What is Clotrimazole? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the instructions on the package label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

Apply clotrimazole doses for as long as the instructions tell you to even if symptoms clear up completely.

Use topical clotrimazole on the skin only. 

• Do not use it on the scalp or nails. 

• Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.

• Do not apply to skin with cuts or scrapes.

• Doses are applied twice daily.

• Wash and dry the skin before applying the cream, gel, ointment, or spray.

• Apply or spray a thin layer of topical clotrimazole over the affected area.

• For athlete’s foot, pay special attention to cover the areas under and between the toes.

• Clotrimazole soap can be used on the entire body, but make sure to focus on the areas of the skin that are infected.

• Store clotrimazole products at room temperature.

Use vaginal clotrimazole in or around the vagina only. 

• Use the applicator to insert vaginal clotrimazole cream into the vagina.

• Use your fingertip to apply the cream from the tube to itchy, irritated skin outside the vagina.

• Insert one applicatorful of cream into the vagina before bedtime for three consecutive days (2% cream) or seven consecutive days (1% cream). 

• If needed, the external cream should be applied twice daily to the affected skin outside the vagina for seven consecutive days.

• Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides, or other vaginal products when using vaginal clotrimazole cream.

• Do not have sexual intercourse on the days you are using vaginal clotrimazole cream.

• Store the cream at room temperature.

Use clotrimazole lozenges in the mouth only. 

• Do not bite or swallow the lozenge.

• Allow the lozenge to slowly dissolve in the mouth so that the medicine can cover the surfaces of the mouth and throat.

• Store the lozenges at room temperature. Do not freeze.

For topical clotrimazole, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. 

If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. 

For vaginal clotrimazole, ask a healthcare provider how to handle a missed dose.

• Doses should be inserted at bedtime. This medicine may not work as well if doses are missed or taken during the day.

For clotrimazole lozenges, ask the prescriber how to handle a missed dose since doses are taken every three hours.

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone.

Do not use clotrimazole:

• If you have had an allergic reaction to the drug

• On a child younger than 2 years of age, unless approved by a doctor

Do not use clotrimazole vaginal cream:

• If you have never in your life been diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection—see a doctor first

• On a child younger than 12 years of age, unless approved by a doctor

Before using clotrimazole, talk to a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before using vaginal clotrimazole, talk to a doctor if you have:

• Vaginal itching or discomfort for the first time

• Frequent vaginal yeast infections

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

• Lower abdominal, back, or shoulder pain

• Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting

• Been exposed to HIV

Stop using this medicine if:

• Symptoms do not get better or worsen after seven days (topical clotrimazole) or three days (vaginal clotrimazole)

• You experience skin irritation, rash, or hives

The liquid and spray forms of this medicine might be flammable. Keep them away from high heat and open flames at all times.

Do not inhale the aerosol spray. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

Condoms and diaphragms may break more easily when vaginal clotrimazole cream is being used.

Keep this medication out of the reach of children.

Clotrimazole lozenges can cause liver dysfunction. The prescriber will need regular blood tests to monitor liver function. Keep all appointments.

You should not use other medicines on the same area of skin unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.