Clotrimazole
Also known as: Canesten
What it's for
Clotrimazole is an antifungal for thrush and fungal skin infections like athlete's foot and ringworm. It kills the fungus causing the infection.
Comes as: Cream, pessary, or spray
How to take it
- For skin infections: Apply 2 or 3 times daily for 2 to 4 weeks.
- For vaginal thrush: Insert pessary at night, use cream externally.
- Continue for 2 weeks after symptoms clear for skin infections.
- Wash and dry the area before applying.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Mild burning or irritation at application site
- Redness
- Itching (temporary)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- For external and vaginal use only - do not swallow
- Complete the full course even if symptoms improve
- Pessaries and cream can damage latex condoms
- See a doctor if this is your first time having thrush symptoms
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe burning or pain
- The infection spreads or gets worse
- You develop a rash or swelling
- Symptoms do not improve after 7 days
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.