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Clotrimazole

  • Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Clotrimazole cream can also be used to treat genital fungal infections such as thrush.
  • Clotrimazole preparations are usually applied two to three times a day until the infection has cleared.
  • The most common side effects are skin irritation such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation. These side-effects should only last a short time after application.

About clotrimazole

Type of medicine Antifungals
Used for Fungal infections
Also called Abtrim; Candiden; Canesten; Canesten-AF
Available as Cream, powder, spray and topical solution

Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. The cream can also be used to treat genital fungal infections such as thrush.

Before taking clotrimazole

Before taking 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 take clotrimazole

  • 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 take 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 of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1408		 DocRef:
dils3054		 Last Updated:
3 Jan 2007		 Date of Next Review:
2 Jan 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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