What is clotrimazole and what is it for?

What is clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole is anantifungal or antifungal medication to treat infections caused by some types of fungi andyeastson the skin and on certain mucous membranes such as pathogenic dermatophyte species, fungi, Malassezia furfur, ringworm and Candida Albicans. (1)

Its active ingredient isclotrimazole, a drug that belongs to the group of imidazoles, which inhibits the reproduction of fungi and yeaststhat cause superficial infections.

Its application istopicaland is presented in aluminum tube of30 gr, with white vaginalcream containing 10 mg of clotrimazole per10 gr of cream. It can also be available as100 mg and 500 mg tablets.

The recommended form of administration is as follows:

• For skin infections: Spread a small layer of this medicine on theaffected areawith a light massage, until the cream is absorbed by the skin.
• In cases of vaginal candidiasis: Apply this medication to the lips or adjacent areas.

The duration of treatment will depend on the pathology to be treated , however, clinical experience describes results between 1 to 2 weeks for vaginal candidiasis or candidal balanitis. For dermatophyte infections from 3 to 4 weeks of application twice a day.

Important: Both the dosage of this medicine and its frequency must be supervised by a specialist doctor.

What is clotrimazole used for?

Clotrimazole treatment serves to eliminate fungi and yeasts that cause the following infections:

1. Skin infections

This medication can Improve Bothersome Symptoms by Eradicating Fungi and Yeasts that cause skin infections such as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), ringworm of the hands, ringworm of the body, jock itch, and tinea versicolor.

To highlight: Some Clinical trials carried out demonstratedthe efficacy of clotrimazole in the treatment of ringworm. (two)

2. Vaginal infections

Another of the therapeutic uses of clotrimazole is on infections of the genitals of both sexes such as balanitis candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, very frequent in the adult population.

You should know: In a research article, The Effectiveness of both oral and topical administration of clotrimazole is described for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. (3)

Clotrimazole Side Effects

Clotrimazole treatment may cause some of the following Adverse effects in certain patients :

• Possible allergic reactions to clotrimazole components such as contact dermatitis .
• Dry skin, itching, irritation or rashes.
• Abdominal pain, pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding.

Important: If you experience the appearance of any of these adverse reactions during treatment with clotrimazole, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Clotrimazole Contraindications

The use of this drug is contraindicated in any of the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of clotrimazole.
• Pregnant and lactating women, since clotrimazole could be excreted in breast milk.
• Immunocompromised patients do not respond well to clotrimazole treatment and the risk of infections may be increased.

You should know: Before starting treatment with clotrimazole, it is recommended that you review your medical history with your doctor.

Key Conclusions

• Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication used to treat infections of the skin and some mucous membranes.
• Its active principle is clotrimazole , a drug that inhibits the reproduction of some fungi and yeasts that cause infections.
• This drug is indicated to treat skin infections and genital infections of men and women caused by the candida fungus.
• Although this medicine is relatively safe to use, both the indication and the dose must be supervised by a specialist doctor to guarantee the success of the treatment.