clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is an anti-fungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat).

Clotrimazole prevents the growth of several types of fungi by preventing interfering with the production of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells. It is used topically on the skin, inserted vaginally, or allowed to dissolve in the mouth for local fungal infections.

Clotrimazole is used for the treatment of local fungal infections due to Candida albicans, including the following:

• vaginal yeast infections ,
• oral thrush,
• tinea versicolor,
• tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"),
• tinea cruris ("jock itch") or
• tinea corporis.

The most commonly noted side effects associated with clotrimazole include:

• local redness,
• stinging,
• blistering,
• peeling,
• swelling,
• itching,
• hives, or
• burning at the area of application.

Other side effects include nausea and vomiting, which may be caused by the oral forms.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Clotrimazole topical has no listed severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Clotrimazole topical has no listed serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Clotrimazole topical has no listed moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Clotrimazole topical has no listed minor interactions with any other drugs. 

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

The troche (lozenge) should slowly dissolve in the mouth. One troche is administered 5 times daily for 14 days. Clotrimazole cream, lotion, or solution is applied to the affected and surrounding skin areas, generally twice daily in the morning and evening.

• The vaginal cream is inserted via applicator once daily, preferably at night, for 7 consecutive days.
• The 100 mg vaginal suppository is inserted once daily, preferably at bedtime, for 7 consecutive days.
• The 200 mg vaginal suppository is inserted once daily for 3 days, preferably at bedtime.

• Clotrimazole is very poorly absorbed into the blood and the body after application to the skin or the vagina. Studies in women in their second or third trimesters of pregnancy have demonstrated no ill effects. No data is available on pregnant women during their first trimester. 
• It is not known if clotrimazole is secreted in breast milk.

What preparations of clotrimazole are available?

• Topical cream, solution or lotion: 1%
• Buccal troche: 10 mg
• Vaginal suppositories: 100 and 200 mg
• Vaginal cream: 1% and 2%

How should I keep clotrimazole stored?

• Cream, lotion, solution and troche should be stored between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Vaginal suppositories should be stored between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).