pregnancy have not been conducted. Metronidazole penetrates the placental barrier. Metronidazole is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, the drug should be used only if the potential benefit of its use outweighs the possible risk of undesirable effects on the fetus. Metronidazole passes into breast milk. The drug should not be used during breastfeeding. If therapy is necessary, breastfeeding should be stopped. Children . The drug in the form of 250 mg tablets can be used in children over 6 years of age. The ability to influence reaction speed when driving vehicles or working with machinery . You should also take into account the possible occurrence of confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, convulsions while taking the drug and refrain from driving or operating machinery during treatment with metronidazole.
Indications for use
The list of main diagnoses for which this medicine is prescribed:
- amoebiasis;
- giardiasis;
- bacterial vaginosis;
- trichomoniasis;
- ulcerative lesions of the intestines and stomach caused by Helicobacter pylori;
- infectious diseases caused by anaerobic bacteria (inflammation of the skin, bones, soft tissues, joints, organs of the nervous, respiratory, reproductive systems).
As a preventive measure, Trichopolum is often prescribed before operations performed on the organs of the reproductive system and gastrointestinal tract. This medication prevents the development of infections and shortens the recovery period.
A high therapeutic effect in the treatment of pimples and acne is observed in several cases.
Skin rashes caused by demodex mites. These pathological organisms live in the hair follicles of every healthy person. The number of ticks in this case is minimal, since the immune system controls their population. With reduced immunity, demodex begins to multiply intensively and parasitize under the skin. These changes lead to rashes and inflammation of the skin.
Demodectic mange can be caused by a hormonal imbalance, resulting in increased sebum production. To solve this problem, it is recommended to use complex therapy, in which metronidazole will be used orally (orally) and topically.
With the help of the drug, gastrointestinal diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori or Giardia are eliminated. As a result of an imbalance in the microflora of the intestines and stomach, indigestion occurs. This entails numerous pathological symptoms, including purulent rashes on the skin. In this case, taking Trichopolum is aimed at suppressing the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
Interactions of the drug Trichopolum
Metronidazole can potentiate the effect of indirect anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives) and prolong prothrombin time, so the doses of these drugs should be adjusted accordingly. Inducers of microsomal liver enzymes (phenytoin, phenobarbital, etc.) accelerate the metabolism of metronidazole, which leads to a decrease in its concentration in the blood plasma; microsomal enzyme inhibitors (in particular cimetidine) may prolong the half-life of metronidazole. Metronidazole increases the concentration of lithium in the blood plasma and enhances its toxic effect. If simultaneous use of lithium preparations is necessary, the level of lithium as well as creatinine in the blood plasma should be monitored during treatment. Metronidazole can interact with terfenadine and astemizole, causing undesirable symptoms from the cardiovascular system ( QT on the ECG, arrhythmia, etc.). Drinking alcohol during treatment with metronidazole can cause the development of disulfiram-like reactions (feeling hot, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, etc.). Metronidazole can increase the toxic effects of disulfiram (disorientation, acute psychosis), so treatment with metronidazole can be prescribed only 2 weeks after stopping disulfiram. Drug interactions have been noted when using metronidazole with bisulfan. Metronidazole is an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP 3A4) and therefore can slow down the biotransformation of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. Metronidazole reduces the clearance of fluorouracil and, therefore, can increase its toxicity.
Contraindications
Doctors categorically do not recommend taking this medication on your own. Metronidazole has a number of contraindications.
Among them:
- epilepsy and other organic lesions of the central nervous system;
- leukopenia;
- intolerance to the components included in the tablets;
- individual hypersensitivity to nitroimidazole derivatives;
- 1st trimester of pregnancy;
- lactation period in women (breastfeeding period);
- age from 0 to 3 years.
All of the above contraindications are absolute. There are several cases that require careful administration and constant medical monitoring.
Among them:
- severe renal failure;
- pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
Side effects
Some side effects may occur when taking tablets orally:
Reaction from the digestive system. Some patients complain of attacks of nausea and vomiting, pain in the epigastric region, stool disorders (constipation or diarrhea), lack of appetite, metallic taste in the mouth, changes in taste, dry mouth, signs of stomatitis. In rare cases, cholecystic hepatitis, pancreatitis, and jaundice are detected.
The urinary system may respond with cystitis, dysuria, urinary incontinence, polyuria, and the appearance of red-brown urine.
Methods of use for acne
To treat acne and teenage acne, Trichopolum can be used in two ways:
For indoor use . Such therapy is necessary if the cause of skin diseases is hormonal imbalance or pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.
For application to skin . External use allows you to get rid of acne caused by subcutaneous mites. In all other cases, complex treatment is required.
