Clotrimazole

Imidazole·Infectious Diseases - Antivirals & Antifungals

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), vulvovaginal candidiasis, cutaneous candidiasis

ANTIFUNGALCanesten, Clonea100 mgS3TGA

Max Dose

Apply BD/TDS

Systemic Abs.

ZERO

Route

TOPICAL/VAGINAL

Safety

HIGH

Rapid Summary

Overview

Broad-spectrum topical imidazole antifungal. Highly effective for local dermatophyte and candidal infections. Strictly for external or mucosal use.

Maximum Dose

Apply topically BD or TDS until symptoms clear.

Clinical Focus

Fungal skin infections take weeks to clear. Therapy must continue for 2 weeks AFTER the rash visually disappears to prevent recurrence.

Bottom Line

Clotrimazole is a topical azole antifungal for skin and vaginal candidiasis, but is only effective topically and has no systemic activity for invasive fungal infections.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Canesten, Clonea

Topical

Cream 1%. Vaginal cream (1%, 2%, 10%). Vaginal pessaries (100 mg, 500 mg).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC) or Pharmacy/Pharmacist Only (S2/S3) depending on strength/pack size.

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), vulvovaginal candidiasis, cutaneous candidiasis.

Clinical Place

First-line topical antifungal. Safe, accessible, and highly effective for superficial infections.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Imidazole — Broad-spectrum topical imidazole antifungal.

Route / Formulation

Cream 1%. Vaginal cream (1%, 2%, 10%). Vaginal pessaries (100 mg, 500 mg). (Canesten, Clonea)

Usual Dose & Max

Topical Apply cream BD or TDS for 2-4 weeks. Continue for 14 days after rash resolves. Apply topically BD or TDS until symptoms clear.

Key Indication Doses

Tinea (Skin): Topical Apply cream BD or TDS for 2-4 weeks. Continue for 14 days after rash resolves. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Thrush): Vaginal Insert 1 x 500mg pessary STAT, or 1 x 100mg pessary for 6 consecutive nights. Apply cream to vulva BD. Oral Thrush: PO Dissolve a 10mg lozenge slowly in the mouth 5 times a day (Not available in all regions).

Best Uses

Clotrimazole is a topical azole antifungal for skin and vaginal candidiasis, but is only effective topically and has no systemic activity for invasive fungal infections.

Avoid / Cautions

Known hypersensitivity. Do not use for ophthalmic (eye) infections. Pregnancy Category A. The absolute drug of choice for vaginal thrush during pregnancy.

Key Risks

Dermatological: Mild local erythema, stinging, blistering, or contact dermatitis at the application site. Systemic: Zero systemic toxicity due to lack of absorption.

Key Interactions

Vaginal creams/pessaries contain oils that can degrade latex condoms and diaphragms, causing them to break. Warn patients to use alternative contraception methods.

Monitoring

Ensure the area is kept completely dry. Fungi thrive in moist environments. Advise breathable cotton clothing/socks.

Clinical Pearl

Fungal spores embed deep in the epidermal layers. If a patient stops applying the cream the day the redness disappears, the embedded spores will hatch a week later and the rash returns. You must treat for 14 days post-clearance to kill the spores.

Access

Canesten, Clonea

Brand: Canesten, Clonea

Clotrimazole

Imidazole·Infectious Diseases - Antivirals & Antifungals

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), vulvovaginal candidiasis, cutaneous candidiasis

ANTIFUNGALCanesten, Clonea100 mgS3TGA

Max Dose

Apply BD/TDS

Systemic Abs.

ZERO

Route

TOPICAL/VAGINAL

Safety

HIGH

Rapid Summary

Overview

Broad-spectrum topical imidazole antifungal. Highly effective for local dermatophyte and candidal infections. Strictly for external or mucosal use.

Maximum Dose

Apply topically BD or TDS until symptoms clear.

Clinical Focus

Fungal skin infections take weeks to clear. Therapy must continue for 2 weeks AFTER the rash visually disappears to prevent recurrence.

Bottom Line

Clotrimazole is a topical azole antifungal for skin and vaginal candidiasis, but is only effective topically and has no systemic activity for invasive fungal infections.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Canesten, Clonea

Topical

Cream 1%. Vaginal cream (1%, 2%, 10%). Vaginal pessaries (100 mg, 500 mg).

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC) or Pharmacy/Pharmacist Only (S2/S3) depending on strength/pack size.

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), vulvovaginal candidiasis, cutaneous candidiasis.

Clinical Place

First-line topical antifungal. Safe, accessible, and highly effective for superficial infections.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Imidazole — Broad-spectrum topical imidazole antifungal.

Route / Formulation

Cream 1%. Vaginal cream (1%, 2%, 10%). Vaginal pessaries (100 mg, 500 mg). (Canesten, Clonea)

Usual Dose & Max

Topical Apply cream BD or TDS for 2-4 weeks. Continue for 14 days after rash resolves. Apply topically BD or TDS until symptoms clear.

Key Indication Doses

Best Uses

Clotrimazole is a topical azole antifungal for skin and vaginal candidiasis, but is only effective topically and has no systemic activity for invasive fungal infections.

Avoid / Cautions

Known hypersensitivity. Do not use for ophthalmic (eye) infections. Pregnancy Category A. The absolute drug of choice for vaginal thrush during pregnancy.

Key Risks

Dermatological: Mild local erythema, stinging, blistering, or contact dermatitis at the application site. Systemic: Zero systemic toxicity due to lack of absorption.

Key Interactions

Vaginal creams/pessaries contain oils that can degrade latex condoms and diaphragms, causing them to break. Warn patients to use alternative contraception methods.

Monitoring

Ensure the area is kept completely dry. Fungi thrive in moist environments. Advise breathable cotton clothing/socks.

Clinical Pearl

Access

Canesten, Clonea

Brand: Canesten, Clonea