Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal available in several route-specific formulations. A skin cream, vaginal product and oral lozenge are not interchangeable, and indications and instructions depend on the site being treated.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Drug class
- Imidazole antifungal
- Main uses
- Superficial fungal skin infections; vulvovaginal candidiasis; oral candidiasis with specific formulations
- Route
- Topical; vaginal; oral lozenge products exist in some markets
- WHO ATC
- D01AC01
- Key safety
- Local irritation is commonest; systemic exposure and risks differ substantially between topical, vaginal and oral lozenge formulations.
- Monitoring
- Correct diagnosis, treatment site, symptom response and recurrent or complicated infection risk factors.
Names & terminology
How this medicine may be named or searched
- Canonical page name
- Clotrimazole
- INN / generic name
- Clotrimazole
- Aliases / salts
- clotrimazole
- Russian support entity
- clotrimazole.ru — entity relationship only, not a clinical source
Structured drug profile
Drug profile
What is Clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal available in several route-specific formulations. A skin cream, vaginal product and oral lozenge are not interchangeable, and indications and instructions depend on the site being treated.
What is Clotrimazole used for?
Superficial fungal skin infections; vulvovaginal candidiasis; oral candidiasis with specific formulations. The exact approved indication depends on the product, route and country. [1]
How it works
Disrupts fungal cell-membrane ergosterol synthesis, impairing membrane function and fungal growth.
Forms and formulations
Cream, solution, vaginal formulations and lozenges depending on country. Different formulations may have different indications, strengths, excipients and instructions and should not be assumed interchangeable.
Country / market layer
Availability and formulations by market
Brand names, strengths, prescription status and approved uses vary by jurisdiction. Check the exact national product record before relying on a formulation.
Availability depends on the active ingredient, route and formulation; not every medicine in this reference has a current UK product.
U.S. authorization and formulation availability may differ substantially from Europe and other markets.
How it is used
Apply or use only at the intended body site and for the duration in the specific product instructions. Do not use a skin preparation in the eye, mouth or vagina unless that exact product is designed and labelled for that route.
For prescription treatment, use the patient-specific regimen rather than copying a dose from another person or another formulation.
Side effects
Burning, stinging, redness or irritation can occur at the application site. Vaginal products may cause local discomfort. Severe allergy is uncommon but requires urgent care.
Important warnings and monitoring
Seek assessment when symptoms are severe, recurrent, associated with fever or pelvic pain, involve nails/scalp when a skin product is being used, or fail to improve within the expected treatment window.
Monitoring context: Correct diagnosis, treatment site, symptom response and recurrent or complicated infection risk factors.
Interactions
Topical exposure generally produces few systemic interactions. Route-specific products can have additional considerations; for example, vaginal products may affect some barrier contraceptive materials during treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Topical and vaginal clotrimazole have substantial clinical experience, but pregnancy treatment should still use an appropriate formulation and follow clinician or product guidance, especially for vaginal symptoms.
Overdose and accidental extra doses
Accidental topical overuse usually causes local irritation; swallowing a large amount or significant exposure to a non-oral formulation warrants poison-centre advice.
Practical clinical context
The most important distinction is between the medicine entity and a specific marketed product. Strength, salt, route, modified-release design, age authorization and prescription status can change between products. When safety or dosing decisions matter, use the exact package leaflet, prescribing information or national regulator record for the product actually being used.
This page deliberately separates general evidence from the project’s Russian-language support site clotrimazole.ru; that site identifies the cross-language entity but is not treated as an authority for clinical claims.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Topical clotrimazole is commonly used for fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch.
No. Use the formulation made for the treatment site and follow its own instructions.
No. It is an antifungal and does not treat bacterial or viral infections.
Lack of improvement may mean the diagnosis, treatment duration or treatment site needs reassessment.
Yes. Local burning, stinging or redness can occur, although many people tolerate it well.
Sources
Clinical statements in this reference are based on named public-health, regulatory or guideline sources. Product-specific labeling remains authoritative for exact indications, dosing and contraindications.
- 1. MedlinePlus. Clotrimazole Topical Drug Information. Source ↗
- 2. MedlinePlus. Clotrimazole Vaginal Drug Information. Source ↗
This medicine reference is evidence-based and is awaiting clinician review. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.