Clotrimazole

What is Clotrimazole 1% w/w cream?

Clotrimazole cream, which goes by the brand name Canesten, belongs to a group of medications known as imidazoles. It's an antifungal agent that attacks the cause of a fungal skin infection. Clotrimazole is the active substance.

Clotrimazole cream is used for treating fungal skin infections like ringworm and jock itch.

Ringworm:

Since ringworm is a fungal infection on your skin, the recommended treatment to treat it on your body is an anti-fungal cream like Clotrimazole. Clotrimazole attacks the fungi that are causing your ringworm infection to allow your skin to heal. Clotrimazole anti-fungal cream is simple to apply and has enough power to penetrate into your skin without being unnecessarily harsh to relieve your symptoms.

Jock Itch:

If you're struggling with jock itch, it's essential you treat it right away to keep it from spreading to other areas of your body and keep it from becoming worse. An anti-fungal product like Clotrimazole will treat jock itch effectively and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.

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How Does Clotrimazole Cream Work?

Clotrimazole kills yeast and fungal infection by preventing cells the ability to produce a substance which is crucial to their survival.

Without a substance named ergosterol, the structure of the cells becomes weakened and the contents of the cell spill out, thus killing the cell.

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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 your medication as the leaflet (included with your prescription) describes or as your doctor indicates. If you're not sure, talk to your doctor.

If you bought this medicine without a prescription, be sure you read and follow the directions closely.

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 rub it in gently.
4. Squeeze the length of cream out onto your finger.
5. Be sure to apply the cream to all skin areas with fungal infection. Don't rub the cream hard or you could irritate your skin. Don't apply the cream to any skin that's not affected.

Always wash your hands after you use Clotrimazole to help prevent the spread of the infection to other body areas. Also, you'll want to use a separate towel than other individuals until your infection clears.

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Clotrimazole Cream Side Effects and Cautions

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

After applying the 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.

If you experience any side effects, whether listed here or in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or consult a pharmacist for advice. You can find your nearest pharmacy using the NHS' Find A Pharmacy service.

Some individuals could be allergic to this medication. If you do experience an allergic reaction, discontinue using Clotrimazole and let your doctor know immediately or call your nearest hospital's Accident and Emergency Department. Allergic reaction signs might 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 somebody else, swallows the medicine accidentally, contact your nearest hospital's Accident and Emergency Department or your doctor straight away. If you get the cream in your mouth or eyes accidentally, 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. Don't use this product if you're allergic to any of its ingredients.

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 keep 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 to you.

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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 to not drink alcohol when you're using Clotrimazole or any other antifungal medication. Because alcohol is metabolized 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 straight to your door via a discreet delivery service.

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Table of contents

What is Clotrimazole?

How does Clotrimazole work?

How do I use Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions