clotrimazole + fluconazole at a glance
Medicine class
Azole antifungals
Components
An oral fluconazole capsule and clotrimazole cream for external use
Usual role
Treats vaginal thrush or associated candidal balanitis, with cream for external symptoms
Food
The capsule may be swallowed with or without food
Before using
Seek professional advice for first-time, uncertain, recurrent or atypical symptoms
What is clotrimazole + fluconazole used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected product are:
Acute or recurrent candidal vaginitis.
Associated candidal balanitis in a sexual partner.
Candida vulvitis, with external cream relieving external infection and symptoms.
External penile Candida symptoms and helping prevent reinfection.
How does clotrimazole + fluconazole work?
Both components block production of ergosterol, an essential part of the fungal cell membrane. Fluconazole acts after absorption from the gut, while clotrimazole acts locally on externally treated skin.
How to take clotrimazole + fluconazole
Swallow the capsule whole with water, with or without food. Apply the cream thinly and gently to the affected external genital area, washing your hands before and after use. Do not swallow the cream or place it inside the vagina.
Follow the enclosed leaflet and instructions from the prescriber or pharmacist.
The cream may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms; use alternative precautions after using it.
Do not drive or operate machinery if the capsule causes dizziness.
clotrimazole + fluconazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache.
- Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Rash.
- Burning, stinging, redness, itching, pain or irritation where the cream is applied.
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or angioedema.
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reactions, including DRESS.
- Signs of liver injury, such as jaundice, dark urine or pale stools.
- Seizures or a significant change in heart rhythm.
- Unusual bruising or recurrent infections suggesting a blood disorder.
clotrimazole + fluconazole in pregnancy
Do not self-treat with this combined product if pregnant, possibly pregnant or trying to conceive. Topical clotrimazole is generally preferred for thrush in pregnancy. Oral fluconazole should be considered only by a clinician when alternatives have not worked and the benefits and risks have been discussed.
clotrimazole + fluconazole while breastfeeding
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using the combined product. Clotrimazole has minimal systemic absorption and is generally compatible with breastfeeding. Fluconazole enters breast milk but may be used when a clinician considers it appropriate for a healthy infant. Seek advice if the baby feeds poorly, vomits or develops diarrhoea.
clotrimazole + fluconazole interactions
Fluconazole inhibits several CYP enzymes. Check all prescribed, pharmacy and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Cisapride, astemizole, terfenadine, pimozide, quinidine or erythromycin
Do not combine because raised concentrations can cause dangerous QT prolongation and heart-rhythm disturbances.
Warfarin and related oral anticoagulants
Fluconazole can increase anticoagulant effect and bleeding risk; additional coagulation monitoring may be required.
Atorvastatin, simvastatin or fluvastatin
Exposure and the risk of muscle injury can increase; review the statin and monitor for unexplained muscle symptoms.
Common questions about clotrimazole + fluconazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is clotrimazole + fluconazole used for?
It treats previously diagnosed vaginal thrush or associated candidal balanitis. The cream also treats external vulval or penile Candida symptoms.
Why does it contain both a capsule and a cream?
The fluconazole capsule acts systemically against Candida, while the clotrimazole cream acts locally on external soreness, itching and infection.
Can the capsule be taken with food?
Yes. Swallow it whole with water, with or without food.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.