Category- Allopathy
About Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections of the skin and scalp. Clotrimazole works by damaging the fungal cell membrane, while selenium sulfide reduces the growth of fungi and controls excessive skin cell production. Common side effects include skin irritation, itching, dryness, burning sensation, redness, and oily or dry hair.
This medicine is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, or broken skin. Do not use it if you are allergic to clotrimazole, selenium sulfide, or any of the ingredients. Use caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding after consulting a doctor.
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp 2. To treat fungal infections of the skin 3. To control scalp itching, flaking, and scaling 4. To help manage tinea versicolor (a fungal skin infection causing discolored patches) |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Burning sensation 2. Dryness of skin or scalp 3. Itching 4. Redness 5. Skin irritation |
| Additional Information | 1. Avoid applying on broken or irritated skin 2. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Apply the prescribed amount of solution at the affected area on the akin |
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension Uses
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension is used to treat following infections:
- Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Fungal infections of the skin
- Scalp itching and flaking
- Tinea versicolor
- Scalp scaling caused by fungal infections
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension side effects
More Common
- Burning sensation
- Dryness of skin
- Itching
- Redness
- Skin irritation
Less Common
- Hair discoloration
- Oily or dry hair
- Scalp tenderness
- Temporary increase in hair shedding
How Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension works
This suspension contains clotrimazole and selenium where clotrimazole blocks the production of ergosterol, an important component of the fungal cell membrane. This damages the fungus and stops its growth. Selenium sulfide slows the growth of skin cells and reduces fungal multiplication on the scalp and skin. Together, they help clear fungal infections, dandruff, and scalp scaling.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypersentivity
If you have ever had an allergy to Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension, inform your doctor before they prescribe this medicine.
Pregnancy
Use Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension during pregnancy only if recommended by your doctor.
Breastfeeding
Use Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension during breastfeeding only if recommended by your doctor.
Broken or damaged skin
Avoid applying the suspension on cuts, wounds, or severely irritated skin as it may cause increased irritation.
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension Interaction with Food Product
Since this medicine is applied externally, food interactions are not expected. However, avoid alcohol and smoking if they worsen your skin condition or scalp irritation.
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
Clotrimazole: 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)(diphenyl)methyl]-1H-imidazole
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to use excessive amounts of Clotrimazole and Selenium (Antifungal) Suspension, as overuse may cause skin irritation, redness, burning, dryness, excessive scalp irritation, or hair discoloration. If accidental overuse occurs, wash the affected area thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature.
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Clean the affected skin or scalp.
- Shake the bottle well before using it.
- Apply a sufficient amount of the solution.
- Gently massage into the affected area.
- Leave it on for 5–10 minutes or as directed by your doctor.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use regularly as prescribed by your doctor.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Clotrimazole 1%?
Clotrimazole is a medicine used to treat different fungal infections that cause itching, burning, redness, and rashes on the skin. It helps in conditions like fungus on the feet, fungal infection in the groin area, ringworm on the skin, and yeast infections in the vagina. It also works for fungal rashes in skin folds like underarms that cause redness and irritation.
What are the side effects of Clotrimazole 1% cream?
Common side effects include itching, burning, redness, or mild stinging at the application site. Less common side effects may include blistering, swelling, spreading rash, or rare allergic reactions.
How does Clotrimazole 1% cream work?
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that works by disrupting the skin of the fungi and ultimately killing them. By targeting the fungal cells, it helps clear infections on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes and relieves symptoms such as itching, redness, burning, and irritation.
What are the benefits of Selenium?
Selenium helps protect body cells from oxidative damage, supports thyroid health, and improves immunity.
What are the side effects of Selenium?
Common side effects may include nausea, stomach upset, garlic-like breath odor, hair loss, and brittle nails.
What is the daily requirement of Selenium?
Adults usually need about 55 mcg of selenium daily. Pregnant and breastfeeding women may require slightly higher amounts.
Reference
- PubChem. Clotrimazole [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from
- Drugs & Medications [Internet]. Webmd.com. 2019. Available from
- Drugbank. Clotrimazole [Internet]. Drugbank. 2005. Available from
- Clotrimazole topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from
- Clotrimazole (Topical Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Available from
- National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements – Selenium [Internet]. NIH.gov. National Institutes of Health; 2021. Available from
- Griffin M. Selenium [Internet]. WebMD. 2018. Available from
Authors
Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.