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Clotrimazole is commonly used to treat or prevent fungal infections in your mouth and throat. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that disrupts the fungi’s cell structure. The most common side effects are nausea or vomiting, unpleasant mouth sensations, and itching.

Uses

What is clotrimazole used for?

Clotrimazole is commonly used to treat or prevent fungal infections in your mouth and throat, also called oral thrush.

Clotrimazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does clotrimazole work (mechanism of action)?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that stops certain types of fungi from growing by disrupting their cell structure.

How is clotrimazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Mycelex

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 10 mg oral troches (lozenges)

Clotrimazole is also available in a topical form. See Clotrimazole topical for more information.

Clotrimazole is also available in a vaginal form. See Clotrimazole vaginal for more information.

How should I store clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of clotrimazole?

The most common side effects of clotrimazole are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unpleasant mouth sensations
  • Itching

There may be other side effects of clotrimazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of clotrimazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of clotrimazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Clotrimazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using clotrimazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use clotrimazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use clotrimazole.

  • Clotrimazole
  • Mycelex
  • Lotrimin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific clotrimazole products they stock.

What should I know about clotrimazole before using it?

Do not use clotrimazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share clotrimazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep clotrimazole out of the reach of children.

Each clotrimazole lozenge should be allowed to dissolve slowly in your mouth for full effect.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using clotrimazole?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if clotrimazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Liver Problems. Clotrimazole may increase the levels of certain liver enzymes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any liver problems. Your healthcare provider may periodically check your liver function while you are taking clotrimazole.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how clotrimazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if clotrimazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take clotrimazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does clotrimazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between clotrimazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect clotrimazole.

Does clotrimazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between clotrimazole and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much clotrimazole?

If you or someone else has used too much clotrimazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of clotrimazole?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.