Is it safe to take anti-fungal drugs, use anti-fungal medicines, use anti-fungal cream or ointment during pregnancy? Know more about the risks and dangers associated with taking anti-fungal drugs or medicines during pregnancy.Anti-fungal medicines are generally used for treating infections in nails, hair and skin. The common fungal infections treated are vaginal thrush, fungal infection in nails, athlete's feet and ringworm. It is very essential you weigh how important it is to get your infections treated when pregnant.
Anti-Fungal Medication Used to treat Fungal Infection
Products: | Clotrimazole |
For Children: | No specific problems |
For Pregnant Women: | No evidence of risk to the developing baby |
For Breastfeeding Mothers: | No evidence of risk |
Contra-indications*: | Hypersensitivity |
Caution: | Should not be used during menstrual cycle |
Using Anti-Fungal Medicines, Creams or Drugs during Pregnancy
When it comes to consumption of anti-fungal medicines during
pregnancy, it is still a challenge because of the uncertainties linked with foetal toxicity. Thus, you must always consider the wellbeing of the little one developing inside you, before opting for any treatment. It is also very critical to consult an obstetrician and avoid using any medication or drug without his or her prescription.
Side effects associated with intake of the anti-fungal drugs however shall depend on the medicines you use. Here are stated some of the side effects that you should be careful of:
Effects of Anti-Fungal Creams during Pregnancy
If you are using anti-fungal creams in pregnancy, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Burning sensation
- Itching
You must immediately stop taking any medicines that you are applying, if you notice any or all of the above symptoms. Make sure to inform your obstetrician to
avoid complications.
Effects of Anti-Fungal Capsules during Pregnancy
Here are some symptoms which can be experienced if you are take anti-fungal capsules during pregnancy.
- Appearance of rash on the skin
- Mild headache
- Flatulence
- Pain in the stomach
- Diarrhoea
- General feelings of discomforts
Even though these symptoms are generally mild and tend to ease away in course of time, you must consult with your obstetrician and let her know about the side effects you are experiencing.
You must also be aware of the severe reactions as follows:
- Severe Skin Rashes: See if you are experiencing severe skin rashes like blisters or if your skin is peeling off.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Check for allergic reactions such as problems in breathing, allergies in neck or swelling in face.
You have to stop taking medicines if you notice these discomforts. In case of severe breathing troubles it will be wise to get yourself admitted at a hospital near you.
Probability of Liver Damage
Pregnancy is the time of your life when you need to take extra care of yourself. Every decision you take should be carefully considered, because it is not only about you, but also the little life developing inside you. Anti-fungal medicines are also known to cause liver damages. Although it is very rare, you cannot take any chances. Do have a talk with your doctor and discuss all possibilities. Here are some of the symptoms that you must be watchful of and inform your obstetrician at the earliest.
- Unusual feelings of weakness or tiredness
- Pale or dark urine
- General feelings of sickness
- Not enough appetite
- Yellowish skin or jaundice
Effects of Intravenous Anti-fungal Medicine During Pregnancy
Amphotericin B, a commonly used intravenous anti-fungal too has its own side effects that you should be watchful of. This is offered in a hospital setting. The side effects that you should be aware of are:
- Pain in joints and muscles
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling of sickness
- Headache
- Chills
- No appetite
- Anaemia
- Fever
- Rash
Amphotericin B may also affect your kidney by lowering minerals like magnesium and potassium in your blood. In extreme cases it might affect your heart as well.
Your normal liver functioning can be affected too. The drug may result in formation of bilirubin in blood and hinder the normal functioning.
Anti-fungal medicines are highly effective in treating fungal infections no doubt, but since you will not want to invite any trouble during the wonderful phase of pregnancy, you must always be careful and report to your obstetrician from time to time.
Are anti-fungal drugs safe during pregnancy? What are the side effects of taking anti-fungal drugs during pregnancy? Is it safe to use anti-fungal cream during pregnancy? Discuss here.