Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot or vaginal fungus. It is a so-called broad-spectrum antifungal agent that is effective against a large number of different fungi. The active ingredient is available in the form of ointments, creams and vaginal tablets, among others. Clotrimazole is generally well tolerated. However, mild side effects such as burning or itching cannot be ruled out during use.
First aid for fungal infections
Coltrimazole is used to treat fungal skin infections of various types. Such infections are usually caused by filamentous fungi, yeasts or molds. Clotrimazole is particularly effective because it fights all three groups of fungi. Since clotrimazole is also effective against gram-positive bacteria, it is also used to treat some bacterial skin diseases. In this case, it is used particularly often when there is a combination of bacterial infection and fungal infection. Furthermore, clotrimazole is also effective against trichomonads, but these are usually treated first with metronidazole.
Clotrimazole as ointment and cream.
Clotrimazole is available in many different dosage forms. Among other things, it is available as an ointment, cream, tincture, spray, powder, and as a vaginal tablet or vaginal suppository. Which form is used always depends on the type of fungal disease. In most forms, the active ingredient is available without a prescription. However, certain products can only be handed out after presentation of a doctor’s prescription.
Treatment of athlete’s foot and vaginal fungus.
Clotrimazole is primarily used to treat athlete’s foot and vaginal fungus. The cure rate by the active ingredient is between 85 and 90 percent for such infections. A positive aspect is that there is hardly any resistance to the active ingredient. Only one particular pathogen of vaginal mycosis infections, Candida glabrata, cannot be treated effectively with clotrimazole. For the treatment of athlete’s foot, creams, sprays and solutions are mainly used. With the help of the spray, shoes can also be disinfected in case of athlete’s foot. In the case of vaginal mycosis, creams are primarily used. In addition, vaginal tablets or vaginal suppositories can be used. In the form of powder, clotrimazole is used for post-treatment or prevention of a fungal skin disease. The dry effect of the powder counteracts the fungi, as they prefer to spread in a moist environment.
Correct dosage
If clotrimazole is used in the form of ointments, creams or solutions, these can be applied directly to the diseased skin area or sprayed on. Depending on how severe the infection is, the antifungal should be applied between once and three times a day. It usually takes between two and four weeks for treatment to be completed. Do not stop treatment once symptoms have subsided. To finally control the fungal infection and prevent a relapse, continue treatment for another week or two. If used vaginally, clotrimazole cream should be used once a day for a period of three to six days. In addition, vaginal suppositories or vaginal tablets can be used. These are also used once daily for three or six days, depending on the dosage.
Side effects of clotrimazole
When using clotrimazole, side effects may include skin irritation and redness, as well as itching and burning. Whether and how severe these symptoms become depends on the severity of the infection, among other factors. In rare cases, a general hypersensitivity reaction may occur with vaginal application. In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, shortness of breath, circulatory problems and gastrointestinal problems such as nausea and diarrhea may occur. Caution: Liquid products must not get into the eyes or mucous membranes and must not be used in the genital area. Also, do not apply the active ingredient to open wounds.
Interactions and contraindications
Clotrimazole may reduce the effect of other topically applied substances that have antibacterial or antifungal activity. This includes agents such as amphotericin B, nystatin, and natamycin. Equally, however, the effect of clotrimazole can also be reduced by these substances.This can also be reduced by the use of deodorants, cosmetics or intimate hygiene products on the affected areas. Since the active substance is absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes only in very small quantities, interactions with other medications are not expected. Caution: if there is hypersensitivity to the active substance, you should not take it.
Taking during pregnancy
Fungal infection during pregnancy can be treated with clotrimazole. However, in the first trimester of pregnancy, use in the vaginal area should be avoided if possible. Otherwise, the risk of miscarriage is increased. After the first third of pregnancy, you should also only use clotrimazole to treat a vaginal fungus after consulting your doctor. If the active ingredient is applied externally to the skin, its use probably poses no risk to the unborn child. However, to be on the safe side, you should consult your doctor here as well. In addition to clotrimazole, nystatin is also suitable for the treatment of fungal infections during pregnancy. During breastfeeding, fungal infections in the nipple area should not be treated with the antifungal drug. This prevents the infant from coming into contact with the antifungal agent. In children, the agent should generally not be used over a long period of time or on large areas.
