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Overview

Clotrimazole

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is a popular medication when it comes to the treatment of fungal infections of the skin. Some conditions where the medicine is used include athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch. Apart from treating the infection, clotrimazole also reduces the symptoms of such skin infections, such as burning, itching and cracking of the skin.

The anti-fungal medication also helps treat fungal infections in the Mouth and Vagina. The medicine works by disrupting the Cell Membrane formation of the Fungal Infection. This eventually causes the fungus to perish.

The drug may lead to some side effects in people. Side effects include Vaginal Bleeding, Redness of Skin, Nausea, Vomiting, Skin Rashes and Pain in the Abdomen. However, the medicine features on the World Health Organization’s safe and most effective medicine list. This signifies that side effects from the medicine are limited and rare.

The drug exists in both topical and oral forms. Both of these are safe to use for children. However, some unforeseen effects may affect pregnant women using the topical form of medicine, as the cream is absorbed under the skin.

Additional information:

  • Oral: Do not swallow oral medication whole; allow to dissolve slowly in mouth. You may experience nausea or vomiting (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help). Report signs of opportunistic infection (eg, white plaques in mouth, fever, chills, perianal itching or vaginal discharge, fatigue, unhealed wounds or sores).
  • Topical: Wash hands before applying or wear gloves. Apply thin film of gel, lotion, or solution to affected area. May apply porous dressing. Report persistent burning, swelling, itching, worsening of condition, or lack of response to therapy.
  • Vaginal: Wash hands before using. Insert full applicator into vagina gently and expel cream, or insert tablet into vagina, at bedtime. Wash applicator with soap and water following use. Remain lying down for 30 minutes following administration. Avoid intercourse during therapy (sexual partner may experience penile burning or itching). Report adverse reactions (eg, vulvar itching, frequent urination), worsening of condition, or lack of response to therapy.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Clotrimazole

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Clotrimazole ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Clotrimazole ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Clotrimazole

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The amount of time that the medicine remains active within the body is unclear. The duration may vary based on the dosage and other variable factors from one person to another.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The exact time for the medicine to affect the body is not known. However, the onset of action depends on the dosage of the medicine and the condition being treated with the drug.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Topical forms of clotrimazole are relatively safer during pregnancies. However, you need to stick to the exact instructions of the doctor. Oral forms of the medicine should be avoided during pregnancies, as they can create unforeseen complications with your pregnancy.

    • Is it habit forming?

      The drug does not have any habit-forming properties. However, stick to the dosage instructions while taking the medicine, to avoid any unforeseen complications from clotrimazole.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      The medicine should be used in breastfeeding women only if absolutely necessary. Discuss potential risks with your doctor before using the drug, as it may severely affect your baby’s health.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      The drug’s interaction with alcohol is unclear. Speak to your doctor if you plan on taking the medicine with alcohol, so that you can avoid any health complications from the same.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      As long as the effects of the medicine lasts, it may be best to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery. However, it is safe to drive if you are using topical forms of the drug.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      the medicine does not have any known effects on the kidneys. However, consult your doctor if you suffer from pre-existing kidney diseases before consuming the medication.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      The drug does not have any apparent adverse effect on the liver. However, consult your physician if you have a history of liver disorders, so that any potential risks can be avoided.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Consult the doctor immediately if you accidentally overdose on the drug. Visit your nearest emergency room for assistance if you accidentally consume the topical form of the medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Where is the Clotrimazole approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Clotrimazole

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Clotrimazole as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication has both fungistatic and fungicidal actions. It binds to phospholipids in the fungal cell membrane and alters its permeability.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Derma before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Clotrimazole ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol’s interaction with the medicine remains unknown. Consult your physician to know whether you can drink alcohol while being on the medication.

      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Amphotericin B is the only medicine that is known to interact with clotrimazole. Avoid, the latter medication, if you are already consuming the former medication.

      • Interaction with Food

        No information is available regarding the interaction of the drug with foods. Consult your physician to know more.

      • Interaction with Disease

        The medicine should be used with caution for people suffering from immunodeficiency syndromes, such as HIV and AIDS. This is because adequate research has yet to be conducted on the efficacy of the drug on these people.

      FAQs about Clotrimazole

      • Ques : Is Clotrimazole a steroid?

        Ans : No, Clotrimazole is not a steroid. This drug is an antifungal medication that helps in treating thrush and ringworm. It is advised to follow your medical practitioner’s advice regarding its use.

      • Ques : Is Clotrimazole available over the counter?

        Ans : Yes, this cream is available over the counter. But, if it is your first time you have had vaginal itching and discomfort, talk with a physician before using Clotrimazole.

      • Ques : Is Clotrimazole better than Miconazole?

        Ans : Although Clotrimazole and Miconazole are different medicines, they work in similar ways. Both are used for the treatment of fungal infection, primarily yeast.

      • Ques : Is candida infection dangerous?

        Ans : Candida is a yeast that is a form of fungus that causes infections such as candidiasis or thrush in humans and other animals. These infections are not usually contagious but in some cases, people with weak immune systems can catch the infection.

      • Ques : Is Clotrimazole used for thrush?

        Ans : Clotrimazole contains antifungal medicine that is used in treating infections with fungi and yeasts.

      References

      • Clotrimazole-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 26 May 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/clotrimazole

      • Clotrimazole-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 26 May 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00257

      • CLOTRIMAZOLE Powder,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 26 May 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CLOTRIMAZOLE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Rohini DhillonMBA( CHA), MBBS, PGDMCHGeneral Physician
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