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 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: Cream (1%), topical solution or lotion (1%), vaginal cream (50 mg per tube), buccal troche (10mg), vaginal tablets (100mg, 500mg).

STORAGE: Cream and solution should be kept between 2 ° and 30°C (36-86°F). Lotion should be stored between 2 ° and 25°C (36-77°F). Lotion should be shaken before each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Clotrimazole is used for the treatment of local infections with Candida albicans (e.g. 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 gently 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 100mg vaginal tablets are inserted once daily, preferably at night, for 7 consecutive days. The 500mg vaginal tablet also is inserted once daily, preferably at night.

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 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. All of these are quite unusual, however.

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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Tinea Versicolor - Read about causes and treatments for Tinea Versicolor, a common, but unsightly skin condition that is neither permanent nor serious. Source:MedicineNet Athlete's Foot - Get information on athlete's foot, including symptoms and treatment of this skin infection caused by the trichophyton fungus. Produced by doctors for patients. Source:MedicineNet Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) - Read about sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease which shortens life expectancy, is cause by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin. Symptoms may include bacterial infections, painful swelling of the hands and feet, fever, arthritis, leg ulcers, fatigue, anemia, eye damage, and lung and heart injury. Treatment for sickle cell anemia aims to manage and prevent the worst manifestations of the disease and focuses on therapies that block red blood cells from stacking together, which can lead to tissue and organ damage and pain. Source:MedicineNet Read 26 more clotrimazole related articles ... Health Tip: Treating an Ulcer Health Tip: Discussing Death With Children Breast Cancer Tends to Grow Faster in Younger Women Mental Illness Costs U.S. Billions in Lost Earnings Health Highlights: May 8, 2008 Computer Program Helps Drug Abusers Stay Clean TV Coverage of Tragedies Often Lacks Prevention Messages Secret to Treating Tinnitus in Vets May Be Unlocked in Zebrafish Gene Variant Boosts Risk of Severe Diabetic Eye, Kidney Diseases Outside Workers Least Likely to Get Skin Exams

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Last Editorial Review: 12/31/1997