Armocyclar® was an anti-infective drug used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. The drug contained three active principles: the antibiotic tetracycline, the antifungal agent nystatin, and a trypsin-chymotrypsin formulation known as Chymoral. Nystatin is a common polyene antifungal agent active against the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The compound is generally used topically, but here it was used orally as coated tablets. It was used to protect from potential intestinal damages, the compound being not absorbed orally. This natural product remains largely used today to treat candidiasis.
The preparation of oral proteolytic enzymes trypsin/chymotrypsin, a concentate known as Chymoral, has been developed for its role in preventing edema and hematomata after surgery. The product was useful to reduce bruising and pain in various types of trauma (for example after episiotomy wounds, vasectomy, and tooth extraction). Here it was used for its anti-inflammatory action and to reinforce the effect of the antibiotic agent. A similar cocktail of digestive protease enzymes (Chymoral Forte tablet) is still used today in some countries, to provide relief from pain after surgery, or in cases of bone and joint-related disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Armocyclar tablets were used primarily for the treatment of non-esophageal mucus membrane gastrointestinal candidiasis. The illustration showed the “A” for Laboratoires Armour-Montagu, probably not for Armocyclar.
