Clotrimazole

What clotrimazole is for

Clotrimazole is used to treat some types of fungal infections, such as:

• thrush in the vagina, on the penis, or on the skin
• athlete's foot
• ringworm
• nappy rash
• ear infections
• rash in the folds of your skin (intertrigo)

How to use clotrimazole and how much to take (dose)

There are different types of clotrimazole, including:

• skin cream (external cream)
• cream for inside the vagina (internal cream)
• pessaries (a type of medicine to put inside the vagina)
• liquid (spray or solution)

How you use clotrimazole and how much to use depends on what type it is and what you're using it for.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or if you have any problems using it.

If a doctor prescribes clotrimazole for you, follow the advice they give about how to use it and how much to use.

How to use common types of clotrimazole

If you miss a dose of clotrimazole

If you forget to use clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution you can apply it as soon as you remember and continue using it 2 to 3 times a day.

If you forget to put in a clotrimazole pessary, put it in as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose.

If you use too much clotrimazole

Having an extra dose of clotrimazole is unlikely to cause problems. But it's important to get medical advice if you use too much and it causes any symptoms, such as pain or irritation.

Speak to a pharmacist if:

Side effects of clotrimazole

Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Side effects usually stop when you stop using clotrimazole.

Common side effects

Common side effects of clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution include:

• red, itchy or irritated skin - redness may be less noticeable on black or brown skin
• pain, burning or a stinging sensation

Common side effects of clotrimazole pessaries and internal cream include:

• pain or swelling in or around your vagina
• a burning or a stinging feeling in your vagina
• pain in your lower tummy or pelvic area
• discharge or bleeding from your vagina

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

Serious side effects

It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to clotrimazole, but this is rare.

Call 999 if:

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of clotrimazole.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot use clotrimazole

Most adults and children can use clotrimazole for fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot.

But clotrimazole for thrush may not be suitable for some people. For example it may not be suitable if:

• you're 15 years old or younger
• you're over 60 years old
• you've had vaginal thrush more than 2 times in the last 6 months
• you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• you think you have thrush on your penis, but your sexual partner does not have thrush
• you have an abnormal discharge from your penis
• you have sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis
• you have abnormal bleeding from your vagina, or bloody discharge
• you have sores, ulcers or blisters on, or around, your vagina

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it.

Breastfeeding and clotrimazole

You can usually use clotrimazole if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're using clotrimazole cream or solution on your breasts and nipples while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

Pregnancy and clotrimazole

You can usually use clotrimazole if you're pregnant, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Find out more about using clotrimazole during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using clotrimazole with other medicines, food and drink

There some medicines and supplements that may not mix well with clotrimazole.

These include:

• a medicine called tacrolimus that affect your immune system (immunosuppressant), if you are using clotrimazole internal cream or pessaries
• Solfradex ear drops, if you're using clotrimazole solution for an ear infection

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.

Food, drink and alcohol with clotrimazole

You can eat and drink normally while using clotrimazole.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist for advice

Sexual Health Advice

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• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
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