Clotrimazole
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* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Clotrimazole Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Canesten cream, Canesten thrush cream
About Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole belongs to a class of drugs known as imidazoles. It is a topical antifungal agent that is used to treat fungal skin infections such as external thrush, jock itch, ringworm, athletes foot, fungal nappy rash, and fungal sweat rash in men, women and children.
Clotrimazole cream is also available as the active ingredient in Canesten over the counter. NowPatient offers Clotrimazole as a generic or as the brand Canesten as treatments for Jock itch only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Clotrimazole
- For the treatment of fungal skin infections
- Clotrimazole can take a few days to improve symptoms such as itching or soreness. Redness and scaling may take longer
- Clotrimazole has some common side effects which include burning and discomfort
- It can be dangerous if you use Clotrimazole with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Clotrimazole suitable for?
Clotrimazole is suitable for adults and children.
Who is Clotrimazole not suitable for?
Clotrimazole 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 1% or any of the inactive ingredients, such as polysorbate 60, cetyl esters wax, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodeoanol, or benzyl alcohol
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
How and where to get Clotrimazole?
You can buy Clotrimazole 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 a prescribing clinician for the treatment of Jock itch, you can discuss if Clotrimazole 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 Clotrimazole for Jock itch
Clotrimazole is available as a cream, pessary or oral capsule and when used for Jock itch, it is available in strengths ranging from 1% cream to 2% cream.
Information about how to use Clotrimazole for Jock itch
Apply Clotrimazole 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 Clotrimazole cream for at least two weeks for candida infections or one month for other types of infections. Continue treatment for 1 week after your symptoms have cleared to prevent reinfection or spreading. Clotrimazole 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 Clotrimazole?
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 Clotrimazole and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Clotrimazole?
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 Clotrimazole 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 Clotrimazole. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Clotrimazole used for Jock itch be used long term?
You should use Clotrimazole 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 Clotrimazole?
No. Herbal Clotrimazole does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Clotrimazole?
Women can use Clotrimazole, however you should speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Clotrimazole?
You can eat and drink normally when using Clotrimazole.
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
- Treating suspected fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
- Not sharing personal items
Alternatives to Clotrimazole
Alternatives for the treatment of Jock itch include Canesten and Daktarin cream.
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.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Clotrimazole
What is Clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal medication widely available in the UK for treating fungal skin, nail, and vaginal infections. It is available as a cream (1%), pessary (100 mg, 200 mg, 500 mg), vaginal cream, solution, and spray. Common brand names include Canesten. Clotrimazole is available over the counter from pharmacies for many indications, including thrush (vaginal candidiasis), athlete’s foot, ringworm, and fungal nappy rash. It is one of the most commonly used antifungal treatments in the UK.
What is Clotrimazole used for?
Clotrimazole is used for a wide range of fungal infections including vaginal thrush (candidal vulvovaginitis), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), fungal nappy rash, oral thrush (as a topical preparation), fungal nail infections (mild), and intertrigo (fungal infection in skin folds). It is effective against dermatophytes, yeasts (including Candida species), and moulds.
How does Clotrimazole work?
Clotrimazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. It blocks the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), disrupting the production of ergosterol. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes permeable and unstable, leading to leakage of cell contents and death of the fungal cell. At standard concentrations, clotrimazole is fungistatic (prevents growth) and at higher concentrations it becomes fungicidal (kills fungi).
How do I use Clotrimazole cream for skin infections?
Apply clotrimazole 1% cream thinly to the affected area two to three times daily, gently rubbing it in. Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks for athlete’s foot and ringworm, and for at least 2 weeks after all symptoms have cleared to prevent recurrence. Keep the affected area clean and dry. For athlete’s foot, pay particular attention to drying between the toes thoroughly. Wash your hands after application.
How do I use Clotrimazole for vaginal thrush?
For vaginal thrush, options include: a single clotrimazole 500 mg pessary inserted vaginally at bedtime; one 200 mg pessary at bedtime for 3 consecutive nights; or clotrimazole vaginal cream (10%) as a single dose. An external clotrimazole 2% cream can also be applied to the vulval area twice daily for symptomatic relief of external itching and soreness. Pessaries should be inserted as high into the vagina as comfortable, preferably at bedtime.
What are the side effects of Clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole is generally very well-tolerated. Uncommon side effects from topical use include local irritation, burning, stinging, redness, and itching at the application site. Allergic reactions are rare. Vaginal pessaries may cause mild vaginal irritation or increased discharge. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days, consult a pharmacist or doctor as the infection may not be fungal.
Can I use Clotrimazole during pregnancy?
Clotrimazole is considered safe to use during pregnancy for vaginal thrush. It is the treatment of choice for thrush in pregnant women. However, during pregnancy, the oral fluconazole tablet should be avoided. When using a pessary during pregnancy, insert it with your fingers rather than using an applicator to avoid any risk of cervical trauma. Always consult your midwife or doctor if you are unsure.
Can I buy Clotrimazole without a prescription?
Yes, clotrimazole cream, pessaries, and vaginal cream are available over the counter from pharmacies. A pharmacist can advise on the most appropriate formulation for your condition. For recurrent thrush (four or more episodes per year), see your GP for investigation and possible prescription treatment. Clotrimazole is also available on NHS prescription.
Does Clotrimazole affect condoms?
Yes, clotrimazole pessaries and vaginal cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms, making them less effective as contraception. You should use alternative contraception or avoid sexual intercourse during treatment and for at least 5 days after completing vaginal clotrimazole treatment. This applies to all oil-based vaginal preparations. Polyisoprene or non-latex condoms may be less affected but caution is still advised.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
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