Clotrimazole

NHS information about clotrimazole, including what it’s used for, who can use it, how to use it and possible side effects.

What clotrimazole is for

Clotrimazole is used to treat some types of fungal infections, such as:

thrush in the vagina, on the penis, or on the skin
athlete’s foot
ringworm
nappy rash
ear infections
rash in the folds of your skin (intertrigo)

How to use clotrimazole and how much to take (dose)

There are different types of clotrimazole, including:

skin cream (external cream)
cream for inside the vagina (internal cream)
pessaries (a type of medicine to put inside the vagina)
liquid (spray or solution)

How you use clotrimazole and how much to use depends on what type it is and what you're using it for.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you’re not sure how to use it or if you have any problems using it.

If a doctor prescribes clotrimazole for you, follow the advice they give about how to use it and how much to use.

How to use common types of clotrimazole

Side effects of clotrimazole

Like all medicines, clotrimazole can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Side effects usually stop when you stop using clotrimazole.

Common side effects

Common side effects of clotrimazole external cream, spray or solution include:

red, itchy or irritated skin – redness may be less noticeable on black or brown skin
pain, burning or a stinging sensation

Common side effects of clotrimazole pessaries and internal cream include:

pain or swelling in or around your vagina
a burning or a stinging feeling in your vagina
pain in your lower tummy or pelvic area
discharge or bleeding from your vagina

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the clotrimazole packet or leaflet inside it and any other medicines you take.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of clotrimazole.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot use clotrimazole

Most adults and children can use clotrimazole for fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot.

But clotrimazole for thrush may not be suitable for some people. For example it may not be suitable if:

you are 15 years old or younger
you are over 60 years old
you've had vaginal thrush more than 2 times in the last 6 months
you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
you think you have thrush on your penis, but your sexual partner does not have thrush
you have an abnormal discharge from your penis
you have sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis
you have abnormal bleeding from your vagina, or bloody discharge
you have sores, ulcers or blisters on, or around, your vagina

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can use it.

Breastfeeding and clotrimazole

You can usually use clotrimazole if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

If you're using clotrimazole cream or solution on your breasts and nipples while breastfeeding, wash it off with warm water before feeding your baby.

Pregnancy and clotrimazole

You can usually use clotrimazole if you're pregnant, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Find out more about using clotrimazole during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Using clotrimazole with other medicines, food and drink

There some medicines and supplements that may not mix well with clotrimazole.

These include:

a medicine called tacrolimus that affect your immune system (immunosuppressant), if you are using clotrimazole internal cream or pessaries
Solfradex ear drops, if you're using clotrimazole solution for an ear infection

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take it.

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