Lotrimin

Clotrimazole is a prescription and over-the-counter medication used to treat yeast infections of the vagina, mouth, and skin. Clotrimazole can also be used to prevent yeast infection in the mouth in certain patients.

Clotrimazole is both an over-the-counter and a prescription medication. The over-the-counter forms are used to treat yeast infections of the skin and the vagina. The prescription forms are used to treat yeast infections of the mouth and skin. This medication page refers to the prescription forms of clotrimazole.

Clotrimazole belongs to a group of drugs called antifungals. These work by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing yeast.

This medication comes in a topical solution, a topical cream, and a lozenge form. How often this medication is used will change, depending on the indication for use.

Common side effects of clotrimazole include redness, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling, itching, burning, and irritation at the site of application. Stomach upset and vomiting may occur with the oral lozenge.

Serious side effects have been reported with clotrimazole. See the “Clotrimazole Precautions” section.

Topical cream and solution:

Common side effects of topical clotrimazole cream and solution include the following:

• Itching
• Burning
• Irritation
• Redness
• Swelling

Oral lozenge:

Common side effects of clotrimazole lozenges include the following:

• Nausea           
• Vomiting
• Unpleasant mouth sensations
• Itching in the mouth

This is not a complete list of clotrimazole side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before using clotrimazole, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to clotrimazole or to any of its ingredients
• have liver disease
• have a compromised immune system
• have diabetes
• drink alcohol or have a history of alcohol abuse
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Topical clotrimazole cream and solution fall into category B. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given clotrimazole, and some babies had problems. But in human studies, pregnant women were given this medication and their babies did not have any problems related to this medication.

Clotrimazole lozenges fall into category C. There are no well-controlled studies that have been done in pregnant women. Clotrimazole should be used during pregnancy only if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

It is not known if clotrimazole crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using clotrimazole.

If you use too much clotrimazole, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If clotrimazole is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

• It is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Lotrimin is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Use Lotrimin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Do not take this medicine by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses or extra doses.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.