Hexicon is a chlorhexidine-based vaginal suppository. The drug has an antiseptic effect and is used to treat a number of diseases of the urogenital system.
The composition and effect of the drug
The main active ingredient of suppositories is chlorhexidine digluconate. One suppository contains 0,016 g of this drug. The composition also contains polyethylene oxide - an auxiliary substance that forms the soft structure of suppositories for convenient intravaginal administration.
A few minutes after insertion into the vagina, the polyethylene oxide slowly dissolves and the active ingredient of the drug is released. Chlorhexidine evenly covers the walls of the vagina, creating a thin film, thereby ensuring a long therapeutic effect.
Antiseptic reduces the life cycle of pathogenic microorganisms and prevents their further reproduction.
The drug acts locally and has no systemic effect on the body. Chlorhexidine in the composition of vaginal suppositories does not destroy the normal vaginal microflora, unlike most antibacterial drugs.
Indications for use
Chlorhexidine digluconate is active against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as protozoa. Candles are widely used to treat infectious and bacterial diseases of the female genitalia (vaginitis and vulvovaginitis of various nature).
In order to prevent candles, Hexicon is used before childbirth, after an abortion, or before surgery.
Antiseptic is effective against chlamydia, trichomonads, pathogens of gonorrhea and syphilis. Chlorhexidine is used to prevent infection immediately after unprotected sexual intercourse.
The medicine has no contraindications, except for individual intolerance of the main active ingredient or auxiliary components of suppositories.
Hexicon candles: instructions for use
For therapeutic purposes, Hexicon is used 1-2 times a day for a week. According to the recommendation of the doctor, the treatment can be extended to 20 days.
Hexione is used as a prophylactic against sexually transmitted infections. In this case, the suppository should be inserted into the vagina no later than 2 hours after intercourse.
The drug is used for bacterial colpitis and vaginitis of various etiologies. Against thrush, Hexicon is ineffective, since chlorhexidine does not affect acid-resistant microflora and yeast-like fungi.
With the introduction of the suppository base quickly melts. If the medicine is used twice a day, it is recommended to lie down after the injection of the candle for at least 30 minutes, otherwise it will quickly drain out. Long-term therapeutic effect is achieved with the introduction of a suppository before bedtime.
Features suppositories Hexicon D
On the shelves of pharmacies you can find candles Hexicon D. These suppositories differ from vaginal candles Hexicon only in reduced dosage of the active substance - 0.008 mg of chlorhexidine in one suppository.
Indications and contraindications, as well as methods of using these two drugs, are completely identical.
The medicine in a reduced dosage can be used to treat children, but only as directed by a physician.
How to apply during pregnancy and lactation
Chlorhexidine in vaginal suppositories has only a local effect, is rapidly excreted from the body and does not accumulate, so the Hexicon candles can be used during pregnancy. The active substance does not penetrate into breast milk, with lactation the use of the drug is allowed.
Long-term studies have shown that the drug does not affect the development of the fetus. However, in the period of carrying a child, many women become more sensitive to drugs, so you should consult with your doctor before using the drug and rule out the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
Possible side effects
The following symptoms may occur with intravaginal administration:
- itching and swelling of the vulva;
- burning sensation in the vagina;
- redness of the mucosa.
With the introduction into the vagina, the suppository melts and after some time completely comes out with secretions. This mechanism of action explains the low probability of an overdose with Hexicon.
Special instructions in the treatment of Hexion
The drug should not be used in conjunction with blowing agents - sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS and SLES), carboxymethyl cellulose (additive E466, E469) and saponins. These substances are often included in the composition of various cosmetics, including tools for intimate hygiene.
Suppositories are not used with soap, but the hygiene of the external genital organs does not affect the effectiveness of the treatment. When using candles, douching with soapy water is strictly prohibited.
Soap reduces the effectiveness of chlorhexidine, therefore, with the introduction of the suppository, you should thoroughly clean the vagina with clean water to avoid contact of the candle with the remains of the foaming agent.
It is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse during treatment. Auxiliary components of the drug may adversely affect the effectiveness of barrier contraceptives. Candles Hexicon cannot be combined with the use of iodine.
The use of the drug during menstruation shows low efficiency.
If therapy is started a few days before the start of menstruation, it is undesirable to interrupt treatment, but you should consult with your doctor about the increase in the course. The best option is to use the drug after menstruation or in the middle of the cycle.
Price and analogues of the drug
The cost of suppositories Hexicon depends largely on the place of purchase. In pharmacies in Russia, the price of packaging ranges from 270 to 350 rubles. The cost of packaging the drug in pharmacies of Ukraine - from 160 to 190 UAH.
Hexicon D will cost about 300 rubles in Russia. In Ukraine, the drug costs about 150 UAH.
Analogues of the drug are suppositories:
- Chlorhexidine;
- Depantol;
- Betadine.
Chlorhexidine suppositories completely repeat the action of the Hexicon preparation and are produced in the same dosage (0.016 g of the active substance in one candle). Analogue is about two times cheaper than Hexicon - in Russian pharmacies it can be purchased at a price of 110 rubles per pack, and in Ukraine the cost of candles starts from 45 hryvnia.
Candles Depanthol contain in the composition of chlorhexidine and dexpanthenol. Due to its augmented composition, the drug is effective against yeast, therefore it can be used for candidal vulvovaginitis.
The rest of the drug is no different from suppositories Hexicon. In one suppository Depantol contains 0,016 g of chlorhexidine.
Vaginal candles Depantol are more expensive analog of Hexicon. In pharmacies in Russia, the cost of the drug starts from 450 rubles, and in Ukraine the drug will cost 200-230 hryvnia.
Candles Betadine are not analogous to Hexicon, as they contain another active ingredient - povidone-iodine. Nevertheless, the drug can be used as a substitute for Hexicon in the development of an allergic reaction or side effects, as it has similar indications and is used to treat various vaginal infections.
The cost of the drug is about 250 rubles and 120 hryvnia. This drug has a number of contraindications, therefore it should be prescribed only by the attending physician.
Patient Reviews
The doctor prescribed candles Hexicon for the treatment of nonspecific vaginitis. Already after using the first candle, the unpleasant symptoms significantly decreased. For a full recovery it took a ten-day course of treatment.
Inna, 26 years old, St. Petersburg
Hexion was used according to the recommendation of the doctor before installing the helix. The drug did not cause any side effects, but it is inconvenient to use it, because the medicine very quickly flows out of the vagina.
Anna, 38 years old, Khimki
I candles prescribed for the treatment of colpitis. The drug had to be replaced due to discomfort during the administration of the candle. There was severe itching and burning.
Irina, 21 years old, Tula
Conclusion
The drug has several advantages, which makes Hexicon one of the most popular means against infections of the female genital sphere.
- Candles Hexicon have a wide spectrum of action and are effective for the treatment of various vaginal infections.
- The drug does not affect the normal microflora of the vagina, as it is not an antibiotic.
- The drug has virtually no contraindications and side effects.
- Suppositories are approved for use by pregnant and lactating women.
- Side effects are rare and disappear after discontinuation of the drug.
Despite the safety of the drug, only a specialist should prescribe the drug.
Additional information about Hexion candlelight is in the next video.
