What is Clotrimazole Cream 1%?
Clotrimazole Cream 1% is a treatment cream for fungal skin infections. It’s a very effective antifungal cream, helping to ease symptoms like itching and irritation as it works to treat your infection at its source. Clotrimazole is a popular treatment as it can be used in adults and children for lots of different fungal infections and can be used alongside other treatments and medicines. If you’re looking for a simple remedy for thrush or other yeast infections, clotrimazole could be the perfect way to ease your symptoms,
What can I use clotrimazole cream for?
Clotrimazole cream can be used for lots of different fungal infections. The most popular reasons why people use this antifungal cream include:
- Thrush, including vaginal and penile
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Fungal sweat rash
- Fungal nappy rash
What is thrush?
Thrush is a common fungal infection that happens when the balance of good and bad bacteria in your body has been disturbed, giving fungi called candida the chance to thrive and cause infection. The most common places you can experience thrush are in the vagina, the mouth (oral thrush), and the penis. When you have vaginal thrush, you’ll normally experience irritation, itching, and redness around your vagina, accompanied by a discharge that looks a bit like cottage cheese. Thrush is usually nothing to worry about and can go away within a week when treated properly.
How will clotrimazole 1% treat my thrush or yeast infection?
Clotrimazole 1% cream is an antifungal cream which is part of a group of medications known imidazoles. Clotrimazole works by destroying the fungi, which are also known as yeast, that are causing your infection, wherever they may be. This makes clotrimazole cream an effective treatment for lots of different fungal infections throughout the body, including thrush, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
Can I use this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you may still be able to use clotrimazole cream. However, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product, so you can be sure that it is safe for both you and your baby. Always follow the instructions given to you by medical professionals carefully. If your doctor tells you that you can use clotrimazole when you’re breastfeeding, take care not to get the cream onto your breasts before feeding your child.
Can I use this cream if I’m taking other medication?
Clotrimazole is not currently known to interact with any other medications, which means you should be safe to use it with other treatments you’re taking. However, we still recommend asking your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are taking other medication, just to be sure that the combination is right for you. This applies to prescription medications as well as herbal remedies and medicines you’ve bought without a prescription.
Can I use clotrimazole and fluconazole at the same time?
You can use clotrimazole cream and fluconazole tablets at the same time to treat thrush, and the combination is very popular. Fluconazole is another antifungal medication, so using it alongside clotrimazole gives you an effective two-pronged approach at treatment. If you’d like to try this for yourself, we’d recommend speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first to make sure that the combination is right for you.
Can I have sex if I’m using clotrimazole for vaginal or penile thrush?
You can have sex while using clotrimazole for thrush, but there are a few things you may want to consider before doing so. Thrush isn’t an STI, but it can be passed to your partner during sex, even if you are using clotrimazole cream. Clotrimazole can also reduce the effectiveness of condoms, diaphragms, or any other rubber contraceptives. If you choose to have sex and usually use these types of contraceptives as your protection against pregnancy, you should use an alternative method of contraception while using clotrimazole cream and for at least 5 days after you’ve stopped use. This product can not be used as protection from STIs.
How to use this antifungal cream
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying this antifungal cream. Apply a thin, even layer of cream to the affected areas and rub it in gently. Do this 2 – 3 times a day. You will only need to use a strip of cream which is about half a centimetre long to treat an area the size of your hand. Use this product for at least 2 weeks to treat thrush and at least 1 month to treat other infections. If you’re using this cream to treat athlete’s foot, make sure that your feet are washed and dried thoroughly (especially the areas between your toes) before use.
When should this cream not be used?
Do not use clotrimazole cream if you are allergic to clotrimazole or any of the other listed ingredients. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product to treat a child. Although this product can be used to treat fungal nappy rash, there are several different causes of nappy rash, so you should ask your doctor, pharmacist or health visitor to see if this treatment will be right for your child’s condition. If you’re unsure whether you or your child have a fungal infection make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
Does clotrimazole have any side effects?
Like all medications, clotrimazole cream can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include symptoms caused by a severe allergic reaction, such as:
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling weak, dizzy, or faint
- Feeling sick
If you experience any of these side effects, stop use and seek immediate medical attention. Other side effects you may experience include skin reactions, which may also be caused by an allergic reaction, although these will usually be less severe. These symptoms include:
- Itching
- Rash
- Blisters
- Burning sensation
- General discomfort
- Swelling
- Irritation
- Redness
- Peeling
If you experience these or any other side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Can I buy Clotrimazole Cream 1% over the counter?
You do not need a prescription for Clotrimazole Cream 1%, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor.
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet fully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
