Canesten
Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Canesten will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door with free next-day delivery†. No hidden fees. No delays. Just expert care.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Canesten Key Facts
About Canesten
Canesten contains clotrimazole, an antifungal agent, as the active ingredient. It is an antifungal treatment for fungal skin infections such as vaginal thrush, jock itch, ringworm, athletes foot, nappy rash, and fungal sweat rash in men, women and children. It may be used in combination with hydrocortisone for inflamed infections.
Canesten and generic clotrimazole cream are available on prescription and over the counter. NowPatient offers Canesten and clotrimazole as a generic for the treatment of Jock itch only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Canesten
- For the treatment of fungal skin infections
- Canesten can take a few days to improve symptoms such as itching or soreness. Redness and scaling may take longer
- Canesten has some common side effects which include burning and discomfort
- It can be dangerous if you use Canesten with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Canesten suitable for?
Canesten is suitable for adults and children.
Who is Canesten not suitable for?
Canesten antifungal cream may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole in the past
- Have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
How and where to get Canesten?
You can buy Canesten safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with one of our prescribers for the treatment of Jock itch, you can discuss if Canesten is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Canesten for Jock itch
Canesten is available as an external cream, thrush pessary, vaginal cream or thrush duo oral capsule and when used for Jock itch, it is available in strengths ranging from 1% to 2% cream.
Information about how to use Canesten for Jock itch
Apply Canesten cream thinly to the affected areas two or three times a day. A 1cm strip of cream is enough to treat your entire hand. How long you use the cream for, will depend on the type of infection. You should use Canesten cream for at least two weeks for candida yeast infections or one month for other types of infections. Continue treatment for 1 week after your symptoms have cleared to prevent reinfection or spreading. Canesten cream is for external use only.
Read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to a healthcare professional for further information.
What happens if you use too much Canesten?
If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Canesten and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Canesten?
Common side effects include:
- Itching
- Blisters
- Burning
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Irritation or peeling
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Canesten at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Canesten. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Canesten used for Jock itch be used long term?
You should use Canesten cream for at least two weeks for candida infections or one month for other types of infections and continue treatment for 1 week after your symptoms have cleared to prevent reinfection or spreading. If your symptoms do not improve speak to a doctor for medical advice.
Is there a herbal Canesten?
No. Herbal Canesten does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Canesten?
Women can use Canesten, however you should speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Canesten?
You can eat and drink normally when using Canesten.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with Jock itch?
You may modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, this may include
- Keeping the groin area dry after showering or exercising
- Wearing clean clothes
- Avoid using deodorants in and around your intimate area
- Treating suspected fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
- Not sharing personal items
Alternatives to Canesten
Alternatives for the treatment of Jock itch include fluconazole and miconazole.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Canesten
What is Canesten?
Canesten is a well-known brand of antifungal products manufactured by Bayer, containing clotrimazole as the active ingredient. The Canesten range includes treatments for vaginal thrush (pessaries, internal cream, and external cream), athlete’s foot cream, and general antifungal skin cream. Canesten products are widely available over the counter from pharmacies across the UK. The range includes Canesten Thrush Combi (internal pessary plus external cream) and Canesten Once (500 mg single pessary).
What Canesten products are available?
The Canesten range includes: Canesten Thrush Internal Cream (5 g applicator); Canesten Thrush Pessary (500 mg single dose); Canesten Thrush Combi (pessary plus external cream); Canesten Thrush External Cream (2% clotrimazole for vulval symptoms); Canesten Cream (1% for skin fungal infections including athlete’s foot and ringworm); Canesten HC (clotrimazole 1% with hydrocortisone 1% for inflamed fungal skin infections); and Canesten Oral Capsule (fluconazole 150 mg for thrush). Products vary in their suitability and some have age restrictions.
How does Canesten work?
All Canesten products containing clotrimazole work by disrupting the fungal cell membrane. Clotrimazole inhibits the production of ergosterol, an essential structural component of the fungal cell wall. Without ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes leaky and unstable, ultimately killing the fungal cell. This mechanism is effective against Candida species (which cause thrush), dermatophytes (which cause athlete’s foot and ringworm), and other pathogenic fungi.
How do I use Canesten for vaginal thrush?
For vaginal thrush, the most common options are: Canesten Thrush Pessary — insert one 500 mg pessary high into the vagina at bedtime using the applicator (or fingers during pregnancy); Canesten Internal Cream — insert one pre-filled applicator of 10% cream into the vagina at bedtime; Canesten External Cream — apply the 2% cream to the vulval area twice daily for external symptoms. The Canesten Thrush Combi pack provides both internal and external treatment. Symptoms usually improve within 3 days.
How quickly does Canesten work for thrush?
Symptom relief typically begins within 24 hours of using Canesten for thrush. Most women notice significant improvement in itching and discharge within 1–3 days. Complete resolution usually occurs within 7 days. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, or if thrush recurs within 2 months, see your GP or pharmacist. The infection needs to be fully cleared even if symptoms improve quickly — complete the full course of any multi-day treatments.
How do I use Canesten cream for athlete's foot?
Apply Canesten 1% cream thinly to the affected areas between and around the toes two to three times daily. Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks and for 2 weeks after symptoms have cleared to prevent recurrence. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between the toes, before applying the cream. Wear clean cotton socks and breathable shoes to help prevent reinfection.
Can I use Canesten for ringworm?
Yes, Canesten 1% cream is effective for ringworm (tinea corporis). Apply a thin layer to the affected area and surrounding skin two to three times daily. Continue for at least 2–4 weeks and for 2 weeks after the rash has cleared. Keep the area clean and dry. If the ringworm is widespread, on the scalp, or not improving after 2 weeks of treatment, see your GP as oral antifungal treatment may be needed.
Can I use Canesten during pregnancy?
Clotrimazole (the active ingredient in Canesten) is the recommended first-line treatment for vaginal thrush during pregnancy. When using a pessary during pregnancy, insert it with your fingers rather than the applicator. The Canesten Oral Capsule (fluconazole) should NOT be used during pregnancy. Always mention to the pharmacist that you are pregnant when purchasing Canesten products. Consult your midwife or doctor if symptoms do not resolve or if you are unsure about which product to use.
Can I buy Canesten without a prescription?
Yes, most Canesten products are available over the counter from pharmacies. The pharmacist may ask some questions to ensure the product is appropriate for your symptoms. Some products have age restrictions — for example, Canesten thrush treatments are generally for women aged 16–60. If you fall outside this age range or have recurrent thrush, you should see your GP.
Does Canesten affect condoms?
Yes, Canesten pessaries and internal/external creams can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms. Avoid relying on latex barrier contraception during treatment and for at least 5 days afterwards. Use alternative contraception during this time. The oral Canesten capsule (fluconazole) does not affect condoms.
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