clotrimazole pessary

What to do if you missed your clotrimazole pessary dose

Other known brand names

Canesten pessary, Canesten thrush pessary

About clotrimazole pessary

Clotrimazole belongs to a class of drugs known as imidazoles. It is a topical antifungal agent that is used to treat the symptoms of thrush (vaginal discharge, burning, itching, and soreness of the vagina and vulva), jock itch, ringworm, athletes foot, fungal nappy rash, and fungal sweat rash caused by Candida in men, women and children.

Clotrimazole is also available as the active ingredient in the Canesten vaginal pessary over the counter. Now Patient offers clotrimazole pessaries as a generic or as the brand Canesten as treatments for thrush only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of clotrimazole pessary

• For the treatment of thrush
• Clotrimazole can take a few days to improve symptoms such as itching or soreness
• 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
• Canesten pessaries may reduce how effective rubber contraceptives such as condoms are. You are advised to use alternative precautions during and at least 5 days after completing treatment

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 or any of the inactive ingredients, such as lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, lactic acid, maize starch, calcium lactate pentahydrate, magnesium stearate, colloidal anhydrous silica or hypromellose
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

How and where to get clotrimazole pessaries?

Clotrimazole pessaries are available from a number of sources. It is available on prescription or over the counter at a pharmacy.

Now Patient does not allow customers to buy clotrimazole pessaries directly. 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 thrush, you can discuss if clotrimazole pessaries are 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 Now Patient.

Dosage and strength for clotrimazole pessaries for thrush

Clotrimazole is available as an external cream, pessary, oral capsule or as a combi pack containing the pessary and cream. When used for vaginal thrush, it is available as a 100, 200 or 500 mg pessary.

Information about how to use clotrimazole pessaries for thrush treatment

Clotrimazole 200mg pessaries may be used for 3 nights when treating vaginal candidiasis. Alternatively, 100mg pessaries may be used for 6 nights, or a single-dose 500mg pessary may be used for 1 night. These courses can be repeated if required. Pessaries should be inserted high into the vagina, using the applicator provided. 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

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 thrush be used long term?

You should not use clotrimazole for more than 14 days as the fungal infection may become resistant to clotrimazole. Speak to your doctor if you have had thrush more than twice in 6 months.

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 thrush?

You may modify your lifestyle in a number of ways, this may include

• Wearing clean clothes
• Treating suspected fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
• Not sharing personal items

Alternatives to clotrimazole

Alternatives for the treatment of thrush include Canesten pessaries, Diflucan or fluconazole oral capsules.