Experiences with

Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat skin infections caused by a fungus (yeast). It works by killing the fungus that is causing the infection.

Clotrimazole treats different types of fungal infections, including:

• athlete's foot
• ringworm
• fungal nail infection
• infected nappy rash
• rash in folds of skin (intertrigo)

Clotrimazole is available as a cream, spray and a solution that you put on your skin. The treatment you use will depend on where the infection is on your body.

You can buy clotrimazole from a pharmacy or shop.

Clotrimazole is also available as external and internal cream and pessaries, to treat vaginal thrush.

Who can use clotrimazole

Most adults and children can use clotrimazole cream, spray and solution.

Who may not be able to use clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is not suitable for everyone.

To make sure it's safe for you, tell a doctor if you've ever had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole or any other medicine.

Dosage and strength

Clotrimazole comes as a 1% strength cream, spray or solution.

Apply clotrimazole to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. It will work better if you can use it 3 times a day.

How to use it

If the affected area is large or hairy, it's best to use either the spray or solution.

If you're using clotrimazole on your feet, make sure you wash and thoroughly dry them first, especially between your toes.

How to use clotrimazole cream

Spread the cream on the affected area. A 1cm strip of cream should be enough to treat an area the size of your hand.

Use the cream on your skin only and avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes.

How to use clotrimazole spray

If you're using the spray for the first time, press the spray head down once or twice to get it ready to use.

Hold and spray about 15cm away from the affected area.

How to use clotrimazole solution

Clotrimazole solution comes in a bottle with a plastic dropper that lets the solution out in drops.

Spread clotrimazole solution thinly and evenly on the affected areas.

A few drops of clotrimazole solution should be enough to cover an area the size of a hand.

If it's your ear that's infected, put 2 to 3 drops of clotrimazole solution into your ear.

How long to use it for

How long you use clotrimazole for depends on the type of infection you have.

It's best to use it for at least 2 weeks, even if all signs of the infection have gone, to stop it from coming back. You can use it for up to 4 weeks if needed.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use your treatment, just apply it as soon as you remember and then keep following your usual routine.

If you use too much

If you use too much clotrimazole cream, spray or solution or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated or red. If this happens, use less the next time.

Common side effects

Clotrimazole cream, spray or solution can sometimes cause irritated or red skin, or pain or a burning or stinging feeling when you put it on.

If you get these side effects and they do not go away, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to clotrimazole.

These are not all the side effects of clotrimazole. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Clotrimazole and pregnancy

Clotrimazole is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy.

Clotrimazole and breastfeeding

It's OK to use clotrimazole while you're breastfeeding. It is very unlikely that any will get into your breast milk.

When using the cream, spray or solution, be careful that your baby does not come into contact with the areas of your body you have put it on. Wash your hands after you have applied it and before picking up your baby.

If you have any concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Clotrimazole and fertility

There's no evidence that clotrimazole affects fertility in either men or women.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way clotrimazole works. They can also make you more likely to get side effects.

Tell a doctor before using clotrimazole if you are using Sofradex ear drops. Do not use these in your ear at the same time as clotrimazole.

Mixing clotrimazole with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say whether complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with clotrimazole. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Related links

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