Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Side effects from the pessary or internal cream
If you are using clotrimazole pessaries or internal cream, common side effects include:
- discomfort or swelling in or around your vagina
- pain or a burning or stinging feeling after putting the pessary in
- lower stomach pain or pain in the pelvic area
- bleeding from the vagina
Side effects usually go away when you stop using the pessaries or internal cream.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you get these side effects and they do not go away.
Side effects from the external cream
You may get:
- red, irritated skin
- pain, burning or stinging sensation
If these side effects do not go away, try using smaller amounts of the cream or stop using it completely.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to clotrimazole for thrush.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of clotrimazole for thrush. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.