Clotrimazole

What clotrimazole is and how it works

Clotrimazole is an azole antifungal medicine used as a cream, vaginal pessary (tablet), or solution to treat fungal skin infections and vaginal yeast infections (candidal vaginitis). (1) (2)

Clotrimazole has a long safety record and very low absorption into the bloodstream when used on the skin or in the vagina, so it is available over-the-counter in most markets for vaginal yeast infections that have been previously diagnosed by a doctor. There is no boxed warning for clotrimazole. The main things to watch for are local irritation and a small number of symptoms that can suggest a different or more serious condition, which are worth telling a doctor about promptly.

Mechanism of action: how clotrimazole works

Clotrimazole is an azole antifungal that inhibits ergosterol synthesis, a key component of the fungal cell membrane, leading to structural and functional impairment of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane. (2)

What clotrimazole is used for

Before taking clotrimazole

Do not take / not appropriate for

• Do not use the vaginal product if you have never had a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a doctor -- other conditions can cause similar symptoms and need different treatment. (patients using the vaginal formulation for the first time) (1)
• Do not use clotrimazole if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to clotrimazole or any ingredient in the product. (all patients) (2)

Tell your clinician about

• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Whether your symptoms include lower abdominal, back, or shoulder pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge -- these are not typical yeast infection symptoms and need assessment.
• Whether you use latex condoms or a diaphragm for contraception, since clotrimazole vaginal products can weaken latex.
• Whether you take tacrolimus or sirolimus, since combined use may raise their blood levels.

How to take clotrimazole

• For vaginal use: insert one applicatorful of cream, or one pessary, into the vagina, usually at bedtime, for the number of days stated on your product's instructions (commonly 1, 3, 6, or 7 days depending on the strength).
• For external itching and irritation: apply a small amount of cream to the affected skin outside the vagina, usually twice daily, for up to 7 days as needed.
• For topical skin infections: apply a thin layer to the affected area as directed on your product's instructions, continuing for a period after visible signs of infection clear, as directed by the product information or your pharmacist.
• Avoid tampons, douches, spermicides, other vaginal products, and vaginal intercourse during vaginal treatment, since these can reduce effectiveness and latex condoms/diaphragms may be weakened by the product.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the cream.

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Missed dose

If you miss an application, use it as soon as you remember and then continue your regular schedule. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to adjust your remaining doses.

Overdose

Clotrimazole overdose is unlikely with normal topical or vaginal use because of its very low systemic absorption. If accidentally swallowed or if you have concerns, contact a pharmacist, doctor, or poison-control service for advice. (2)

Side effects

Local irritation, burning, and itching at the application site are the most commonly reported effects. A small number of symptoms are worth telling a doctor about promptly, since they can suggest a different or more serious condition rather than a straightforward yeast infection.

Serious warnings

Interactions

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Monitoring

Before starting

• Confirm that vaginal symptoms have been previously diagnosed as a yeast infection by a doctor, if this is your first time using a vaginal product without a new diagnosis.
• Consider whether you use latex condoms/diaphragms or take tacrolimus/sirolimus, so you can plan around the relevant interactions.

During treatment

• Watch for lack of improvement within 3 days, symptoms lasting more than 7 days, or new symptoms such as fever, abdominal/back/shoulder pain, or foul-smelling discharge.
• Watch for signs of an allergic skin reaction such as rash or hives.

Storage

Store at room temperature, 20-25C (68-77F). Check the product carton for the expiration date.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Clotrimazole Vaginal Cream USP 1% -- Drug Facts labelU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), OTC drug facts labeling · United States · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 1
2. Canesten 10% w/w Vaginal Cream -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- Bayer · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 2
3. Clotrimazole / clotrimazole-hydrocortisone -- list of nationally authorised medicinal products (PSUSA)European Medicines Agency, list of nationally authorised medicinal products (PSUSA) · European Union · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 3
4. CANESTEN (clotrimazole) Product Monograph, Bayer Inc.Health Canada product monograph · Canada · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 4
5. CANESTEN CLOTRIMAZOLE ANTIFUNGAL CREAM 10 mg/g -- ARTG entryTherapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia · Australia · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 5
6. Canesten (clotrimazole) Thrush Treatments -- New Zealand Data SheetMedsafe (New Zealand regulator) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-30 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient clotrimazole names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries