Clotrimazole Cream: Uses and Side Effects

What is Clotrimazole Cream?

Say goodbye to stubborn fungal infections with clotrimazole cream! Clotrimazole cream is a widely used antifungal medication. It is a topical cream used commonly used for skin conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal nail infection, diaper rash in babies and rash in folds of the skin (intertrigo). Clotrimazole cream belongs to the imidazole class of drugs and works by inhibiting the growth and spread of fungi.^1,2

Let us explore the uses of clotrimazole cream and what makes it the perfect choice to soothe soreness and reduce discomfort. Read on to learn more about this amazing topical treatment!

How Does the Clotrimazole Cream Work?

Clotrimazole is the main component of clotrimazole cream. It works by breaking the protective barrier in the cell membrane of fungi, which prevents them from functioning properly. It does this by stopping the production of a substance called ergosterol, which is necessary for the growth and integrity of fungal cells. Without enough ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes weakened, and the fungal cell cannot grow or function properly. This entails that a higher dose leads to greater inhibition of fungal growth.² 

Uses of Clotrimazole Cream:

Clotrimazole cream is a type of antifungal medication that is widely utilized for treating various fungal skin infections, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and candidiasis, as well as alleviating symptoms like skin irritation, itching, and redness caused by these infections.^1,5

How to Apply Clotrimazole Cream?

If you are using clotrimazole cream for the first time, it’s important to follow these instructions to ensure proper application.

1. Preparation:

• Wash your hands before and after using the cream, and if you’re treating a hand infection, wash your hands only before applying the cream.
• Ensure that the affected area is clean and dry before applying the cream.
• Make sure to wash and properly dry your feet before using clotrimazole, while ensuring close attention to the area between your toes.

2. Application:

• This medicated cream is for external use only and should not be consumed by mouth.
• Pay close attention to the directions on the prescription label.
• Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area and a small amount to the surrounding skin, and gently rub it in.
• Avoid getting the cream in your eyes. If it happens, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water.
• Use the cream at regular intervals as directed, and do not use it more often than recommended.
• Even if you begin to feel better, you should complete the entire course of application as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not stop using the cream unless advised by your doctor.
• Do not apply this cream past the expiry date as it may not be effective or it may also cause some adverse reactions to your skin.
• Consult your paediatrician before using the cream in children, as special precautions may be needed.^3,4

Precautions

Here are some precautions to follow while using clotrimazole cream:

• Inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist if you have any allergies to clotrimazole, other medications, or any ingredients in clotrimazole cream.
• Share with your doctor and pharmacist a comprehensive list of all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or planning to take.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult your healthcare provider before you use clotrimazole cream. If you become pregnant while using clotrimazole, contact your doctor promptly.
• Follow your normal diet, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. 
• Ensure that you don’t share this medication with others.
• Additionally, avoid smoking or going near open flames as clotrimazole can pose a risk of severe burns. 
• When it comes to interactions with other medicines, clotrimazole is not known to interact with other medications. However, as with other creams, it may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives such as condoms or diaphragms.^5,6

Side Effects of Clotrimazole Cream

Clotrimazole cream may cause side effects, although not everyone may experience them. Here are a few side effects to look out for:

• Rash, trouble breathing or swallowing, tongue, face, or throat swelling, weakness, dizziness, or nausea are all indications of an adverse reaction to clotrimazole cream.
• If you suspect an allergic reaction, stop using clotrimazole cream and seek immediate medical attention.
• Possible side effects of clotrimazole cream after application may include itching, rash, blisters, burning, discomfort, swelling, irritation, redness, or peeling of the skin, which could indicate an allergic reaction.
• If irritation or sensitivity develops at the site of application, the use of clotrimazole cream should be discontinued.
• This cream contains cetostearyl alcohol which might cause skin reactions such as rash, itching, or redness.
• Clotrimazole contains benzyl alcohol, which may cause mild local irritation.
• Clotrimazole therapy may cause an increase in tacrolimus levels, for people who have undergone recent organ transplants, leading to potential tacrolimus-associated toxicities.
• Use of this medicine in combination with tacrolimus and trimetrexate is generally not recommended. 

It’s important to note that if you have any concerns or questions about using this medication, you should consult with your healthcare provider.^2,6,7

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. About Clotrimazole cream, spray and solution [Internet]. NHS choices. NHS; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Clotrimazole/about-Clotrimazole-cream-spray-and-solution/
2. Khatter NJ, Khan MAB. Clotrimazole. [Updated 2022 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books  
3. How and when to use Clotrimazole cream, spray and solution [Internet]. NHS choices. NHS; Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/Clotrimazole/how-and-when-to-use-Clotrimazole-cream-spray-and-solution/ 
4. Clotrimazole: Antifungal skin cream [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18755-Clotrimazole-skin-cream-lotion-ointment-or-solution 
5. Clotrimazole topical: Medlineplus Drug Information [Internet]. MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine; Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618059.html  
6. PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER Clotrimazole Cream 1% [Internet]. Home – Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC); Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2598.pdf  
7. Clotrimazole (topical route) proper use [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2023. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clotrimazole-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20063212?p=1 
8. Sheehan DJ, Hitchcock CA, Sibley CM. Current and emerging azole antifungal agents. Clinical microbiology reviews. 1999 Jan 1;12(1):40-79. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88906/
9. Angular Cheilitis: What is it, causes, treatment, and more – osmosis [Internet]. Available from: https://www.osmosis.org/answers/angular-cheilitis   

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