clotrimazole, Lotrimin (discontinued), Mycelex, Lotrimin-AF, Gyne-Lotrimin

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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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GENERIC NAME: clotrimazole

BRAND NAME: Lotrimin (discontinued), Mycelex, Lotrimin-AF, Gyne-Lotrimin

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 interfering with the production of the membrane that surrounds 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: Cream, lotion, solution and troche should be stored between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). Vaginal suppositories should be stored between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 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: The troche (lozenge) should slowly dissolve in the mouth. One troche is administered 5 times daily for 14 days. 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. Oral clotrimazole may increase the action of warfarin (Coumadin), increasing the risk of bleeding. It may also increase levels of axitinib (Inlyta), a drug used for treating some cancers.

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 data is available in pregnant women during their first trimester. Rats given large amounts of clotrimazole via the vagina have demonstrated no ill effects. The oral troche has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women.

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. The oral forms may cause nausea and vomiting.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

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