What is clotrimazole used for?

Clotrimazole is an active ingredient with an azole-type antifungal action. It is used in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and also for vaginal mycoses. It is found in various types of different pharmaceutical formulations suitable for cutaneous or vaginal use.

Clotrimazole is used for the treatment of:

• skin candidiasis;
• Ringworm of the foot ;
• Pityriasis versicolor ;
• Ringworm of the body

Clotrimazole in the form of a drug for vaginal use in ovules is used for the treatment of vulvovaginal infections caused by Candida.

How does it work?

Clotrimazole is an azole antifungal active ingredient that acts by interfering with the synthesis of sterols or with the plasma membrane of mushroom cells called ergosterol.

The active ingredient inhibits 14alpha-demethylase, a key enzyme for the synthesis of ergosterol. Thanks to the inhibition of this enzyme it helps the remission of the fungal infection leading to healing.

Posology and Method of Use

Clotrimazole is commercially available in the form of a cream , spray , ovule or powder and also in tablets for vaginal use. Depending on the type of drug and formula, it is always important to use the medicines as directed by the doctor, pharmacist or carefully following the recommendations in the package leaflet.

Generally for the treatment of skin mycosis it is used 2-3 times a day on the areas affected by the infection and for at least two weeks. In vaginal mycoses, clotrimazole for vaginal use should be applied for three consecutive days before going to sleep as ovules .

Patients suffering from renal insufficiency and in the presence of hepatic insufficiency should ask the doctor for information on the safety of the product and its dosage.

Overdose

No cases of clotrimazole intoxication for cutaneous use or for the active ingredient for vaginal use have been reported at the moment. In case of accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.

Paying attention to the doctor’s instructions greatly reduces the risk of incurring an overdose. Prolonged use could give rise to sensitization phenomena. For any doubts about the possible overdose of drugs based on the active ingredient clotrimazole, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Concerning the use of clotrimazole during pregnancy and lactation you should consult your doctor. It is generally advisable not to use clotrimazole during the entire first trimester of pregnancy. The active ingredient is contraindicated during breastfeeding because it can be excreted in breast milk.

You should not take any drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding without first consulting your doctor. Even over-the-counter drugs that may seem harmless could harm the fetus and even the infant.

For any doubts about the use of medicines based on the active ingredient clotrimazole during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Contraindications

The use of the drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to Clotrimazole or hypersensitivity to the excipients present in the formula of the drug based on the active principle.

For any doubts about the contraindications of drugs based on the active ingredient clotrimazole, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Interaction with other drugs

There are currently no known interactions between clotrimazole for cutaneous use and other types of medicines. In case of a treatment based on clotrimazole for vaginal use it is important to inform the doctor if you are following a therapy based on sirolimus or tacrolimus orally because clotrimazole, even if for vaginal use, could increase the plasma concentration of these medicines.

It is always important to inform your doctor if you are taking, have taken other medicines, even those without a prescription. For any doubts about the possible interactions of drugs based on the active ingredient clotrimazole, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Side effects

Clotrimazole can cause side effects even if not everyone gets them . Clotrimazole may cause allergic reactions with symptoms such as:

• urticaria;
• dyspnea;
• temporary loss of consciousness;
• hypotension;

In the event of an allergic reaction, stop the treatment and consult your doctor to seek a more suitable therapy. In the event of an allergic reaction, it is advisable to contact your doctor or the nearest hospital.

Therapy based on clotrimazole for cutaneous use could favor the appearance of pathologies affecting the skin such as:

• discomfort in the application area;
• bubbles;
• irritation;
• itch;
• burning;
• skin peeling;
• skin rashes.

Clotrimazole for vaginal use could favor the onset of side effects such as:

• skin rashes;
• itch;
• desquamation of the genital area;
• swelling;
• nuisance;
• erythema;
• vaginal bleeding;
• burning;
• irritation;
• pelvic pain;
• abdominal pain.

In case the patient notices any side effects, he should inform the doctor.

Prolonged use of clotrimazole -based drugs for topical cutaneous or vaginal use could give rise to sensitization phenomena with the following symptoms:

• itch;
• localized redness.

In case of sensitization, treatment with clotrimazole should be discontinued. Inform your doctor before starting treatment with clotrimazole-based drugs for both cutaneous and vaginal use, especially if you suffer from recurring fungal infections.

For any doubts about the possible side effects of drugs based on the active ingredient clotrimazole, it is advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist.