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Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD
Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

GENERIC NAME: clotrimazole

BRAND NAME: Lotrimin, Mycelex

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Clotrimazole is an anti-fungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. It is used topically on the skin, inserted vaginally or allowed to dissolve in the mouth for local fungal infections.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes, for some brands and/or preparations

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS:

• Topical cream, solution or lotion: 1%; buccal troche: 10 mg;
• Vaginal suppositories: 100 and 200 mg;
• Vaginal cream: 1% and 2%.

STORAGE: Store cream, lotion, solution and troche between 20-25 C (68-77 F). Store vaginal suppositories between 15-30 C (59-86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Clotrimazole is used for the treatment of local fungal infections due to Candida albicans (for example, vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush), tinea versicolor, tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"), tinea cruris ("jock itch") or tinea corporis.

DOSING: Clotrimazole cream, lotion, or solution is applied to the affected and surrounding skin areas, generally twice daily in the morning and evening.

The vaginal cream is inserted via applicator once daily, preferably at night, for 7 consecutive days.

The 100 mg vaginal suppository is inserted once daily, preferably at bedtime, for 7 consecutive days.

The 200 mg vaginal suppository is inserted once daily for 3 days, preferably at bedtime.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with topical clotrimazole.

PREGNANCY: Clotrimazole is very poorly absorbed into the blood and the body after application to the skin or the vagina. Studies in women in their second or third trimesters of pregnancy have demonstrated no ill effects. No human data is available in pregnant women during their first trimester. Rats given large amounts of clotrimazole intravaginally have demonstrated no ill effects.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if clotrimazole is secreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with clotrimazole are local redness, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling, itching, hives, or burning at the area of application.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information