General Information and Indications:
Clotrimazole is used to treat yeast
infections of the vagina, mouth, and skin such as athlete's foot, jock itch,
and body ringworm. It can also be used to prevent oral thrush in certain
patients.
Information For Users:
Clotrimazole comes as a cream, lotion, and solution to
apply to the skin; lozenges (called troches) to dissolve in the mouth; and
vaginal tablets and vaginal cream to be inserted into the vagina.
Clotrimazole is usually used five times a day for 14 days for oral thrush,
twice a day (in the morning and evening) for 2 to 8 weeks for skin
infections, and once a day at bedtime for 3 or 7 days for vaginal
infections. Follow the directions on the package or your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Use clotrimazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of
it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
To use the topical cream, lotion, or solution, thoroughly clean the infected
area, allow it to dry, and then gently rub the medication in until most of
it disappears. Use just enough medication to cover the affected area. You
should wash your hands after applying the medication.
The lozenges should be placed in the mouth and dissolved slowly over about
15 to 30 minutes. Do not chew or swallow the lozenges whole.
To use clotrimazole vaginal cream or vaginal tablets, read the instructions
provided with the medication and follow these steps:
o Fill the special applicator that comes with the cream to the level
indicated or unwrap a tablet, wet it with lukewarm water, and place it on
the applicator as shown in the instructions that come with the product.
o Lie on your back with your knees drawn upward and spread apart.
o Insert the applicator high into your vagina (unless you are pregnant), and
then push the plunger to release the medication. If you are pregnant, insert
the applicator gently. If you feel resistance (hard to insert), do not try
to insert it further; call your doctor.
o Withdraw the applicator.
o Discard the applicator if it is disposable. If the applicator is reusable,
pull it apart and clean it with soap and warm water after each use.
o Wash your hands promptly to avoid spreading the infection.
The vaginal cream or tablets should be applied when you lie down to go to
bed. The drug works best if you do not get up again after applying it except
to wash your hands. You may wish to wear a sanitary napkin while using the
vaginal cream or tablets to protect your clothing against stains. Do not use
a tampon because it will absorb the drug. Do not douche unless your doctor
tells you to do so.
Continue to use clotrimazole even if you feel well. Do not stop using
clotrimazole without informing your doctor. Continue using this medication
during your menstrual period.
If you obtained the clotrimazole skin cream, lotion, or solution without a
prescription, use it for 4 weeks for athlete's foot and 2 weeks for jock
itch or body ringworm. If your symptoms do not improve by that time, stop
using the medication and consult either a pharmacist or doctor.
If you obtained clotrimazole vaginal cream or tablets without a prescription
and this is the first time you have had vaginal itching and discomfort, talk
with a physician before using clotrimazole. However, if a doctor previously
told you that you had a yeast infection and if you have the same symptoms
again, use the vaginal cream or tablets as directed on the package 3 or 7
consecutive days, preferably at night. If your symptoms do not improve
within 3 or 7 days, call your doctor. If your symptoms return in less than 2
months, also call your doctor.
Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to clotrimazole or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
drugs you are taking, especially antibiotic medications and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding liver disease, problems with
your immune system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, or a history of alcohol abuse.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using clotrimazole, call your
doctor.
o Inform your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Though adverse effects of clotrimazole are not
common, they could occur. If you have any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor without delay:
o itching
o burning
o irritation
o redness
o swelling
o stomach pain
o fever
o foul-smelling discharge if using the vaginal product
o upset stomach or vomiting with the lozenges (troches)
Brand Name(s):
o Fungoid® Solution
o Gyne-Lotrimin®
o GyneLotrimin® 3
o Gyne-Lotrimin® 3 Combination Pack
o Gyne-Lotrimin®-3
o Lotrim® AF Jock Itch Cream
o Lotrimin®
o Lotrimin® AF
o Mycelex® Troche
o Mycelex®-7
Other Name(s):
o Lotrisone® containing Clotrimazole and
Betamethasone Dipropionate
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