Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole topical is a prescription as well as over-the-counter topical medication used for the treatment of fungal infections like Cutaneous candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis, and superficial skin infection.

• Clotrimazole topical is available under the following different brand names: Gyne Lotrimin, Lotrimin, Lotrimin AF, Mycelex topical

Adult and pediatric dosage

Topical cream/ointment/solution 

• 1%

Vaginal cream

• 1%
• 2%

Cutaneous Candidiasis/ Dermatophytosis 

Adult dosage

• Apply to affected area every 12 hours

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 12 years
• Safety and efficacy not established

Children above 12 years

• Apply to affected area every 12 hours

Vaginal candidiasis

Adult dosage

• Cream (1%): Insert 1 applicatorful daily, preferably at bedtime, for 7-14 days
• Cream (2%): Insert 1 applicatorful daily, preferably at bedtime, for 3 consecutive days

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 12 years
• Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 12 years
• Cream (1%): Insert 1 applicatorful daily, preferably at bedtime, for 7-14 days
• Cream (2%): Insert 1 applicatorful daily, preferably at bedtime, for 3 consecutive days

Superficial Dermatologic Infection

Adult dosage

• Apply to affected area every 12 hours for 7 consecutive days

Pediatric dosage

Children below 12 years

• Safety and efficacy not established

Children above 12 years

• Apply to affected area every 12 hours for 7 consecutive days

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See "Dosages."

Common side effects of Clotrimazole topical include:

• none

Serious side effects of Clotrimazole topical include:

• hives,
• difficult breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• severe blistering of treated skin
• severe burning, itching, or other irritation
• swelling, redness, or oozing from the applied site

Rare side effects of Clotrimazole topical include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• 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. 

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or components 

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Clotrimazole topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Clotrimazole topical?”

Cautions

• Avoid contact with eyes
• Some dosage forms contain benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol have been associated with gasping syndrome (potentially fatal) in neonates
• Not for use by patients who have never had a vaginal infection diagnosed by a doctor
• Not for use with tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products
• Condoms and diagrams may damage and fail to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
• Not for use when having vaginal intercourse
• May cause mild increase in vaginal burning, itching or irritation
• Patient should ask doctor if symptoms do not get better in 3 days, symptoms last more than 7 days, or experience rash, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or a foul-smelling vagina discharge 

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Small amounts of imidazoles may be absorbed systemically following topical and vaginal administration
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution