Medications and Drugs
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
Last Editorial Review: 9/15/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Yeast Infection - Learn about vaginal yeast infection symptoms like vaginal burning, itching, soreness discharge, and pain during sex and urination. Treatment information is included in the information.
- ketoconazole, Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric - Learn about ketoconazole (Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel, Kuric), a drug used to treat a variety of fungal infections such as dandruff, jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm.
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