Clotrimazole (topical)v

Topical Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal skin and nail infections. This medication mainly works by preventing the fungal cells from growing. They may come in many different brands and dosage forms such as cream, lotion, powder and spray.

Some products may also include Hydrocortisone, a steroid, to reduce the inflammation or redness and itch caused by the fungal infection.

• Use this medication as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to use this medication correctly.
• Most of the topical medications should be applied twice a day to the affected area (please confirm the instructions with your healthcare professional as some products may have different frequency of use). Apply to the area surrounding the infected area as well. 
• Continue applying for at least two more weeks after symptoms go away to make sure the fungal infection has completely cleared.
• Do not stop applying your medication without checking with your healthcare professional, as stopping too soon may cause the infection to come back.
• If you are applying another cream, lotion, gel or ointment onto the affected area, use topical Clotrimazole first, then wait for at least 15 minutes before applying them.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not apply two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

• Wash your hands well before and after handling this medication.
• If you are applying the medication to your hands, wash your hands before handling the medication but do not wash your hands after you have applied it.
• Inform your healthcare professional if:
  • You are allergic to this medication or any other ingredients in this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Mild stinging, itching and redness may occur at the affected area. 

• These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop this medication and consult your healthcare professional.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

• Skin is blistered, broken, bleeding or raw
• Signs of fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes at your neck, under your chin, armpits or groin
• Fungal infection symptoms appear in the mouth, or around or on the reproductive organs
• For fungal nail infections, if more than half of a nail is affected, or the infection reaches the half-moon of the nail
• For fungal nail infections, the skin surrounding your affected nail is red, painful, swollen or filled with pus
• Fungal infection symptoms that do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment (for fungal skin infection)
• Fungal infection symptoms that keep coming back after going away
• Fungal infection symptoms that worsen with or without treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop this medication and see your doctor immediately.

Check with your healthcare professional if other topical medications may be applied together with this medication.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

Discard this medication a year after opening unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.