Clotrimazole

Clotrimazole is a topical imidazole antifungal medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

Clotrimazole is used for fungal infections of the skin, including:

• Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis) — the very common ring-shaped, itchy rash known locally as dad
• Jock itch (tinea cruris) — fungal infection of the groin and inner thighs
• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) — itching, peeling and cracking between the toes
• Candida (yeast) infections of skin folds, including intertrigo and candidal nappy rash
• Pityriasis versicolor — light or dark discoloured patches on the chest, back and arms

Doctors may also advise it for fungal infection around the nails or other sites. Separate vaginal preparations exist for vaginal yeast infection — use those only as a doctor directs.

Apply Clotrimazole as your doctor advises — usually a thin layer 2–3 times daily on the affected skin and about 2 cm of the surrounding healthy skin.

1. Wash the area with mild soap and water, then dry it thoroughly — fungi thrive on moisture
2. Apply a thin layer and rub in gently; a small amount is enough
3. Wash your hands afterwards, unless the hands are being treated

Treatment usually lasts 2–4 weeks, depending on the infection. Continue applying for 1–2 weeks after the rash looks clear — stopping early is the commonest reason the infection comes back. Children should be treated under a doctor's guidance. If there is no improvement after 2–4 weeks of regular use, see your doctor again.

Clotrimazole is applied to the skin, so side effects are usually mild and local:

• Temporary burning, stinging or tingling where it is applied
• Redness or irritation
• Itching
• Mild peeling or dryness of the skin
• Rarely — allergic contact dermatitis, with blistering, swelling or worsening rash

Mild irritation in the first days often settles as the skin heals. Stop using the cream and consult a doctor if irritation is severe, the rash worsens, or you notice swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, which would suggest a rare allergic reaction to Clotrimazole.

• External use only — keep it away from the eyes, mouth and inside the nose; if it gets into the eyes, rinse well with water
• Complete the full course, including the extra 1–2 weeks after the skin looks clear — stopping early causes relapse
• Keep the affected area clean and dry; after bathing, dry skin folds and between the toes carefully
• Wear loose cotton clothing and change socks and underwear daily; do not share towels, combs or clothes — fungal infections spread easily within families
• Do not cover the area with airtight dressings unless your doctor advises
• If the infection keeps returning, covers a large area, or involves the scalp or nails, see a doctor — tablet treatment may be needed

Because Clotrimazole is used on the skin and very little is absorbed into the body, clinically important interactions with tablets or other medicines taken by mouth are unlikely. Still, keep these points in mind:

• Latex condoms and diaphragms — clotrimazole creams can weaken latex when applied in the genital area, making contraception less reliable during treatment and for several days after
• Other skin products — avoid applying other creams, ointments or steroid preparations on the same spot unless your doctor has advised the combination

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and skin products you use before starting Clotrimazole.

Do not use Clotrimazole if you:

• Are allergic to clotrimazole, other imidazole antifungals (such as miconazole or ketoconazole) or any other ingredient of the cream
• Have previously developed a severe reaction — intense burning, blistering or swelling — after applying this medicine

Do not apply it to the eyes, inside the mouth or on deep, open wounds. It is meant for fungal infections only — it will not help bacterial or viral skin problems, so a correct diagnosis matters. If you are unsure what your rash is, have a doctor confirm before using Clotrimazole.

Pregnancy: Very little clotrimazole passes through the skin into the body, and topical use is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy. Even so, use Clotrimazole during pregnancy only after informing your doctor, and use vaginal preparations in pregnancy strictly under medical supervision.

Breastfeeding: Skin application is considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, do not apply the cream on or near the nipple before feeding without your doctor's advice — if treatment of that area is needed, the doctor will explain how to time applications and clean the area so the baby does not swallow the medicine.

Store Clotrimazole below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube or carton
• Discard the tube within the period stated on the label after first opening