Clotrimazole

What is Clotrimazole 1% w/w cream?

Clotrimazole cream, which is also available under the brand name Canesten, belongs to a class of antifungals known as imidazoles.

Clotrimazole cream is used to treat fungal skin infections, such as ringworm and jock itch. It attacks the fungi directly to clear the infection.

Ringworm:

Since ringworm is a fungal infection on the skin, the recommended treatment for it on the body is an antifungal cream, such as Clotrimazole. Clotrimazole attacks the fungi that are causing your ringworm infection to allow your skin to heal. Clotrimazole antifungal cream is easy to apply and has sufficient strength to penetrate the skin without being overly harsh, helping to relieve your symptoms.

Jock Itch:

If you have jock itch, it's essential that you treat it right away to prevent it from spreading to other areas of your body and from worsening. An antifungal product like Clotrimazole will treat jock itch effectively and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.

How Does Clotrimazole Cream Work?

Clotrimazole kills yeast and fungal infections by preventing the cells' ability to produce a substance called ergosterol, which is crucial to their survival.

Without ergosterol, the cell's structure becomes weakened, and its contents spill out, ultimately killing the cell.

How Do I Use Clotrimazole Cream?

Your doctor will let you know the dose of Clotrimazole Cream to use and for how long. If you've been provided with a prescription, the dose will also be added to the medicine label.

Always use Clotrimazole as prescribed by your doctor.

If you purchased this medicine without a prescription, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully.

To use Clotrimazole skin cream:

1. Pierce the tube seal before using by putting the cap upside down over the end of the tube and pressing.
2. Thoroughly wash your hands before applying the cream. This will keep the infection from spreading.
3. Apply Clotrimazole evenly and thinly to the affected area, two or three times a day, and gently rub it in.
4. Squeeze the length of cream out onto your finger.
5. Be sure to apply the cream to all areas of the skin affected by fungal infection.

Do not rub Clotrimazole cream in vigorously, as this can irritate your skin.

Avoid applying the cream to areas of healthy skin.

Always wash your hands after you use Clotrimazole to help prevent the spread of the infection to other body areas.

Use a separate towel to dry your hands from those of other individuals until your infection clears. This will prevent you from passing the infection on to others.

Clotrimazole Cream Side Effects and Cautions

Before using Clotrimazole 1% cream, please read the enclosed patient information leaflet. This leaflet contains instructions on using, storing and disposing of Clotrimazole cream, as well as information regarding the safety of the cream.

You can also read the patient information leaflet for Clotrimazole cream online.

If you have any concerns or questions about the information presented in the patient information leaflet, please discuss them with your doctor or a pharmacist.

Side effects

Like all medications, this medication could cause side effects; however, not all people experience them.

After applying Clotrimazole cream, you may experience:

• Rash
• Itching
• Discomfort
• Blisters
• Irritation
• Swelling
• Peeling of skin
• Redness of skin

These symptoms could indicate you're allergic to the cream.

Allergies

Do not use Clotrimazole 1% Cream if you are allergic to Clotrimazole or any of its other ingredients. A list of ingredients can be found within the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Breathing or swallowing problems
• Rash
• Nausea
• Feeling faint or dizzy, weakness
• Swelling of the throat, face, tongue or lips

Don't put Clotrimazole in your mouth or swallow the medicine. If you, or someone else, accidentally swallows the medicine, contact your nearest hospital's Accident and Emergency Department or your doctor immediately. If you accidentally get the cream in your mouth or eyes, immediately wash them with water and then call your doctor.

Is Clotrimazole safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Do not use Clotrimazole if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, unless specified otherwise by a doctor.

Can Clotrimazole adversely interact with other medications?

Let your doctor know if you're currently or have recently taken any other medications. This includes medications you obtain without a prescription and health supplements. Clotrimazole isn't known to interact with other medications.

Always store medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they are experiencing similar symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I forget to take Clotrimazole when I should?

Apply the cream as soon as you remember and continue on with your treatment regimen.

What should I do if I take too much Clotrimazole?

You're not likely to experience any harm if you've taken an extra dose of this medication by mistake.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Clotrimazole?

Physicians advise you not to drink alcohol when you're using Clotrimazole or any other antifungal medication. Because alcohol is metabolised in the liver, taking Clotrimazole while consuming alcohol could add heightened stress on your liver. This could lead to you experiencing symptoms similar to a hangover. In addition, it could lead to severe liver problems.

Will Clotrimazole impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Clotrimazole won't affect your ability to operate machinery or drive.

Can I buy Clotrimazole Cream over-the-counter?

Yes, you can buy Clotrimazole over the counter. If you are struggling to get to a pharmacy, you can buy Clotrimazole cream online from Prescription Doctor.

Following a quick medical questionnaire, our doctor can determine your suitability, and our UK-registered pharmacy can dispatch Clotrimazole Cream to your door via a discreet delivery service.

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