About Clotrimazole 1% Cream
Clotrimazole 1% Cream contains Clotrimazole 1%. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine used on the skin. It treats common fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and yeast (candida) infections in skin folds. As a cream it treats the infection; as a dusting powder it also helps keep the area dry, which can help prevent the infection coming back.
Uses of Clotrimazole 1% Cream
- Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
- Jock itch (tinea cruris)
- Yeast (candida) infections of the skin and skin folds
- Pityriasis versicolor (patchy skin colour changes caused by yeast)
Benefits
In fungal skin infections
It stops the fungus from growing, which eases itching, redness and scaling. Using it regularly for the full time advised helps stop the infection returning.
Side effects
Side effects are uncommon and usually mild.
Common
- Mild burning or stinging
- Redness
- Itching
- Skin irritation
Get medical help if you notice
- Rash, blistering, swelling or severe irritation (possible allergy) — stop using it and contact your doctor
- Swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Clean and dry the affected area well. For the cream, apply a thin layer to the affected skin and a little of the surrounding skin, usually two or three times a day, and rub in gently. For the powder, sprinkle it on the dry affected area, inside socks or on skin folds as advised. Wash your hands afterwards. Keep using it for about two weeks after the skin looks clear, or as your doctor advises.
How it works
It blocks the fungus from making ergosterol, a building block of the fungal cell wall. Without it, the fungal cells leak and stop growing.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known.
Pregnancy Caution
Very little is absorbed through the skin. Labelling says it can be used in pregnancy, but only under a doctor's advice.
Breastfeeding Caution
Very little is absorbed through the skin. Ask your doctor, and do not apply it to the breasts.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Safe
Almost none is absorbed through the skin, so no problems are expected.
Liver Safe
Almost none is absorbed through the skin, so no problems are expected.
If you miss a dose
If you miss an application, apply it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra to make up.
Quick tips
- Keep the affected area clean and dry.
- Keep using it for about two weeks after the skin clears, to stop the infection coming back.
- Use your own towel and wash clothes and socks regularly.
- Do not use steroid creams on a fungal rash unless your doctor advises.
- See your doctor if there is no improvement after two to four weeks.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Imidazole
- Therapeutic class
- Dermatological / anti-infective
- Action class
- Azole antifungal
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Latex condoms and diaphragms | The cream can damage latex if used on or near the genital area |
| Other creams or powders on the same area | Can reduce how well it works; ask your pharmacist before mixing products |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Clotrimazole 1% topical prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Clotrimazole cream Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.