Clotrimazole

What is Clotrimazole Cream?

Clotrimazole cream is a common, over-the-counter cream used to treat infections caused by fungi and yeasts, such as vaginal thrush in women and candidal balanitis in men. Clotrimazole is also available under the brand name Canesten and belongs to a class of antifungals known as imidazoles.

Clotrimazole cream is available in 2 different strengths: 1% and 2%. What you will need depends on the type of infection you have and the severity of your symptoms. Clotrimazole cream is applied externally and directly to the affected area. 

What is the Difference Between Clotrimazole 1% Cream and Clotrimazole 2% Cream?

The main difference between Clotrimazole 1% and 2% cream is the concentration of the active ingredient, clotrimazole. They are often prescribed for various fungal infections, and the duration you need to apply them can also vary.

The table below shows the main differences between clotrimazole 1% and 2% cream: 

What is Clotrimazole Cream Used For?

Clotrimazole cream is used to treat skin infections caused by fungi and yeasts. It is commonly used to treat thrush in both men and women, including vaginal thrush and candidal balanitis. If your partner is receiving treatment for thrush, you may also receive treatment to prevent the infection from being passed back and forth. 

Clotrimazole can also treat:

• Athlete’s foot
• Ringworm 
• Jock itch
• Sweat rash

A clinician will suggest the lowest effective dose to treat your symptoms.

How Does Clotrimazole Work for Thrush?

Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus that causes thrush, Candida. It stops the fungus from growing, so it can no longer cause infection by stopping it from producing ergosterol, a vital component that fungi need to build and maintain their cell walls. Without ergosterol, fungal cell membranes are damaged, causing cellular contents to leak out and killing the fungus. 

Because clotrimazole is an external cream, it can only treat the external symptoms of thrush, such as itching, irritation, and redness. It will not treat internal thrush, such as vaginal thrush. For this reason, it is usually used with pessaries or an internal cream.

How Long Does Clotrimazole Take to Work?

Most people find that Clotrimazole cream starts to relieve their symptoms within 1 to 3 days of starting treatment, but you will need to apply it consistently for 2 to 4 weeks to fully clear the infection. How long you will need to use clotrimazole cream depends on the type and location of the infection.

How Effective is Clotrimazole Cream for Thrush?

Clotrimazole cream is a highly effective treatment for external thrush. In men, 91% had no symptoms of candidal balanitis after 7 days, and 98% were symptom-free after 3 weeks. Because Clotrimazole external cream cannot treat the underlying causes of female thrush, it often works best when combined with an internal pessary or cream.

Research shows that when combined with a 500 mg vaginal clotrimazole tablet, clotrimazole 1% cream led to a cure in 85 to 90% of people with vaginal thrush. Clotrimazole 2% external cream combined with clotrimazole 10% internal cream led to a 2-week cure rate of 74%.

How to Use Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream

If you’ve been prescribed Clotrimazole antifungal cream by a clinician or doctor, follow the instructions they have given you. These will also be printed on the medicine label. Always use the treatment exactly as prescribed.

More information on how to use Clotrimazole vaginal cream is available below, including application steps, dosage, and treatment duration. 

How to Apply Clotrimazole Cream

Clotrimazole antifungal cream is for external use only. Avoid applying it to healthy skin, and always wash your hands after using the medication to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. You should also use a separate towel so you don’t pass the infection to others.

Instructions about how to apply Clotrimazole cream are as follows:

1. Thoroughly wash your hands before applying the cream. This will keep the infection from spreading.
2. Before use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and pressing down 
3. Apply Clotrimazole evenly and thinly to the affected area and around the entrance of the vagina, then gently rub it in. A product to treat the vaginal infection should be used concurrently. 
4. Do not rub Clotrimazole cream in vigorously, as this can irritate your skin

Clotrimazole vaginal cream should be applied two or three times daily. Continue to use the medication until symptoms of the infection have cleared. If things don’t improve within 7 days of finishing treatment, speak to your doctor or clinician.

If You Swallow Clotrimazole Cream

You must not put Clotrimazole cream in your mouth or swallow it. If you accidentally swallow the cream, tell your doctor straight away or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department. Swallowing the medication can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and an unpleasant taste.

