Suggested Medicines
Clotrimazole, an antifungal medication, was first manufactured in the 1960s by the pharmaceutical Company Bayer and later patented by Bayer in 1972 and introduced under the brand name Canesten in 1973. Depending on the intended use, it was later marketed under various brand names, including Lotrimin, Mycelex, and Gyne-Lotrimin.
Over the years, clotrimazole has been used to treat various fungal infections, including skin, nails, and mucous membranes. It has also been used with a combination of other medications to treat certain bacterial and viral infections.
Today, clotrimazole is available in many countries as an over-the-counter medication for the treatment of common fungal infections. However, in some countries, it may require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
A Short Brief On Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) is used to treat various fungal infections on the skin, including athlete's foot, joy itch, ringworm, and yeast infection. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungal infections and reducing their cell membranes, ultimately leading to their death.
Clotrimazole is available in various forms, including cream, lotions, powder, and spray, and it is typically applied to the affected area of the skin. It's generally very well known for its fast and effective results such as clotrimazole for toenail fungus, but it may cause side effects such as skin irritation, itching, and burning at the spot of application. Let's look at how Clotrimazole works.
How Clotrimazole Works?
Clotrimazole is a class of antifungal drugs called azoles. These drugs work by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol. Ergosterol is an important component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the membrane becomes unstable and leaky, leading to the death of the fungal cell.
Usages Of Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is used to treat Antifungal infections. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): the fungal infection that affects the skin of the foot, causing itching, scaling, and burning. Ringworm (tinea corporis): the fungal infection affects the body's skin, causing circular rashes with raised edges.
Vaginal yeast infections are also being treated, a common fungal infection affecting the Vagina and surrounding area, causing itching, burning, and discharge. Not only specialized for women, but clotrimazole for men's infection is also an effective option.
Clotrimazole may be used off-label to treat diaper rash caused by yeast infections in infants, Clotrimazole is also used for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes scaly patches on the face, scalp, and other areas. Clotrimazole can also be used off-label to treat oral thrush, a fungal throat and mouth infection.
Dosages, Forms And Strengths Of Clotrimazole
- Cream: Clotrimazole cream is available in strengths ranging from 1% to 2%. The cream is typically applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily.
- Solution: Clotrimazole solution is available in a strength of 1%. It is used to treat fungal infections on the skin and is applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily.
- Lotion: Clotrimazole lotion is available in a strength of 1%. It is used to treat fungal infections on the skin and is applied to the affected area 2-3 times daily.
- Troche: Clotrimazole troches are available in a strength of 10 mg. They are used to treat oral thrush and are dissolved slowly in the mouth several times daily.
- Vaginal cream: Clotrimazole vaginal cream is available in strengths ranging from 1% to 2%. It is used for vaginal yeast infections and is typically applied to the vagina once daily.
Precautions To Be Taken For Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is generally considered one of the safest medications to treat fungal infections. However, you need to remember to follow some precautions while using Clotrimazole, including
- Allergy: Individuals who are allergic to Clotrimazole or any of its ingredients should not use this medication.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: pregnant or breastfeeding women must consult a doctor before using this medication.
- Medical conditions: it's important to inform your doctor about your medical condition before using Clotrimazole, especially if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, or immune system disorder.
- Drug interactions: Clotrimazole may interact with other medications, including warfarin, other blood-thinning medicines, and certain HIV medications. Individuals should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking.
- Use as directed: Clotrimazole should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the package. Overuse or misuse of this medication may result in resistant fungal infections.
- Avoid contact with eyes: You should not use Clotrimazole for fungal infections inside the eyes or the area near the eyes. It may cause blindness.
- Side effects: although it is rare, some individuals may face the side effects of Clotrimazole, such as skin irritation, itching, or burning at the applied area. You should visit a doctor if you face any of these side effects.
Side Effects Of Clotrimazole
|
Common side effects |
Serious side effects |
|
|
Interactions Of Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole may interact with other medications or substances. Which can affect the effectiveness of the medication and may cause serious health issues.
Here are some examples of the potential interaction:
- Warfarin: using Clotrimazole with Warfarin may increase the effectiveness of Warfarin blood thinner, and it may raise the risk of bleeding.
- Tacrolimus: clotrimazole may enhance the effect of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant medication, which can increase the risk of side effects.
- Cyclosporine: Clotrimazole may enhance the effects of Cyclosporine, another immunosuppressant medication, which can raise the risk of side effects.
- Rifampin: rifampin is an antibiotic medication that can decrease the effectiveness of Clotrimazole.
- Cimetidine: Cimetidine is the medication used to treat stomach ulcers and heartburn; mixing Cimetidine with Clotrimazole may raise the risk of side effects.
- Oral Hypoglycemics: Clotrimazole may increase the effects of Hypoglycemics medication used to treat diabetes, which may increase the risk of Hypoglycemics.
Can You Buy Clotrimazole Online?
There are many fraudulent websites that sell counterfeit or substandard medication. So be aware of fake and illegal pharmacies while buying Clotrimazole online.
Can You Get Clotrimazole Over the Counter?
Yes, you can get Clotrimazole over the counter. No prescription is required to buy Clotrimazole. Although it is available without a prescription, taking your doctor's advice before using Clotrimazole is the better option. They may guide you better.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, Clotrimazole is the medication used to treat various fungal infections on the skin, including athlete's foot, joy itch, ringworm, and yeast infection. No prescription is required to buy it. You can purchase Clotrimazole online and offline over the counter, but it is important to use it according to the instruction written on the packaging or advice given by your Doctor.
