Properties of sustained-release single-dose formulations for vulvovaginal candidiasis

Vaginally applied imidazoles are the first-line treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The need to develop a less messy and more patient acceptable treatment regimen led to the development of a treatment schedule from the original 3 weeks to 7 days and, then, to 3 days. Finally, it was attempted to design a single-dose treatment regimen. Currently in the US, three single-dose vaginal preparations are available: 2% butoconazole sustained release (SR) [100mg butoconazole; Gynazole-1®], 6.5% tioconazole (300mg tioconazole; Vagistat-1®), and 2% miconazole vaginal ovule (Monistat1®, combination pack providing an ovule of 1200mg of miconazole and 2% monistat cream for external use). Clotrimazole 500mg single-dose vaginal tablet was used earlier and has been withdrawn from the market.