Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Topical clotrimazole is employed to address various fungal skin infections, including ringworm. jock itch, athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infections. Clotrimazole belongs to a category of antifungal medications known as imidazoles, operating by inhibiting the growth of fungi responsible for the infection.
Uses and Dosage
Topical clotrimazole is available in cream and liquid forms for skin application. Typically, it is applied twice a day, in the morning and at night.
Follow the prescribed usage precisely—avoid using more or less than instructed or increasing the frequency beyond the package directions or your doctor’s guidance.
Clotrimazole is designed exclusively for skin use. Keep it away from your eyes, and do not ingest the medication. Note that clotrimazole is not effective on the scalp or nails.
If you are treating jock itch with clotrimazole, improvement in symptoms should be noticeable within 2 weeks of treatment.
For athlete’s foot or ringworm, symptom improvement should occur within 4 weeks. Contact your doctor if there is no improvement during this period or if symptoms worsen at any point in your treatment.
To apply topical clotrimazole, cleanse the affected area thoroughly and ensure it is completely dry. Apply a small amount of cream or liquid, creating a thin layer covering the affected skin.
When treating athlete’s foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes during application. Additionally, wear well-fitting shoes that allow air circulation and change shoes and socks at least once daily.
If using the liquid form, refrain from applying it to severely cracked or irritated areas.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- burning, irritation, itching, redness, rash, stinging, swelling of the skin where the cream was applied
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- blistering
- hives
- peeling
- difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face and throat
Caution
- Before using clotrimazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, especially if you are allergic to clotrimazole or other azole antifungals like econazole, ketoconazole, or miconazole. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when it is clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- The passage of this drug into breast milk is not well-understood. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding to ensure a thorough understanding of potential implications.
Form and Strength
Canesten Topical Cream is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Canesten Topical Cream cream:
- 1 %
FAQ
How long can I use Canesten Topical Cream?
Canesten Topical Cream should only be used for 3 days if you’re using the 2% strength cream and 7 days if you’re using the 1% strength cream.
What happens if I use too much Canesten Topical Cream?
If you use too much Canesten Topical Cream or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated, or red.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/clotrimazole-non-prescription/what-is#faqs
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/clotrimazole-for-thrush/how-and-when-to-use-clotrimazole-for-thrush/#:~:text=If%20you%20use%20too%20much%20external%20clotrimazole%20cream%20or%20use,may%20feel%20discomfort%20or%20irritation
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/canesten#adverseeffects
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clotrimazole-topical-route/description/drg-20063212
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4316/clotrimazole-topical/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618059.html#:~:text=Topical%20clotrimazole%20is%20used%20to,the%20feet%20and%20between%20the