Before use, it is extremely important to undergo diagnostic testing to make a diagnosis. This is explained primarily by the fact that pimples and blackheads on the skin are often not an independent disease, but a background disease. The use of Trichopolum may not always be a solution to the problem; it only blocks the manifestations of pathology.
Externally
Pharmacy ointments containing metronidazole are often used for application to the skin. You can use home remedies instead. With this scheme of application, Trichopolum acts in several directions:
- eliminates pathogenic bacteria that cause inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues;
- has an antiprotozoal effect (neutralizes the simplest pathological microorganisms);
- accelerates the healing of wounds and ulcers;
- reduces inflammation;
- dries out the skin.
Inside
In some cases, local application of the drug does not give the desired results, so complex use is required. The instructions indicate that oral tablets should be taken only after diagnosis and doctor's prescription. The dosage, regimen and duration of the course are chosen by the attending physician. In this case, the diagnosis and stage of development of the disease must be taken into account.
Here are a few general recommendations:
Trichopolum should be taken after meals. After eating, about 20-30 minutes should pass.
The tablet must be swallowed whole. It should not be chewed or crushed. This can be explained by the presence of a soluble shell. This protective layer prevents early dissolution of the active substance.
Reviews
There are various statements on the Internet about the use of Trichopolum for acne. Reviews indicate both high effectiveness and lack of effect when taking the drug separately.
Alexandra, 25 years old: “My face was covered with terrible acne, I was afraid to look in the mirror. After waiting a few days, I rushed to the dermatologist, and he prescribed Trichopolum. At first the situation did not change, but then all the inflammation began to heal. In a short time I even got rid of comedones. New ones are not appearing now either.”
Veronica, 22 years old: “On the doctor’s recommendation, I took Trichopolum for a week, but nothing changed. I got upset and went to another dermatologist. He did not cancel the medicine, but prescribed Intraskin natural cream in addition. With this combination, the drug helped and things went smoothly, the skin gradually cleared up.”
Recipes with Trichopolum for acne
For local application of the drug you can prepare at home:
- talkers;
- masks.
These recipes have different compositions.
Chatterboxes
There are several ways to prepare this product.
With Levomycetin
This medicine will require
- Trichopolum – 4 tablets;
- Levomycetin – 4 tablets.
The medicine is crushed into powder, mixed with salicylic alcohol (1 bottle) and shaken thoroughly. The most convenient way in this case is to pour the crushed tablets directly into a bottle of alcohol. To use this liquid, moisten a cotton pad and wipe the problem areas of the skin. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.
On alcohol
To prepare mash according to this recipe, you need to stock up on:
- 4 tablets of Trichopolum;
- 250 ml medical alcohol.
The tablets are crushed and mixed with alcohol. The medicine is infused in a dark place for 3 days. The mash is applied pointwise to areas of acne. The alcohol in the composition leads to dry skin, so after washing it is recommended to apply a light moisturizer to the skin.
With Streptocide and mumiyo
This mash blocks inflammatory processes on the skin and promotes rapid healing. For this medicine you need:
- 100 ml of vodka or alcohol;
- Mumiyo – 6 tablets;
- Streptocide – 6 tablets or 1 sachet;
- Trichopolum – 6 tablets.
After crushing the tablets, the powder is mixed with vodka in a small glass container. It is best to apply the composition to the skin once a day before bed. The container must be shaken vigorously before each use. The duration of treatment is often 10-14 days.
The mechanism of action of Trichopolum on the skin
The effect that Trichopolum has on acne on the face is due to the presence of metronidazole in the composition. It affects the body in the following areas:
- Heals ulcers and small wounds;
- Has a drying effect;
- Reduces the inflammatory process;
- Eliminates bacteria and microorganisms that cause infection;
- Works as an antiseptic.
Elimination of a rash on the face occurs due to the influence directly on the cause that causes the disease - Trichopolum inhibits the activity of pathogenic agents, which reduces inflammation and swelling.
Analogs
Trichopolum has several analogues, where metronidazole is used as the main active ingredient. Russian-made and imported drugs should be indicated, these are:
- Metronidazole . These tablets are in high demand due to their availability. The Russian manufacturer offers tablets containing 200 and 500 mg of active ingredient. This allows you to conveniently dose the drug. As in the case of Trichopolum, Metronidazole is able to penetrate most soft tissues and body fluids. The drug is eliminated within 6-12 hours.
- Klion . This medicine is produced by a Hungarian company. In addition to the tablet version, Klion has several other forms, including gel and cream. This feature makes the medicine convenient in the treatment of acne and pimples. The list of disadvantages includes high cost.
- Metrogil . This drug is available in several forms. To treat skin diseases, you can use tablets and gel for external use. The cost of the product is about 220 rubles.
- Flagyl . This is another drug created on the basis of metronidazole. For dermatological diseases caused by subcutaneous mites and pathological bacteria, you can use tablets. Their cost is about 130 rubles.