Clotrimazole Skin Cream Uses, Dosage, Precautions And Side Effects
Clotrimazole Skin Cream Uses – Clotrimazole cream, topical and vaginal, containing a combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate, is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.
It is sold under the brand name Lotrisone, manufactured by MERCK and co. Other brands available include Mycelex and Canesten.
What About Clotrimazole Skin Cream
Clotrimazole cream belongs to the class of antifungal drugs. The combination drug clotrimazole is an antifungal agent, and betamethasone dipropionate is a synthetic topical corticosteroid. The cream is used for various fungal skin lesions.
Clotrimazole destroys the permeability barrier of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane and inhibits its biosynthesis. Thus, fungal growth is suppressed.
The cream is topical or vaginal (external or internal).
Strength
Clotrimazole cream is available in various concentrations.
- Topical Clotrimazole 1%
- Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream 1% & 2%
Price Of Clotrimazole Skin Cream In Pakistan
Clotrimazole cream is a prescription drug (also available over the counter) made by various pharmaceutical companies in varying concentrations. The usual price range in Pakistan is between 40 and 80 PKR.
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Instructions For Use
Clotrimazole treats a variety of fungal infections of the skin, including;
- Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)
- Ringworm of the body (Tinea corporis)
- Jock itch (Tinea cruris)
- Candidiasis
- Vaginal thrush
How To Use Clotrimazole Skin Cream?
- Wash the affected skin area and dry it
- Massage in enough treatment cream to cover the affected area as well as some of the surrounding area.
- Do not cover or wash the area after using the cream unless your doctor has told you to do so.
- The dose and duration of treatment depends on the infection being treated. Usually the regimen is taken twice a day (morning and evening).
- Do not use the medicine after the prescribed period
Vaginal Cream
- Clotrimazole vaginal cream can be used for external and internal use.
- Follow the directions mentioned above to use the external vaginal cream.
- For vaginal creams for internal use, read the package leaflet carefully.
- Correctly fill the applicator with the prescribed dose
- Lie on your back with your knees facing up
- Insert the applicator far enough into the vagina.
- Note any burning sensation or discharge.
Clotrimazole Skin Cream Dosage
The dose depends on your infection and the prescribed dose of the cream. Use the prescribed dose with caution. A twice daily regimen is usually followed, which should not exceed 1-2 weeks, depending on the infection.
Clotrimazole Skin Cream Side Effects
Clotrimazole Skin Cream Uses – Possible side effects of clotrimazole cream include:
- Swollen
- Irritation
- Hypopigmentation
- Dryness
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Discharge or itching and burning around the vulva (outside the vagina)
- In some cases, growth retardation may occur.
- Hyperglycemia can also occur due to systemic absorption.
If you experience any of these side effects, seek professional help immediately.
Interaction
Clotrimazole does not show significant interactions with other drugs. However, other steroids should not be used simultaneously with this cream.
Attentions And Precautions
- Clotrimazole cream is not recommended for use in children under 17 years of age.
- Clotrimazole should not be used for diaper rash.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose and duration of treatment (1 week for mycoses of the feet and mycoses of the body, 2 weeks for mycoses of the feet).
- Clotrimazole can be used for infections only with a prescription.
- Do not exceed recommended dose
- Other corticosteroids should not be used with clotrimazole.
- Any signs of local or systemic side effects should be reported immediately.
- Use the cream only for the prescribed conditions. Do not recommend the drug to others.
- Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately in an emergency.
Clotrimazole During Pregnancy
Clotrimazole Skin Cream Uses – Clotrimazole is contraindicated in pregnancy and belongs to “Category C”.
There are no available human studies showing teratogenic effects of clotrimazole on the fetus, but animal studies support the evidence.
Clotrimazole Overdose
- Clotrimazole cream should not be used more than 45 g per week.
- Acute overdose does not cause life-threatening effects.
- Chronic overdose may cause systemic side effects (such as growth retardation).
- However, it is not recommended to exceed the prescribed dose and duration.
Storage Conditions
The cream is available in tubes of 15 or 45 g. Correct storage conditions:
- Store the cream in a cool (25 degrees Celsius) and dry place.
- stay away from children
Alternatives
Alternatives to clotrimazole creams include antifungal creams such as;
- Econazole
- Miconazole
- Terbinafine
- Griseofulvin
Frequent Asked Questions
1. What is Clotrimazole used for?
Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections of the skin or vagina, including; athlete’s foot, vaginal candidiasis, and other ringworm infections.
2. Where do you apply clotrimazole cream?
Clotrimazole is applied topically to the skin. Vaginal creams may be intended for external or internal use in the vagina.
3. Does clotrimazole work quickly?
Clotrimazole usually cures candidiasis and yeast infections in 7 days, but 2 weeks is recommended. Follow your doctor for optimal therapeutic effect.