What clotrimazole is for

Clotrimazole is used to treat some types of fungal infections, such as:

thrush in the vagina, on the penis, or on the skin
athlete’s foot
ringworm
nappy rash
ear infections
rash in the folds of your skin (intertrigo)

How to use clotrimazole and how much to take (dose)

There are different types of clotrimazole, including:

skin cream (external cream)
cream for inside the vagina (internal cream)
pessaries (a type of medicine to put inside the vagina)
liquid (spray or solution)

How you use clotrimazole and how much to use depends on what type it is and what you're using it for.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you’re not sure how to use it or if you have any problems using it.

If a doctor prescribes clotrimazole for you, follow the advice they give about how to use it and how much to use.

How to use common types of clotrimazole

1% or 2% skin cream (external cream)

1% or 2% clotrimazole external cream is used to treat thrush in your vagina.

The 1% cream is also used to treat fungal infections on your skin, including the skin on your penis.

If you’re using clotrimazole external cream:

wash your hands before and after applying the cream
put the cream onto your fingertip – half a centimetre is enough to treat an area the size of the palm of your hand
apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub it in gently
avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes

You'll need to do this 2 or 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on what you're using it for. If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see a doctor.

If you use clotrimazole cream on or around your genitals it can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms. Condoms and diaphragms may not work as well for at least 5 days after you finish your treatment.

10% cream to put inside your vagina (internal cream)

Clotrimazole 10% cream usually comes as single dose of cream that you put inside your vagina with an applicator.

To put the cream in, follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

When using clotrimazole 10% cream:

use it at bedtime as it works best overnight.
do not use tampons or other vaginal products while you're using the cream
do not use it during your period – wait until your period has finished
avoid vaginal sex until you've finished using it as there’s a risk you could pass thrush onto your partner

You may notice a slight discharge after using the cream. This does not mean that the treatment has not worked.

If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see a doctor.

Clotrimazole cream can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms This means condoms and diaphragms may not work as well for at least 5 days after you finish your treatment.

100mg, 200mg or 500mg pessaries

A pessary is a type of tablet you put into your vagina with an applicator. It dissolves to treat thrush in your vagina. Do not swallow pessaries.

The dose to treat thrush is:

100mg pessary – use 1 pessary every night for 6 nights in a row or 2 pessaries for 3 nights in a row
200mg pessary – use 1 pessary every night for 3 nights in a row
500mg pessary – use 1 pessary for 1 night only

To put the pessary in, follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with it.

When using clotrimazole pessaries:

use them at bedtime as they work best overnight
do not use tampons or other vaginal products while you're using the pessary
do not use pessaries during your period – wait until your period has finished
avoid vaginal sex until you've finished using them as there is a risk you could pass thrush onto your partner

If the pessary comes out, speak to your pharmacist as this means it may not have worked as well.

If your symptoms have not improved after 7 days, see a doctor.

Clotrimazole pessaries can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms. This means condoms and diaphragms may not work as well for at least 5 days after you finish your treatment.

1% solution (liquid)

1% clotrimazole solution is used to treat fungal infections on your skin or in your ear. It’s often used if you have hairy skin.

If you’re using clotrimazole solution:

use the plastic dropper to put clotrimazole solution on your skin or into your ear
for your skin, spread the solution thinly and evenly on the affected area – a few drops of clotrimazole solution is enough to cover an area the size of your hand
for an ear infection, put 2 to 3 drops of clotrimazole solution into your ear

Do this 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks after the fungal infection has cleared up. You can use it for up to 4 weeks.

1% spray (liquid)

1% clotrimazole spray is used to treat fungal infections on your skin. It’s often used if you have hairy skin or the infection covers a large part of your body.

If you’re using 1% spray:

follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with your medicine
wash and dry the affected area
press the spray pump 1 or 2 times the first time you use it to get it ready to spray
hold and spray about 15cm away from the affected area

Do this 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. You can use it for up to 4 weeks.

Things to avoid when using clotrimazole

do not go near naked flames if you're using the external cream or spray
do not swallow clotrimazole – speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you swallow it accidentally
do not put clotrimazole in your eyes – if you get it in your eyes, wash with water immediately and speak to a doctor or pharmacist

If you miss a dose of clotrimazole

If you forget to use clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution you can apply it as soon as you remember and continue using it 2 to 3 times a day.

If you forget to put in a clotrimazole pessary, put it in as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose.

If you use too much clotrimazole

Having an extra dose of clotrimazole is unlikely to cause problems. But it's important to get medical advice if you use too much and it causes any symptoms, such as pain or irritation.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist if:

you've used more clotrimazole than it says on the packet or prescription and it's causing any symptoms

Find a pharmacy

Side effects of clotrimazole

Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Side effects usually stop when you stop using clotrimazole.

Common side effects

Common side effects of clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution include:

red, itchy or irritated skin – redness may be less noticeable on black or brown skin
pain, burning or a stinging sensation

Common side effects of clotrimazole pessaries and internal cream include:

pain or swelling in or around your vagina
a burning or a stinging feeling in your vagina
pain in your lower tummy or pelvic area
discharge or bleeding from your vagina

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects.

Serious side effects

It’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to clotrimazole, but this is rare.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

you think you're having a serious allergic reaction to clotrimazole – symptoms include difficulty breathing or swallowing and a swollen tongue

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the clotrimazole packet or leaflet inside it and any other medicines you take.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of clotrimazole.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot use clotrimazole

Most adults and children can use clotrimazole for fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.

But clotrimazole for thrush may not be suitable for some people. For example it may not be suitable if:

you are 15 years old or younger
you are over 60 years old
you've had vaginal thrush more than 2 times in the last 6 months
you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
you think you have thrush on your penis, but your sexual partner does not have thrush
you have an abnormal discharge from your penis
you have sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis
you have abnormal bleeding from your vagina, or bloody discharge
you have sores, ulcers or blisters on, or around, your vagina

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it.

Breastfeeding and clotrimazole

You can usually use clotrimazole if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're using clotrimazole cream or solution on your breasts and nipples while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

Pregnancy and clotrimazole

You can usually use clotrimazole if you're pregnant, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Find out more about using clotrimazole during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using clotrimazole with other medicines, food and drink

There some medicines and supplements that may not mix well with clotrimazole.

These include:

a medicine called tacrolimus that affect your immune system (immunosuppressant), if you are using clotrimazole internal cream or pessaries
Solfradex ear drops, if you're using clotrimazole solution for an ear infection

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.

Clotrimazole - Common brands: Canesten