- What is clotrimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the uses for clotrimazole?
- What are the side effects of clotrimazole?
- What drugs or supplements interact with clotrimazole?
- What is the dosage for clotrimazole?
- Is clotrimazole safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about clotrimazole?
What is clotrimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
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.
What brand names are available for clotrimazole?
- Lotrimin AF , Mycelex, Trivagizole
- Gyne-Lotrimin (DC), Alevazol, Desenex, Lotrimin have been discontinued.
Is clotrimazole available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for clotrimazole?
Yes, for some generic preparations. Lotrimin AF, Mycelex, and Trivagizole are over-the-counter preparations.
What are the uses for clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole is used for the treatment of local fungal infections due to Candida albicans, including the following:
- vaginal yeast infections ,
- oral thrush,
- tinea versicolor,
- tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"),
- tinea cruris ("jock itch") or
- tinea corporis.

SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles, Covid-19 Rashes: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowWhat are the side effects of clotrimazole?
The most commonly noted side effects associated with clotrimazole include:
- local redness,
- stinging,
- blistering,
- peeling,
- swelling,
- itching,
- hives, or
- burning at the area of application.
Other side effects include nausea and vomiting, which may be caused by the oral forms.
What is the dosage for clotrimazole?
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.
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Is clotrimazole safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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.
It is not known if clotrimazole is secreted in breast milk.
What else should I know about clotrimazole?
What preparations of clotrimazole are available?
- Topical cream, solution or lotion: 1%
- Buccal troche: 10 mg
- Vaginal suppositories: 100 and 200 mg
- Vaginal cream: 1% and 2%
How should I keep clotrimazole stored?
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).

QUESTION
Ringworm is caused by a fungus. See AnswerSummary
Clotrimazole, (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex, Trivagizole) is a drug prescribed to treat local fungal infections such as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, athlete's foot, and jock itch. Review side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information prior to taking this medication.
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Related Disease Conditions
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Jock Itch
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People with diabetes and those who are obese are more susceptible to developing jock itch. Antifungal shampoos, creams, and pills may be needed to treat fungal jock itch. Bacterial jock itch may be treated with antibacterial soaps and topical and oral antibiotics.
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Thrush (Oral Candidiasis)
Thrush is an infection of the mouth caused by the Candida fungus. Symptoms of thrush include pain or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat, and fever. Treatment of thrush depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Infants, toddlers, and children with thrush often do not require treatment.
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Ringworm
The term "ringworm" refers to a fungal infection on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. The different types of ringworm include the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
-
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
-
Is Ringworm Contagious?
A fungus causes ringworm. Ringworm can be transmitted from person to person. Animals may also spread ringworm. Ringworm causes an itchy, ring-shaped red rash with hair loss. Treatment incorporates the use of topical medication.
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Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections in women are caused by an organism called Candida albicans. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal pain with urination, vaginal discharge, odor, and itching. Treatment is generally OTC medications. A man can contract a yeast infection from his female sexual partner. Symptoms of a yeast infection in men include penile itching. Treatment is with oral or topical medication.
-
Oral Thrush in Children
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth and throat. Oral thrush and yeast infections are treated orally or topically with an antifungal antibiotic called nystatin.
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Sickle Cell Disease (Anemia)
Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease which shortens life expectancy, is caused by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin. Symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include bacterial infections, painful swelling of the hands and feet, fever, 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.
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Dandruff (Seborrhea)
Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated with shampoos that contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole.
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Is a Yeast Infection Contagious?
Yeast are a fungi that has many types. A type of yeast that can cause infection in humans is called Candida. Candida can infect the mouth, vagina, penis, or other areas of the body. Symptoms of yeast infections depend on the area infected, however, may include itching, bumps on the skin, a reddish rash, or patches of skin that ooze a clear or yellow liquid. Most yeast infections are not contagious even though they are caused by a fungus.
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Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungus infection that mainly affects the skin of young people. Recognized by light or reddish brown spots, and areas lighter than the surrounding skin. Tinea versicolor is caused by yeast actually found in our skin. Factors like heat, humidity, and sweat help it proliferate in people, resulting in a rash that is not contagious to others.
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Ringworm vs. Eczema
While ringworm is a fungal infection, and eczema is a skin condition, both are characterized by itchiness. Eczema patches are leathery while ringworm involves ring formation on the skin. Over-the-counter antifungals treat ringworm. Topical creams and ointments treat eczema.
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Medications & Supplements
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- Drug Interactions
- Diflucan (fluconazole)
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- itraconazole, Sporanox
- Ertaczo (sertaconazole nitrate) Cream
- Vfend (voriconazole)
Prevention & Wellness
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