(kloe TRIM a zole)
Treatment of susceptible fungal infections, including dermatophytoses, superficial mycoses, and cutaneous candidiasis, as well as vulvovaginal candidiasis
Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or any component of the formulation
Dermatophytosis, cutaneous candidiasis: Topical (cream, solution): Apply twice daily; if no improvement occurs after 4 weeks of therapy, re-evaluate diagnosis.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Intravaginal:
Cream (1%): Insert 1 applicatorful of 1% vaginal cream daily (preferably at bedtime) for 7 consecutive days. Note: Guidelines recommend a duration of 7 to 14 days (CDC [Workowski 2015]).
Cream (2%): Insert 1 applicatorful of 2% vaginal cream daily (preferably at bedtime) for 3 consecutive days.
Dermatologic infection (superficial): Topical (cream, solution): Apply to affected area twice daily (morning and evening) for 7 consecutive days.
Refer to adult dosing.
Vaginal, topical infections: Children >12 years: Refer to adult dosing.
Topical: Avoid contact with eyes. For external use only. Apply sparingly. Protect hands with latex gloves. Do not use occlusive dressings.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Cream, External:
Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal: 1% (14.17 g, 28.35 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol]
Clotrimazole GRx: 1% (14 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, polysorbate 80]
Desenex: 1% (15 g, 30 g)
Lotrimin AF: 1% (12 g, 24 g)
Lotrimin AF For Her: 1% (24 g)
Pro-Ex Antifungal: 1% (42 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, edetate trisodium, methylparaben, trolamine (triethanolamine)]
Shopko Athletes Foot: 1% (28.4 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol]
Generic: 1% (15 g, 30 g, 45 g)
Cream, Vaginal:
3 Day Vaginal: 2% (21 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol]
Clotrimazole 3 Day: 2% (22.2 g)
Gyne-Lotrimin: 1% (45 g) [contains benzyl alcohol]
Gyne-Lotrimin 3: 2% (21 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol]
Generic: 1% (45 g)
Ointment, External:
Alevazol: 1% (56.7 g)
Solution, External:
Generic: 1% (10 mL, 30 mL)
Progesterone: Antifungal Agents (Vaginal) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Progesterone. Avoid combination
Sirolimus: Clotrimazole (Topical) may increase the serum concentration of Sirolimus. Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Systemic): Clotrimazole (Topical) may increase the serum concentration of Tacrolimus (Systemic). Monitor therapy
Vaginal:
1% to 10%: Genitourinary: Vulvovaginal burning
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Burning sensation of the penis (of sexual partner), polyuria, pruritus vulvae, vaginal discharge, vulvar pain, vulvar swelling
Dosage form specific issues:
- Benzyl alcohol and derivatives: Some dosage forms may contain benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol ( ≥99 mg/kg/day) have been associated with a potentially fatal toxicity ( "gasping syndrome " �) in neonates; the "gasping syndrome " � consists of metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, gasping respirations, CNS dysfunction (including convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage), hypotension and cardiovascular collapse (AAP [Inactive" 1997]; CDC, 1982); some data suggests that benzoate displaces bilirubin from protein binding sites (Ahlfors, 2001); avoid or use dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol with caution in neonates. See manufacturer 's labeling.
- Topical: When using topical formulation, avoid contact with eyes.
Following topical and vaginal administration, small amounts of imidazoles are absorbed systemically (Duhm 1974). Vaginal topical azole products (7-day therapies only) are the preferred treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnant women. This product may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms (CDC [Workowski 2015]).
Binds to phospholipids in the fungal cell membrane altering cell wall permeability resulting in loss of essential intracellular elements
Topical: Negligible through intact skin; Intravaginal: 3% to 10% of dose is absorbed
Serum: Vaginal cream: ~24 hours
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation, severe vaginal irritation, nausea, vomiting, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or abdominal pain (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.