Clotrim Antifungal (Topical)

Clotrimazole topical preparations are used to treat fungal infections on the skin.

This medicine is available both over-the-counter (OTC) and with your doctor's prescription.

If your skin problem does not get better in 4 weeks, or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it will provide. This decision should be made with your doctor. For this medicine, keep the following points in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your healthcare provider about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

This medicine has been tested in children and, at effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or issues compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older individuals. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way they do in younger adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of topical clotrimazole in the elderly with younger age groups, but it is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older adults compared to younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor might change the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important for your healthcare provider to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below while using this medicine. The following interactions have been chosen based on their potential importance and are not necessarily a complete list.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some situations. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor might change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines.

• Tacrolimus

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment option for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor might change the dose or how often you use one or both medicines.

• Trimetrexate

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used at the same time as eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare provider about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its intended effects, this medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, but if they do happen, they may need medical attention.

Contact your doctor right away if you notice any of the following side effects:

• Skin rash, hives, blistering, burning, itching, peeling, redness, stinging, swelling, or any other signs of skin irritation that were not present before using this medicine.

Other side effects that are not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Clotrim Antifungal
• Cruex Prescription Strength
• Lotrimin
• Lotrimin AF
• Mycelex

In Canada

• Canesten
• Clotrimaderm
• Desenex
• Myclo-Derm
• Neo-Zol

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Solution
• Lotion

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Chemical Class: Imidazole

Apply enough clotrimazole to cover the affected and surrounding skin areas, and rub in gently.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes.

When clotrimazole is used to treat certain types of fungus infections of the skin, an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) should not be applied over the medicine. To do so may cause irritation of the skin. Do not apply an occlusive dressing over this medicine unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Since fungus infections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using this medicine every day for several weeks or more. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and solution): Fungal infections (treatment): Adults and children—Use two times a day, morning and evening.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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