Clotrimazole is a drug to treat fungal infections. Some diseases caused by fungal infections that can be treated with clotrimazole are tinea pedis, ringworm, tinea versicolor, otitis externa, or vaginal candidiasis.
Clotrimazole belongs to the azole antifungal group which works by destroying the structure of the fungal cell membrane. That way, the growth of the fungus can be stopped.
Clotrimazole trademark: Baycuten-N, Bernesten, Candacort, Cotristen, Canesten, Canesten Dex, Demy, Erphamazol, Fungiderm, Hufaderm, Heltiskin, Medisten, Neo Ultrasiline
What is Clotrimazole
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | azole antifungals |
| Benefit | Treating fungal infections of the skin, ear or vagina |
| Used by | Mature |
| Clotrimazole for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Clotrimazole is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Creams, solutions, powders, tablets for the vagina |
WarningBefore Using Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole should not be used carelessly. Before using clotrimazole, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use clotrimazole if you are allergic to this medicine or to other azole antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole or miconazole.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, fever, sexually transmitted disease, chills, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, nausea, vomiting, HIV/AIDS, recurrent genital yeast infections.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or an overdose after using clotrimazole.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Clotrimazole
The dose of clotrimazole can be different for each patient. The doctor will give the dose and determine the length of treatment according to the patient's condition. The following is the distribution of clotrimazole doses based on the form of the drug:
Shape krim
Condition: Skin fungal infection
- Apply a cream containing 1% clotrimazole 2-3 times a day, for 2-4 weeks.
Condition:Vaginal candidiasis
- Apply a cream containing 1% clotrimazole on the itchy external area around the anus and genitals (anogenital), 2-3 times a day, for 2 weeks.
Shape lexternal medicine solution or liquid
Condition: Otitis externa
- As a 1% solution, instill 2-3 drops of the medicated solution into the affected ear, 2-3 times a day, for 2 weeks.
Shape ttablet vaginal or pessary
Condition:Vaginal candidiasis
- Insert into the vagina 100 mg vaginal tablet per day for 6 days, or 200 mg per day for 3 days.
How to Use Clotrimazole Correctly
Follow the doctor's instructions or the information listed on the medicine package when using clotrimazole. Use clotrimazole at the recommended dose. Do not increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Wash hands before and after using clotrimazole. Do not let the medication get in the eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not cover the treated area with an airtight seal.
Apply clotrimazole in the form of a cream to the fungal-infected area, so that the infection does not spread to other parts of the body. It is recommended not to share the use of towels or clothes with other people to avoid transmission of fungal infections.
Clotrimazole vaginal tablets are used only in the vagina. Insert 1 tablet into the vagina before going to bed according to the dose recommended by the doctor. Wash your hands before and after inserting clotrimazole vaginal tablets into the vagina.
If you are being treated for otitis externa, do not swim for a while to avoid infection. Also make sure that no chemicals, such as soap or shampoo, get into the ear. Cover ears with cotton when bathing.
Do not prolong or reduce the duration of treatment without the doctor's knowledge. Try to always use clotrimazole regularly at the same time every day, for maximum treatment results.
Store the medicine in the package at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, heat, and humid conditions. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
InteractionClotrimazole with Other Drugs
When used with other drugs, clotrimazole can cause a number of drug interactions, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of other antifungal drugs, such as nystatin or amphotericin B
- Increased effectiveness of sirolimus, tacrolimus, aripiprazole, lomitapide, neratinib, dofetilide, nimodipine, or pimozide
- Increased risk of side effects, such as vaginal bleeding or vomiting, when used with progesterone
Especially for clotrimazole vaginal tablets, its use together with contraceptives, such as diaphragms or condoms, can reduce the effectiveness of these contraceptives.
Clotrimazole Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using clotrimazole, including:
- Burning or stinging sensation on the skin
- The skin turns red and hurts to the touch
- peeling skin
- Irritation and itching
Side effects that can occur after using clotrimazole vaginal tablets are burning, vaginal irritation, itching, vaginal pain, cramps in the lower abdomen, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Check with the doctor if the complaint persists. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs after using clotrimazole. An allergic reaction can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy skin rash, swelling of the lips or eyelids, or difficulty breathing.