Clotrimazole Cream 1%

What is Clotrimazole Cream?

Clotrimazole is is an antifungal medication that is used to treat a wide range of fungal infections, such as itching rash, ringworm, athlete’s foot and nappy rash. Clotrimazole is widely prescribed for treating the symptoms of thrush.

It can be used on adults and children, including babies.

You can buy Clotrimazole Cream over the counter as well as on prescription. 

What is Clotrimazole Cream used to treat?

Clotrimazole can provide fast-acting and effective relief from the symptoms of a number of infections caused by fungus.

Clotrimazole is used to treat:

• Thrush (vaginal and penile)
• Ringworm
• Nappy rash
• Athlete's foot
• Fungal Sweat Rash

It works to relieve uncomfortable symptoms like itching and irritation.

Clotrimazole is also a common treatment for thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by a fungus called candida, which can cause a number of symptoms and conditions such as candidiasis. Candida is the most common cause of fungal infections in humans.

Thrush thrives in warm and moist areas of the body, so it often occurs in places like the mouth and genitals.

Why is Clotrimazole recommended to treat thrush?

Clotrimazole has been used to treat various fungal infections since 1969 and is on the World Health Organisation's List of Essential Medicine.

If you use this cream as instructed, it will normally cure your infection after around one week.

How does Clotrimazole treat thrush?

Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines known as topical imidazoles. It works by killing the fungi (yeast) that causes the infection. It can do this all over the body.

Who can use Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole is generally considered to be a very safe medicine.

Before using it, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Clotrimazole or to any other medicine in the past. They should also know if you are currently using any other form of medication.

Can you buy Clotrimazole over the counter?

Clotrimazole is available on prescription, but you can also buy it from a pharmacy or supermarket.

As well as a cream, it is also available as a spray and a solution that you apply to your skin.

Can you buy Clotrimazole online in the UK?

You can buy Clotrimazole cream 1% online at Medicine Direct. However, you will first need to complete an online consultation questionnaire to make sure it is suitable for you. Your answers will be reviewed by one of our registered prescribers before you can complete your purchase.

If you order from us before 2pm, we can offer you next day delivery of your medicine.

Never buy medicine online from anywhere other than registered UK pharmacies.

Clotrimazole Alternatives 

Depending on the condition you are trying to treat, Medicine Direct sell a number of thrush treatments available to buy online.

For thrush, you could instead opt for an oral capsule medicine, such as Fluconazole. An effective treatment for both vaginal and penile thrush, this single-dose treatment only requires you to take one dose of medicine and should have cleared up your symptoms after just a few days.

Canesten Cream, which is a branded version of Clotrimazole, is also available to buy from Medicine Direct. This cream works in the same way and should also have cleared your symptoms within a week.

Clotrimazole Indications and Dose

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Clotrimazole Cream.

How long you will need to apply Clotrimazole cream will depend on the type of infection you have.

To properly combat infections, it is best to apply it for at least two weeks. Even if the symptoms of your infection have disappeared before the two weeks is over, you should continue to use it to prevent the infection from coming back. If required, this medicine can be used for up to four weeks at a time.

Clotrimazole is for external use only. Do not swallow the cream and try to avoid putting it near your eyes, nostrils or mouth.

How to use Clotrimazole

Apply Clotrimazole 2-3 times a day. As a treatment for thrush, you should use it for at least two weeks. For other infections, it will normally take at least one month.

Wash your hands before and after you apply this cream. If you are treating athlete’s foot, wash and dry your feet thoroughly before applying the cream.

Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected areas of the skin and rub it in gently.

Read the patient information leaflet for full instructions.

Clotimazole Side Effects

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects concern you or do not go away:

• You have red, irritated skin
• You experience a painful or burning sensation

If these side effects don't stop bothering you, try to use a smaller amount of the cream, or use it less frequently. If this does not work, stop using it altogether and go back to your doctor, who will be able to recommend an alternative form of treatment.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if your baby gets any adverse effects while using this treatment.

Always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly, for a comprehensive list of adverse reactions you may experience.

Clotrimazole Warnings and Drug Interactions

As with all medicines, Clotrimazole may interact with other drugs, which can hinder its effectiveness.

Do not use Sofradex ear drops at the same time as a Clotrimazole treatment. Speak to your doctor before you use Clotrimazole if you are using these ear drops.

Please note, you must always make sure you inform your doctor if you are already taking any other drugs before taking a new one. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, herbal remedies and supplements.

Read the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings. 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clotrimazole is generally considered to be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you want to know more about using Clotrimazole during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend BUMPS.

Clotrimazole Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Clotrimazole

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Clotrimazole Cream online in the UK?

Is Clotrimazole the same as Canesten?

Canesten is the branded version of Clotrimazole. It will work in the same way but generic Clotrimazole cream is often cheaper than branded versions.

Should I rub Clotrimazole cream in?

Yes, you should gently rub the cream into the affected area until it has been absorbed.

How long does Clotrimazole take to work?

To treat thrush, you will need to use Clotrimazole for at least two weeks. It will normally take at least a month to treat other infections. For the most effective treatment, always apply Clotrimazole as instructed by your doctor.

What should I do if Clotrimazole doesn’t work?

If you have noticed no improvement after using Clotrimazole for one week, speak to your doctor.

What happens if I use too much cream?

If you accidentally apply too much cream, wipe away any excess with a clean tissue. Speak to your doctor if you notice any adverse reactions after applying too much.

When should I stop using Clotrimazole?

If you have been prescribed Clotrimazole for thrush, you should apply it for at least two weeks before you stop using it. You will likely be told to use it for two weeks after the infection has cleared, to keep it from coming back.

Can I drink alcohol while using Clotrimazole?

Yes, it is safe to drink alcohol while using Clotrimazole cream.

Can I apply Clotrimazole to my face?

Clotrimazole cream must not be applied to the face unless your doctor specifically tells you to do so.

Is Clotrimazole cream safe to use for a long time?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should not use Clotrimazole cream for longer than one month.

Can Clotrimazole treat impetigo?

Impetigo is a bacterial infection and will require a different type of topical treatment. Clotrimazole cream is used in the treatment of fungal infections, such as thrush.