What is clotrimazole topical?
Clotrimazole topical is an antifungal medication. Clotrimazole topical prevents fungus from growing on your skin. Clotrimazole topical is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. Clotrimazole topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of clotrimazole topical?
Serious side effects of clotrimazole topical use are not expected. Stop using clotrimazole
topical and see your doctor if you experience unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness,
peeling, dryness, swelling, or irritation of the skin.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I use clotrimazole topical?
Use clotrimazole topical exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the directions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are using it to treat a hand infection. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cream (usually twice daily) for 2 to 4 weeks. Do not take this medication by mouth. If the infection does not clear up in 4 weeks, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor.
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What is the most important information I should know about clotrimazole topical?
Use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor or as recommended in the package even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed. Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the affected area (occlusive dressings) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton). Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of clotrimazole topical. Do not use a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
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What other drugs will affect clotrimazole topical?
Avoid using other topicals at the same time unless your doctor approves. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of clotrimazole topical. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with clotrimazole topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Clotrimazole has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA when given as oral troches, and pregnancy category B when used intravaginally or topically. Animals given high doses intravaginally and orally have not shown evidence of teratogenicity. In clinical trials involving women in their second and third trimester, clotrimazole treatment of vaginal candidiasis has not been associated with fetal harm. Clotrimazole use has not been well studied during the first trimester. Clotrimazole is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
Pregnancy predisposes patients to the development of vaginal candidiasis due to changes in the vaginal tract. Clotrimazole has been used in several clinical trials for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis during the second and third trimester without evidence of fetal harm. One trial included 57 patients in their first trimester. Again no adverse effects were attributed to clotrimazole.
In a review of 229,101 deliveries to Michigan Medicaid patients, 2624 first-trimester exposures to clotrimazole and 8590 exposures any time during pregnancy were recorded. A total of 118 birth defects were reported with first trimester exposure (112 expected) and included (observed/expected) 27/26 cardiovascular defects, 3/1 spina bifida, 4/4 oral clefts, 9/6 polydactyly, 1 limb reduction, and 6/6 hypospadias. (written communication, Franz Rosa, MD, Food and Drug Administration, 1994) These data do not support an association between first-trimester clotrimazole use and birth defects.
There are no data on the excretion of clotrimazole into human milk.
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What does my medication look like?
Clotrimazole topical is available under the brand name Lotrimin for prescription products and under the brand name Lotrimin AF for over-the-counter products. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Clotrimazole topical is available as a cream, a solution, and a lotion. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of clotrimazole topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used, or that clotrimazole topical has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.
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Who should not use clotrimazole topical?
Do not use clotrimazole topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. Clotrimazole topical is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use clotrimazole topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether clotrimazole passes into breast milk. Do not use clotrimazole topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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