Clotrimazole

What is clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication. It is like an antibiotic but is used to treat yeast (fungal) infections.

Oral clotrimazole is used to treat and prevent yeast infections of the mouth and throat.

Clotrimazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

Take all of the clotrimazole that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Before taking this medicine

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take clotrimazole, or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.

Clotrimazole is not absorbed through your stomach. It will not treat fungal infections in any part of your body other than your mouth and throat. Talk to your doctor if you have another type of fungal infection such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, or a vaginal yeast infection.

Oral clotrimazole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether clotrimazole will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether clotrimazole will harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The safety and effectiveness of clotrimazole have not been established for children younger than 3 years of age.

How should I take clotrimazole?

Take clotrimazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

The troches should be allowed to dissolve slowly in your mouth. Suck on one troche at a time until it is completely dissolved, usually 30 minutes.

Do not chew or swallow the troches whole.

The troches are usually used five times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store clotrimazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a clotrimazole overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking clotrimazole?

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with clotrimazole unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Clotrimazole side effects

Stop taking clotrimazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Side effects are not likely to occur with clotrimazole. Continue to take clotrimazole and talk to your doctor if you experience

• nausea or stomach upset,

• vomiting,

• itching, or

• an unpleasant sensation in the mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Clotrimazole dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Oral Thrush:

Treatment: 10 mg orally 5 times a day for 14 days

Prophylaxis: 10 mg orally 3 times a day for the duration of chemotherapy OR until steroids are reduced to maintenance levels

Comment:
-Safety and efficacy of treatment doses given for a prolonged duration have not been established. Treatment should be limited to short-term use when possible.

Uses:
-Local treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis that has been confirmed by a KOH smear of other culture before treatment.
-Prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in patients who are immunocompromised (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, steroid therapy in the treatment of leukemia, solid tumors, or renal transplantation)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Oral Thrush:

3 years and older:
Treatment: 10 mg orally 5 times a day for 14 days

Prophylaxis: 10 mg orally 3 times a day for the duration of chemotherapy OR until steroids are reduced to maintenance levels

Comment:
-Safety and efficacy of treatment doses given for a prolonged duration have not been established. Treatment should be limited to short-term use when possible.

Uses:
-Local treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis that has been confirmed by a KOH smear of other culture before treatment.
-Prophylaxis to reduce the incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in patients who are immunocompromised (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, steroid therapy in the treatment of leukemia, solid tumors, or renal transplantation)

What other drugs will affect clotrimazole?

Since clotrimazole is not absorbed by your body, drug interactions are not expected. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Further information

• Your pharmacist has additional information about clotrimazole written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.