Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections such as thrush, ring worm and athlete's foot.

Clotrimazole is used in different ways, depending on what type it is. It comes as a skin cream, vaginal cream, pessary, spray and solution.

Side effects of clotrimazole include skin irritation, pain or discomfort in the area you are using it. More serious side effects are rare.

Clotrimazole is used to treat some types of fungal infections, such as:

• thrush in the vagina, on the penis, or on the skin
• athlete's foot
• ringworm
• nappy rash
• ear infections
• rash in the folds of your skin (intertrigo)

There are different types of clotrimazole, including:

• skin cream (external cream)
• cream for inside the vagina (internal cream)
• pessaries (a type of medicine to put inside the vagina)
• liquid (spray or solution)

How you use clotrimazole and how much to use depends on what type it is and what you're using it for.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or if you have any problems using it.

If a doctor prescribes clotrimazole for you, follow the advice they give about how to use it and how much to use.

How to use common types of clotrimazole

1% or 2% clotrimazole external cream is used to treat thrush in your vagina.

The 1% cream is also used to treat fungal infections on your skin, including the skin on your penis.

If you're using clotrimazole external cream:

• wash your hands before and after applying the cream
• put the cream onto your fingertip – half a centimetre is enough to treat an area the size of the palm of your hand
• apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub it in gently
• avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes

You'll need to do this 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on what you're using it for. If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see a doctor.

If you use clotrimazole cream on or around your genitals it can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms. Condoms and diaphragms may not work as well for at least 5 days after you finish your treatment.

Clotrimazole 10% cream usually comes as single dose of cream that you put inside your vagina with an applicator.

To put the cream in, follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

When using clotrimazole 10% cream:

• use it at bedtime as it works best overnight.
• do not use tampons or other vaginal products while you're using the cream
• do not use it during your period – wait until your period has finished
• avoid vaginal sex until you've finished using it as there's a risk you could pass thrush onto your partner

You may notice a slight discharge after using the cream. This does not mean that the treatment has not worked.

If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see a doctor.

Clotrimazole cream can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms. This means condoms and diaphragms may not work as well for at least 5 days after you finish your treatment.

A pessary is a type of tablet you put into your vagina with an applicator. It dissolves to treat thrush in your vagina. Do not swallow pessaries.

The dose to treat thrush is:

• 100mg pessary – use 1 pessary every night for 6 nights in a row or 2 pessaries for 3 nights in a row
• 200mg pessary – use 1 pessary every night for 3 nights in a row
• 500mg pessary – use 1 pessary for 1 night only

To put the pessary in, follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with it.

When using clotrimazole pessaries:

• use them at bedtime as they work best overnight
• do not use tampons or other vaginal products while you're using the pessary
• do not use pessaries during your period – wait until your period has finished
• avoid vaginal sex until you've finished using them as there is a risk you could pass thrush onto your partner

If the pessary comes out, speak to your pharmacist as this means it may not have worked as well.

If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see a doctor.

Clotrimazole pessaries can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms. This means condoms and diaphragms may not work as well for at least 5 days after you finish your treatment.

1% clotrimazole solution is used to treat fungal infections on your skin or in your ear. It's often used if you have hairy skin.

If you’re using clotrimazole solution:

• use the plastic dropper to put clotrimazole solution on your skin or into your ear
• for your skin, spread the solution thinly and evenly on the affected area – a few drops of clotrimazole solution is enough to cover an area the size of your hand
• for an ear infection, put 2 to 3 drops of clotrimazole solution into your ear

Do this 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks after the fungal infection has cleared up. You can use it for up to 4 weeks.

1% clotrimazole spray is used to treat fungal infections on your skin. It's often used if you have hairy skin or the infection covers a large part of your body.

If you're using 1% spray:

• follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with your medicine
• wash and dry the affected area
• press the spray pump 1 or 2 times the first time you use it to get it ready to spray
• hold and spray about 15cm away from the affected area

Do this 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. You can use it for up to 4 weeks.

• do not go near naked flames if you're using the external cream or spray

• do not swallow clotrimazole – speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you swallow it accidentally

• do not put clotrimazole in your eyes – if you get it in your eyes, wash with water immediately and speak to a doctor or pharmacist

If you forget to use clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution you can apply it as soon as you remember and continue using it 2 to 3 times a day.

If you forget to put in a clotrimazole pessary, put it in as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose.

If you use too much clotrimazole

Having an extra dose of clotrimazole is unlikely to cause problems. But it's important to get medical advice if you use too much and it causes any symptoms, such as pain or irritation.

• you've used more clotrimazole than it says on the packet or prescription and it's causing any symptoms

Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Side effects usually stop when you stop using clotrimazole.

Common side effects

Common side effects of clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution include:

• red, itchy or irritated skin – redness may be less noticeable on black or brown skin
• pain, burning or a stinging sensation

Common side effects of clotrimazole pessaries and internal cream include:

• pain or swelling in or around your vagina
• a burning or a stinging feeling in your vagina
• pain in your lower tummy or pelvic area
• discharge or bleeding from your vagina

• you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.

It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to clotrimazole, but this is rare.

• you're taking clotrimazole and think you're having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.