Clotrimazole
Tinea Pedis, Oral Candidiasis ... show more
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
None
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Azole Antifungal
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Clotrimazole
Summary
Clotrimazole is used to treat various fungal infections including athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and vaginal yeast infections. It helps to eliminate the fungi causing the infection and relieve related symptoms.
Clotrimazole works by damaging the yeast's outer layer, making it harder for the yeast to grow. At low doses, it can stop yeast growth, and at higher doses, it can kill yeast, especially Candida.
Adults should take one 10 mg lozenge five times a day for 14 days. If you have a weakened immune system, take one lozenge three times a day for as long as you're receiving treatment. For topical or vaginal use, apply as directed, usually once at night before sleep.
Common side effects include mild skin irritation, burning, or itching. Serious side effects are rare but could include a severe allergic reaction, rash, or difficulty breathing.
Clotrimazole should not be used by people with known allergies to the medication or any of its components. If you have a history of vaginal or skin reactions to antifungal medicines, consult your doctor before use.
Indications and Purpose
How does Clotrimazole work?
Clotrimazole is a medicine that fights yeast infections. It works by damaging the yeast's outer layer, making it harder for the yeast to grow. Clotrimazole can stop yeast growth at low doses (up to 20 mcg/mL). At higher doses, it can kill yeast, especially Candida. A 10 mg lozenge can keep saliva levels high enough to fight most Candida species for up to three hours after dissolving (about 30 minutes).
How does one know if Clotrimazole is working?
Improvement should be visible through the reduction in symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. If the symptoms persist after completing the full course of treatment, consult your doctor.
Is Clotrimazole effective?
Yes, clotrimazole is very effective for treating most fungal infections when used properly. Clinical studies have shown it to clear up many common fungal skin and vaginal infections.
What is Clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication commonly used to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, which helps to clear up the infection and symptoms associated with it.
What is Clotrimazole used for?
Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and vaginal yeast infections. It helps to eliminate the fungi causing the infection and relieve related symptoms.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Clotrimazole?
Treatment usually lasts between 3 to 7 days for topical or vaginal infections. Continue the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
How do I dispose of Clotrimazole?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take Clotrimazole?
If using the topical form, clean the affected area and apply a thin layer of clotrimazole to the infected skin. For vaginal use, follow the directions on how to insert the suppository or cream, typically at night before sleeping.
How long does it take for Clotrimazole to start working?
Clotrimazole starts working almost immediately. You should start to notice improvement within a few days of use, but complete relief may take up to 1-2 weeks, depending on the infection.
How should I store Clotrimazole?
Keep the medicine at room temperature between 68° and 77°F (20° to 25°C). Do not put it in the freezer. Keep the container tightly closed.
What is the usual dose of Clotrimazole?
**Adults:** Take one 10 mg lozenge five times a day for 14 days. If you have a weakened immune system and are undergoing chemotherapy, take one lozenge three times a day for as long as you're receiving treatment or until your steroid levels decrease. **Children:** This medication is not recommended for children under 3 years old.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Clotrimazole be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Clotrimazole is safe to use while breastfeeding. The amount that passes into breast milk is very low, and the topical application is not likely to pose a risk to the infant.
Can Clotrimazole be taken safely while pregnant?
Clotrimazole is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using it, especially for vaginal use, as safety data is more limited in such cases.
Can I take Clotrimazole with other prescription drugs?
Clotrimazole typically does not interact with most prescription medications. However, if you're using other antifungal medications or specific treatments, check with your doctor to avoid potential interactions.
Can I take Clotrimazole with vitamins or supplements?
No significant interactions have been reported between clotrimazole and vitamins or supplements. However, always inform your doctor of any supplements or medications you're taking.
Does Clotrimazole have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted reactions to a medicine, can occur with empagliflozin. Most people tolerate it well, but some may experience urinary tract infections, which affect up to 9% of users. Genital yeast infections, which cause itching and unusual discharge, are common, especially in women. The medication can increase urination, leading to dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids, causing dizziness. A rare but serious effect is ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acid in your blood and requires immediate medical attention. Very rarely, severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, or Fournier's gangrene, which is a serious infection of the genital area, may occur. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.
Does Clotrimazole have any safety warnings?
Empagliflozin has important safety warnings you should know about. This medication can increase your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. This can happen even when your blood sugar is normal, especially if you miss insulin doses or get sick. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or breathing problems, get emergency help. Empagliflozin can cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This may lead to low blood pressure or kidney problems. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. Serious urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, can occur. Watch for painful urination, fever, or back pain. Although rare, this medication can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is a serious bacterial infection in the genital area requiring immediate medical attention. Genital yeast infections are common with empagliflozin. Regular foot care is important as this medicine may increase amputation risk in some patients. Stop taking the medicine and seek help if you develop signs of an allergic reaction.
Is Clotrimazole addictive?
Empagliflozin is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Empagliflozin works by affecting your kidneys to help remove sugar through urine. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. Unlike some medications that can cause psychological or physical dependence, empagliflozin doesn't create these effects. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that empagliflozin doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.
Is Clotrimazole safe for the elderly?
Clotrimazole is considered safe for elderly patients. However, they should still follow the standard guidelines for usage and consult a doctor if they have additional health concerns.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Clotrimazole?
There are no known significant interactions between alcohol and clotrimazole. However, drinking may affect your immune system's ability to fight off infections, so it's best to use caution.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole does not interfere with physical activity. If you have a skin infection, it's important to avoid activities that can cause further irritation, but generally, exercise should be fine.
Is it safe to stop Clotrimazole?
Stopping empagliflozin suddenly can cause serious problems for your health conditions. If you're taking it for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels might rise quickly when you stop. For heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, stopping could make these conditions worse. A dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis might occur if you suddenly stop taking empagliflozin. This condition, which causes harmful acids to build up in your blood, can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and breathing problems. This risk continues for several days after stopping the medication. Always talk with your doctor before stopping empagliflozin. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
What are the most common side effects of Clotrimazole?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With empagliflozin, these effects vary from person to person. The most common side effect is urinary tract infections, which affect about 8-9% of people taking this medication. Women may experience genital yeast infections, which occur in about 2-5% of female patients. Men can also get genital yeast infections, but this happens less frequently. Some people notice they urinate more often when taking empagliflozin, which happens in about 1-3% of patients. Upper respiratory infections, which affect your nose, throat, and airways, occur in about 4% of people taking this medication. If you notice new symptoms after starting empagliflozin, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking Clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole should not be used by people with known allergies to the medication or any of its components. If you have a history of vaginal or skin reactions to antifungal medicines, consult your doctor before use.
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