Mycelex (Topical)

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

This medicine can be obtained both over-the-counter (OTC) and with a prescription from your doctor.

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

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to think about the risks of taking it compared to the benefits it may provide. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

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

Pediatric

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

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of topical clotrimazole in older people with other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in 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 in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When taking this medicine, it is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are highlighted based on their potential significance and are not necessarily exhaustive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or the frequency of use for 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 for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or the frequency of use for one or both medicines.

• Trimetrexate

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Skin rash, hives, blistering, burning, itching, peeling, redness, stinging, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may 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.

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)