Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication used in people with certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin. This is an FDA-approved prescription that is effective in preventing the growth of fungus.

What condition does Clotrimazole treat?

Clotrimazole treats different types of fungal infections including:

• Thrush
• Ringworm
• Athlete’s foot
• Infected nappy rash
• Fungal nail infection
• Rash in folds of skin

This is often recommended by most doctors because of its capability of stopping the growth of fungi that causes infections. Some of the fungi may remain after the infection has gone so it is important to use Clotrimazole regularly to make sure all the fungi are killed.

How does Clotrimazole work?

Clotrimazole works by stopping the fungi from making a substance called ergosterol. Ergosterol is a vital component of fungal cell membranes. The interruption in the production of this essential component reasons holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane.

The fungal cell membranes are important for their survival. They preserve unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. When the holes appear in the cell membranes, Clotrimazole permits needed components of the fungal cells to get out and this destroys the fungi and treats the infection.

What is the dosage of Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole comes as a cream for external use. Before applying the cream, clean and dry thoroughly the area to be treated. Clotrimazole is usually applied twice a day on the affected skin or as directed by your doctor. The length of treatment and dosage depends on the infection being treated. Do not use this cream more frequently than recommended. Using it more often will not make your condition clear faster but increases your risk for side effects.

After using Clotrimazole, remember to wash your hands carefully. It will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. Continue using this medication until the full prescription is finished even if symptoms disappear after your first treatment with Clotrimazole. As fungus infections might be very slow to clear up, you need have to continue the treatment each day for several weeks or more. Stopping the treatment too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow which may result in a relapse of the infection.

If you are using any other ointments, creams, or lotions on the same area of skin, it is best not to apply these at the same time with Clotrimazole cream. These could dilute the medicine and make it less effective at treating the infection. If you will apply different products to the same area of the skin, always leave about 30 minutes in between to give them time to be absorbed. You can also ask for further advice from your doctor.

What are the precautions in using Clotrimazole?

• Clotrimazole cream is generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding. You can ask your doctor for more information about this.
• Some medications may affect how Clotrimazole will work. They can also make you more likely to get side effects. Inform your doctor before using this cream if you are taking herbal products, food supplements, vitamins, and non-prescription or prescription medicine.
• This remedy is unlikely to cause any serious side effects. It can rarely cause certain irritation when it is used at first and few people might have mild reactions of an allergic-type. If you experience itching and redness, speak with your doctor for further advice.
• Tell your doctor if you have any allergies or if you are allergic to this product. This cream may contain an ingredient that causes allergic reactions. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• If you have fever, nausea, chills, lower stomach pain, or have been exposed to an HIV-infected person, let your doctor know.
• If your symptoms get worse or your condition does not improve after 4 weeks of treatment, call your doctor right away.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. If you missed one, apply it as soon you remember it. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next one.
• Remember to keep this medication and your other prescription products far from children and use only a particular medication for the indication prescribed.