Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) 2. To restore normal vaginal health |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Vaginal irritation 2. Itching or burning 3. Mild stomach upset 4. Unpleasant taste (oral use) 5. Headache 6. Abdominal cramps |
| Additional Information | Avoid alcohol and smoking with this medication |
| 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 | This medication is taken orally |
Clotrimazole Uses
Clotrimazole belongs to the class of antifungal agents. This tablet is used to treat vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis), restore normal vaginal health, and prevent recurrence of yeast infections (candidiasis – fungal infection in the vagina)
Directions for use
- If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
Clotrimazole side effects
More Common
- Vaginal irritation
- Itching or burning
- Mild stomach upset
- Unpleasant taste (oral use)
- Headache
- Abdominal cramps
Less Common
- Skin rash or redness
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
How Clotrimazole works
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.
Safety Measures and Warning
Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you have an allergy to clotrimazole or other antifungal medicines, inform your doctor before use.
Pregnancy
Clotrimazole is generally considered safe when used topically during pregnancy but always consult your doctor before use to ensure safety for you and your fetus.
Women with Unexplained Vaginal Bleeding or Pain
Bleeding or severe pain may be a sign of a more serious problem (like an infection or injury) that needs medical attention. Always consult your doctor before using the pessary.
Clotrimazole Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking clotrimazole with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases and it could be fatal:
Clotrimazole Interaction with Food Product
Avoid smoking, consuming alcohol and caffeinated product as they can reduce your body’s ability to heal and may worsen skin irritation or delay recovery. Hence avoiding them helps the medicine work more effectively and supports faster relief from fungal infections.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Clotrimazole Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
1-[(2-chlorophenyl)-diphenylmethyl]imidazole
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Clotrimazole 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
Do not take more than 500 mg of clotrimazole. Overuse may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek medical attention if severe irritation or an unusual reaction occurs.
Clotrimazole Summary
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that works by disrupting the cell membrane of fungi, stopping their growth and reproduction. It is used to treat yeast infection caused in vagina by vaginal candidiasis, and is used to restore normal vaginal health
Common side effects include mild itching, burning, redness, or stinging, while less common effects may include blistering, swelling, spreading rash, or rare allergic reactions.
FAQ’s
What are the uses of Clotrimazole 100mg tablets?
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?
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 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.
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
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.