clotrimazole at a glance
Medicine class
Azole antifungal
Available forms
Selected products include skin spray, external cream, internal vaginal cream, pessary and soft vaginal capsule.
What is clotrimazole used for?
Licensed uses depend on the formulation.
Fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or moulds; spray is particularly suitable for large or hairy areas.
Candidal vaginitis, using an internal vaginal formulation.
Candidal vulvitis: external cream relieves infection and irritation around the vaginal entrance but does not replace internal treatment.
The selected external cream is also licensed for application to a sexual partner’s penis to help prevent reinfection.
How does clotrimazole work?
Clotrimazole blocks production of ergosterol, an essential part of the fungal cell membrane. This damages the membrane, stopping fungal growth or killing the fungus depending on the concentration at the infected site.
clotrimazole preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1% w/w, 2% w/w
Pessary
Route: Vaginal
Strengths: 100 mg, 200 mg, 500 mg
How to take clotrimazole
Follow the instructions for the specific formulation. Products for skin, external genital use and internal vaginal use are not interchangeable.
Wash your hands before and after application. Clean and dry infected skin before applying skin treatment.
Apply external cream thinly and rub it in gently. External thrush cream does not treat an internal vaginal infection.
Insert vaginal formulations as deeply as is comfortable using the supplied device. During pregnancy, vaginal tablets or pessaries should be inserted without an applicator.
Vaginal tablets and pessaries need moisture to dissolve, so small pieces may emerge if vaginal dryness is present.
Do not use vaginal clotrimazole during menstruation or alongside tampons, vaginal douches, spermicides or other vaginal products.
Keep spray away from flames. Exposed fabric may burn more easily, even after washing.
clotrimazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Redness, irritation, itching, rash, peeling, pain, burning or stinging where a skin product was applied.
- Vaginal or vulval discomfort, swelling, burning, itching, pain or discharge after an internal product.
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort and vaginal bleeding have been reported with vaginal products.
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden facial, mouth or throat swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, fainting or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
clotrimazole in pregnancy
Skin and vaginal products are generally considered suitable during pregnancy, but speak to a GP, pharmacist or midwife before treating thrush. Selected product information requires professional supervision, and vaginal tablets or pessaries should be inserted without an applicator.
clotrimazole interactions
Clinically important interactions depend on the formulation.
Latex condoms and diaphragms
Vaginal and external thrush products may damage latex and reduce contraceptive protection; use an alternative precaution as directed in the pack.
Oral tacrolimus or sirolimus
Vaginal clotrimazole may increase blood concentrations, so toxicity assessment and drug-level monitoring may be required.
Common questions about clotrimazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does external cream treat vaginal thrush internally?
No. It treats infection and irritation around the vulva and does not replace appropriate internal treatment when candidal vaginitis is present.
Why can pieces of a pessary emerge after use?
Pessaries and vaginal tablets need moisture to dissolve. With vaginal dryness, harmless undissolved fragments can sometimes emerge.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.