What is Clotrimazole: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Clotrimazole overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • 3 Day Vaginal Cream, Antifungal, Antifungal Cream, Antifungal Pen, Anti-Fungal Powder, Athlete's Foot, Athlete's Foot Cream, Athlete's Foot Liquid Spray, Athlete's Foot Powder, Athlete's Foot Powder Spray, Azolen, Bactivex Athlete's Foot & Cracked Heels, Baza Antifungal, Blis-To-Sol, Carrington Antifungal

Generic Names:

  • Clotrimazole

Uses:

  • Treat fungus infections of the skin. Some of these infections are "athlete's foot," "jock itch," and yeast infections. Antifungal shampoo is used to treat dandruff.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Nutriceutical

Forms:

  • Spray, Liquid, Fizzy Tablet, Powder for Solution, Cream, Powder, Spray, Foam, Shampoo, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Ointment

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Clotrimazole used for?

Clotrimazole comes in the form of a cream and is used to treat skin infections caused by fungus such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and yeast infections. It kills fungi and yeast by interfering with their cellular membranes. Common side effects include severe blistering of treated skin, swelling, redness or oozing.

What form(s) does Clotrimazole come in

  • Spray

  • Liquid

  • Fizzy Tablet

  • Powder for Solution

  • Cream

  • Powder

  • Spray

  • Foam

  • Shampoo

  • Lotion

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Ointment

What are common Clotrimazole doses?

  • Tube 14.170000076293945GM of 1%

  • Tube 15GM of 1%

  • Tube 28.350000381469727GM of 1%

  • Tube 30GM of 1%

  • Tube 45GM of 1%

  • Bottle 5GM of

  • Bottle 10GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Bottle 500GM of

  • Bottle 10ML of 1%

  • Bottle 30ML of 1%

  • Troche 10MG

  • Jar 1GM of

  • Jar 1000GM of

Common Clotrimazole prescriptions

  • Clotrimazole
    10ml of 1% bottle

  • Clotrimazole
    29.57ml of 1% bottle

  • Clotrimazole
    30ml of 1% bottle

  • Clotrimazole
    10mg troche

  • Clotrimazole
    14.17gm of 1% tube

  • Clotrimazole
    15gm of 1% tube

  • Clotrimazole
    28gm of 1% tube

  • Clotrimazole
    30gm of 1% tube

  • Clotrimazole
    45gm of 1% tube

  • Clotrimazole
    15gm of 1% tube of cream

  • Clotrimazole
    30gm of 1% tube of cream

  • Clotrimazole
    45gm of 1% tube of cream

How to take Clotrimazole

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • To use the cream, liquid, powder, lotion, gel, or ointment: Before putting this medicine on, wash the skin with soap and water, and then dry with a towel. Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. Use on both feet if you have athlete's foot. You might need to shake the liquid or lotion before using it.

  • To use the powder: Before putting this medicine on, wash the skin with soap and water, and then dry with a towel. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Use on both feet and inside your socks if you have athlete's foot.

  • To use the spray: Shake the spray can just before using. Hold the can 6 to 10 inches from the skin and spray. If you use the aerosol spray on your feet, spray it on the top, bottom, and between the toes of both feet. Also spray some in your socks and shoes (treat both feet the same).

  • To use the shampoo: Wet hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for about 1 minute. Rinse the hair thoroughly. Wash hair again and leave the shampoo on your scalp for another 3 minutes. Shampoo every 4 days for 4 weeks. Always allow at least 3 days between using the shampoo.

  • Keep using the medicine for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you think your symptoms are gone. If you do not use your medicine for the full treatment time, your infection may return.

  • Do not inhale the aerosol spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • Throw away the pad or swab after using it. Do not save an opened pad or swab to use later.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • To use the powder: Before putting this medicine on, wash the skin with soap and water, and then dry with a towel. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Use on both feet and inside your socks if you have athlete's foot.

  • Do not inhale the aerosol spray or use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

  • To use the spray: Shake the spray can just before using. Hold the can 6 to 10 inches from the skin and spray. If you use the aerosol spray on your feet, spray it on the top, bottom, and between the toes of both feet. Also spray some in your socks and shoes (treat both feet the same).

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Throw away the pad or swab after using it. Do not save an opened pad or swab to use later.

  • To use the cream, liquid, powder, lotion, gel, or ointment: Before putting this medicine on, wash the skin with soap and water, and then dry with a towel. Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. Use on both feet if you have athlete's foot. You might need to shake the liquid or lotion before using it.

  • To use the shampoo: Wet hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for about 1 minute. Rinse the hair thoroughly. Wash hair again and leave the shampoo on your scalp for another 3 minutes. Shampoo every 4 days for 4 weeks. Always allow at least 3 days between using the shampoo.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Keep using the medicine for as long as your doctor has told you to, even if you think your symptoms are gone. If you do not use your medicine for the full treatment time, your infection may return.

What to do if you miss a dose of Clotrimazole

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Clotrimazole contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to antifungals such as econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, butoconazole, clotrimazole, or terconazole. Unless your doctor tells you to, you should not use topical antifungals on children under 2 years of age. You should not use for diaper rash.

Clotrimazole warnings

  • If you are pregnant (or may become pregnant) or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If your symptoms do not get better after about a week, or get worse while using this medicine, call your doctor.

  • Antifungal shampoo may remove the curls from hair that has been treated with a permanent.

  • The liquid and spray forms of this medicine might be flammable. Keep them away from high heat and open flames at all times.

  • Each antifungal medicine was made to treat a certain kind of infection. Use only the medicine your doctor has prescribed. You should not use an over-the-counter product in place of what your doctor has told you to use.

Clotrimazole interactions

  • You should not use other medicines on the same area of skin unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • If your symptoms do not get better after about a week, or get worse while using this medicine, call your doctor.

  • Antifungal shampoo may remove the curls from hair that has been treated with a permanent.

  • Each antifungal medicine was made to treat a certain kind of infection. Use only the medicine your doctor has prescribed. You should not use an over-the-counter product in place of what your doctor has told you to use.

Clotrimazole side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Itching, rash, swelling, or redness that was not there before you used this medicine

  • Dry or oily hair (with shampoo use)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry or oily hair (with shampoo use)

  • Stinging, burning, or redness where medicine is put on