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Clotrimazole is a chemical compound with antifungal activity. It is used as an active ingredient in drugs administered during the treatment of mycosis and tinea versicolor. Preparations containing clotrimazole are intended for external application to the skin. As a rule, they are in the form of creams, lotions, pastes, drops or globules.
Clotrimazole – recommendations
Main indications for the use of clotrimazole they concern various forms of mycosis of the skin. It is recommended for people with mycosis of the feet, hands, outer ear, nails and nail shafts, but also with candidiasis of the external genitalia or vaginal candidiasis. Drugs with clotrimazole are also prescribed for the treatment of tinea versicolor and dandruff erythematosus, as well as in cases of diaper dermatitis.
The antifungal activity of clotrimazole includes fungi such as yeasts, dermatophytes, molds, aspergillomas and dimorphic fungi. It also fights trichomoniasis and some bacteria to a small extent.
Clotrimazole – use
Clotrimazole is applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes in the affected areas. Usually, it is applied 2 to 3 times a day, and after the symptoms disappear, the treatment is continued for several weeks – according to the information in the leaflet or the doctor’s recommendations. Avoid contact of the drug with the eyes and mouth.
Clotrimazole – contraindications
Preparations with clotrimazole should not be used if you are hypersensitive or allergic to the drug. You should also tell your doctor about any other antifungal drugs you are using, as clotrimazole may interact with them and stop them from working properly. Pregnant women cannot reach for products with this active substance in the first trimester of pregnancy. In justified cases, the doctor may prescribe clotrimazole later in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.
Clotrimazole – side effects
Due to some possible side effects, clotrimazole should be used as directed by a doctor or as indicated in the leaflet. Main side effects of clotrimazole are skin reactions, including allergic ones such as burning, itching, and irritation. An allergic reaction of the body to the drug may include body weakness, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing and fainting. Rare side effects of clotrimazole use include generalized erythema, peeling and cracking of the epidermis, dyspnoea.
In the case of vaginal tablets with clotrimazole flatulence, lower abdominal cramps, vaginal pain, more frequent urination, redness, stinging or irritation are rare.
Medicines containing clotrimazole
Examples preparations containing clotrimazole have:
- Clotrimazolum GSK — cream without prescriptions.
- Clotrimazolum GSK globules – prescription vaginal tablets for yeast infections.
- Clotrimazolum Medana – liquid for use on the skin, without a prescription.
- Fungotac – over-the-counter ear drops.
Clotrimazole also appears as one of several active substances in preparations such as Triderm (next to betamethasone and gentamicin) or Steper (foot spray with triclosan).