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Clotrimazole lozenges

What are clotrimazole lozenges?

CLOTRIMAZOLE (Mycelex®) is an antifungal agent used to treat thrush infections of the mouth. Generic clotrimazole lozenges are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take clotrimazole?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to clotrimazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Let a clotrimazole lozenge dissolve in the mouth slowly and completely; do not swallow whole and do not chew. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Take at regular intervals. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with clotrimazole?

  • amphotericin B

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking clotrimazole?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 1 week.

What side effects may I notice from taking clotrimazole?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Minor side effects include:

  • nausea and vomiting

  • stomach pain, diarrhea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Clotrimazole skin cream, lotion, or solution

What is clotrimazole skin cream, lotion, or solution?

CLOTRIMAZOLE (Lotrimin®, Mycelex®) is an antifungal type of antibiotic. It treats ringworm and tinea infections, such as jock itch and athlete's foot. Generic clotrimazole skin cream, lotion, or solution are available.

What should my health care professional know before I use clotrimazole?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to clotrimazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Clotrimazole skin cream, lotion, and solution are for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use (if treating hand or nail infections, only wash hands before use). Apply a thin layer of the product to cover the affected skin and surrounding area. You can cover the area with a sterile gauze dressing (bandage); do not use an airtight bandage (such as a plastic-covered bandage). Use at regular intervals. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with clotrimazole?

  • amphotericin B

Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without consulting your prescriber or health care professional. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking clotrimazole?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days. Do not self-medicate for more than one week.

If your skin condition has not gotten better after 4 weeks, or if it returns when you stop using clotrimazole, see your prescriber or health care professional. You may have a skin infection that does not respond to clotrimazole.

To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, it is important to have good health habits. If you are using clotrimazole for jock itch, do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Also, dry the groin area completely after bathing. If you are using clotrimazole for ringworm of the foot (athlete's foot), carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear clean cotton socks and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat frequently. Also, try to wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated.

What side effects may I notice from using clotrimazole?

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • skin irritation, burning, or itching

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 2—30 degrees C (36—86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Clotrimazole vaginal tablets or cream

What are clotrimazole vaginal tablets or cream?

CLOTRIMAZOLE (Gyne-Lotrimin®, Gynix™, Mycelex-G®, Trivagizole®) is an antifungal agent used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Generic clotrimazole vaginal tablets and cream are available.

What should my health care professional know before I use clotrimazole?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes mellitus

  • immunosuppression, recent chemotherapy treatments, or infection with the human immunodeficiency ( HIV) virus

  • other chronic health condition

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to clotrimazole, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Clotrimazole vaginal tablets are only for use in the vagina. Clotrimazole vaginal cream may be used in the vagina and may also be applied to the external areas of skin around the vagina to decrease itching and discomfort. Do not take by mouth.

Wash hands before and after use. Read package directions carefully before using. If using vaginal tablets, insert one tablet in the applicator tip. If using the vaginal cream, screw the applicator onto the end of the tube and squeeze the tube to fill the applicator; remove the applicator from the tube OR, if using individually packaged or filled applicators, remove the outer covering. Lie on your back. Gently insert the applicator tip high in the vagina and push the plunger to release the tablet or cream into the vagina; gently remove the applicator. Wash the applicator well with warm water and soap. Use at regular intervals as directed by the package or your health care professional. Finish the full course of treatment even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using this medicine if your menstrual period starts during the time of treatment.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Vaginal products should not be used without the prescription of a health care professional in girls under 12 years old. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with clotrimazole?

  • spermicides

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are using, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking clotrimazole?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 3 days. Do not self-medicate for more than one week. If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, contact your prescriber prior to using non-prescription products; infections during pregnancy require examination by your health care professional.

If you develop abdominal pain, a fever > 100°F, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, contact your prescriber or health care professional. Do not self-treat if you have these symptoms. These symptoms are signs of a more serious infection and you will need examined by a qualified health care professional.

It is better not to have sex until you have finished your treatment. Do not rely on condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps or other "barrier" devices to prevent pregnancy. Clotrimazole may damage these devices. Clotrimazole can also interfere with the proper action of spermicides. Clotrimazole can cause failure of these methods to prevent pregnancy.

If your partner(s) has itching or redness of the genitals, they should see a health care professional about these symptoms. They may also need evaluation and treatment.

Your clothing may get soiled if you have a vaginal discharge. You can wear a sanitary napkin; do not use tampons. Tampons can absorb clotrimazole and decrease the efficacy of the medication. If possible, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, panties.

What side effects may I notice from using clotrimazole?

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • vaginal irritation, itching or burning

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Publication Source: U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert
Date Last Modified: 9/18/2006