Clotrimazole
|
About clotrimazole
| Type of medicine | Antifungal |
| Used for | Fungal infections |
| Also called | Canesten® Canesten® AF Dual Action |
| Available as | Cream, powder, spray and topical solution |
Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot. The cream can also be used to treat genital fungal infections such as thrush.
Before using clotrimazole
Before using clotrimazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
How to use clotrimazole
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Clotrimazole preparations are usually applied two to three times a day until the infection has cleared.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after handling clotrimazole.
- Do not allow clotrimazole to come into contact with the eyes, ears, or mucous membranes (eg. mouth, inside of nose etc.), unless you are advised to do so by your doctor.
- Complete the full course of treatment with clotrimazole, otherwise your infection is likely to come back.
- Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside clotrimazole.
- You should see an improvement in your condition after a few days. If your condition does not seem to be getting better after seven days, consult your doctor for advice.
Can clotrimazole cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Skin irritation such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation | This should only last for a few minutes after application. |
How to store clotrimazole
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Canesten AF Dual Action Spray, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2007, accessed November 2008.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Canesten AF Dual Action Powder, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2006, accessed November 2008.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Canesten AF Dual Action Cream, Bayer plc, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2008, accessed November 2008.
- British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
Find out more about updating.
Related pages in Patient UK
Your Experience (^ top of page)
Please add your experience about this condition / medicineHealth Topic information leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)
Antifungal MedicinesMedicine & Drug information leaflets related to this topic (^ top of page)
Clotrimazole for ThrushPatient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)
Latest Health News
View current health newsRelated Products (^ top of page)
Patient UK Pharmacy
Canesten Care Feminine Wipes
Canesten Care Intimate Cream Wash
Canesten Care Intimate Cream Wash Buy One Get One Free
Canesten Combi
Canesten Cream
Canesten Cream 1%
Canesten Cream Combi
Canesten Dermatological Powder
Canesten Duo
Canesten Internal Cream - Formerly Canesten Once
Canesten Oral Capsule
Canesten Pessaries 100mg
Canesten Pessary
Canesten Thrush Cream 2%
Canesten Wash + Wipes PackMedical equipment
Pill/Tablet Equipment
Books

Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)
Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites
![]() | Canesten Combi Patient UK Pharmacy Price £9.75 |
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control over the content of any external links above. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
Want to advertise on this site? Find out how >>
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document
Note: this will open in a new window
Note: this will open in a new window