Clotrimazole Missed Dose Information

If you forget to apply clotrimazole cream, apply it as soon as you remember and continue your treatment regimen. If you keep forgetting to apply it, contact your clinician, as it needs to be applied consistently to be effective.

If You Use Too Much Clotrimazole

If you accidentally use too much Clotrimazole cream or you apply more than you need, it can cause red or irritated skin. If this happens, apply less cream next time and only apply it as many times as the clinician has advised. 

Clotrimazole Cream Side Effects and Cautions

Clotrimazole can cause side effects, so it is important to understand the potential effects so you know what to look out for and when you may need to seek medical advice.

Clotrimazole Side Effects

Just like all medications, Clotrimazole cream can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience them, but it’s still a good idea to have a clear understanding of what to expect before you start treatment. Potential Clotrimazole cream side effects include:

• Itching
• Rash
• Blisters
• Burning or stinging
• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Redness
• Irritation
• Pins and needles
• Skin peeling

You can find a full list of side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with clotrimazole cream, or you can view it online. If you experience any of the above adverse reactions, speak to your clinician or doctor immediately. You can also report Clotrimazole side effects using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. 

Allergic Reaction

Some people may be allergic to Clotrimazole cream. If you are allergic, you may experience the following shortly after applying the cream:

• Rash
• Swallowing or breathing problems
• Swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue
• Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint
• Nausea

If you get any of these side effects, contact your doctor straight away, or if they get worse or in case of an emergency, go to your nearest A&E department. Make sure you take the cream and its original packaging with you so that the medical team can see what you have used and provide the correct treatment.

Ingredient Information

Clotrimazole cream contains cetostearyl alcohol, which can cause local skin reactions, such as contact dermatitis. It also contains 20 mg benzyl alcohol in each gram of cream, which can cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation.

Clotrimazole Precautions and Warnings

Everyone’s circumstances are different, meaning not all medications will be suitable. There may also be some situations where you should seek medical advice before starting treatment to ensure it is safe for you to use.

Do not use Clotrimazole cream if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients in the medication. This includes cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol.

Clotrimazole Precautions

Before using Clotrimazole cream, speak to your clinician or doctor if you:

• Are not sure if you have thrush or if this is the first time you have had these symptoms
• Have had more than 2 thrush infections in the last six months
• Or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Are aged under 16 or over 60
• Have ever had an allergic reaction to Canesten or any other vaginal antifungal products

You should also seek medical guidance if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a blood-stained discharge
• Ulcers, blisters or sores of the vagina or vulva
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain or difficulty passing urine
• Fever or chills
• Feeling or being sick
• Diarrhoea
• A foul-smelling discharge from the vagina

This is because the treatment may not be suitable for you.

Clotrimazole and Rubber Contraceptives

Clotrimazole can reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms and diaphragms. You should use alternative contraception for at least 5 days after using the treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You can use Clotrimazole cream during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, you should speak to a doctor or midwife beforehand, and then follow their instructions carefully.

How to Buy Clotrimazole Cream

Clotrimazole cream is widely available without a prescription in local pharmacies and online. A clinician or pharmacist will need to ask you a few questions before prescribing the treatment to make sure it is safe for you to use. 

Can You Buy Clotrimazole Over the Counter?

Yes, Clotrimazole cream is widely available over the counter from most high street pharmacies. It can also be bought in some supermarkets.

Is Clotrimazole Cream on the NHS?

Yes, Clotrimazole cream is available on the NHS and is widely prescribed to treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, and thrush. However, you do not necessarily need a GP’s prescription to get it, as it can be bought from your local pharmacy and online.

Can You Buy Clotrimazole Cream Online?

Yes, you can buy Clotrimazole cream online from reputable online pharmacies like Prescription Doctor. You will need to complete a short online health questionnaire for our clinician to review. Once approved, we will always send your treatment in plain, discreet packaging and, if approved before 3pm Monday to Friday, it will be dispatched via our next-day delivery service so you can start treatment promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream