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Topical clotrimazole is used to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Topical clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that disrupts the fungi’s cell structure. The most common side effect is skin irritation.

Uses

What is topical clotrimazole used for?

Topical clotrimazole is commonly used to treat athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and ringworm (tinea corporis), which are fungal skin infections that can cause itching, burning, and cracking. 

Topical clotrimazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical clotrimazole work (mechanism of action)?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine that treats certain fungal infections by disrupting the fungi’s cell structure.

How is topical clotrimazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lotrimin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical cream
  • 1% topical solution

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

Clotrimazole is also available as a lozenge that is dissolved in the mouth. See Clotrimazole for more information.

How should I store topical clotrimazole?

Some topical clotrimazole products should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Some topical clotrimazole products may be stored at a temperature between 36 F to 86 F (2 C to 30 C). Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your topical clotrimazole product. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical clotrimazole?

The most common side effect of topical clotrimazole is skin irritation. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical clotrimazole that are not listed here. Contact your health care 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 topical clotrimazole?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical clotrimazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical 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 topical clotrimazole?

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

  • Clotrimazole
  • Lotrimin
  • Mycelex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

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

Children Under Two Years of Age. Children under two years of age should not use topical clotrimazole unless directed by a health care provider.

What should I know about topical clotrimazole before using it?

If topical clotrimazole was prescribed to you by a health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter topical clotrimazole, follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share topical clotrimazole that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical clotrimazole out of the reach of children.

Topical clotrimazole is for use on the skin only. Keep the medicine away from your eyes. Topical clotrimazole is not effective on the scalp or nails.

Wash and thoroughly dry the area before applying topical clotrimazole.

If you are using topical clotrimazole for athlete’s foot, be sure to apply it to the spaces between your toes. Wear well-fitting, ventilated footwear. Change your shoes and socks at least once daily.

If you are using topical clotrimazole for athlete’s foot or ringworm, stop using the product and tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after four weeks. For jock itch, stop using the product and tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not get better after two weeks.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical clotrimazole?

Tell your health care 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 topical clotrimazole is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical clotrimazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Generally, topical clotrimazole is not well absorbed into your body and is not likely to increase pregnancy-related risks. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

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

Interactions

Does topical clotrimazole interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical clotrimazole.

Does topical clotrimazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical clotrimazole and other medicines. Always tell your health care 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 topical clotrimazole?

If you or someone else has used too much topical 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 topical clotrimazole?

If you miss your scheduled dose of topical clotrimazole, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply topical clotrimazole more than twice daily or more often than prescribed.