Uploaded August 2018 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Clotrimazole, sold under the brand name Canesten among others, is an antifungal medication.[1] It is used to treat vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, diaper rash, pityriasis versicolor, and types of ringworm including athlete's foot and jock itch.[1] It can be taken by mouth or applied as a cream to the skin or in the vagina.[1]
Common side effects when taken by mouth include nausea and itchiness.[1] When applied to the skin common side effects include redness and burning.[1] In pregnancy, use on the skin or in the vagina is believed to be safe.[1] There is no evidence of harm when used by mouth during pregnancy but this has been less well studied.[1] When used by mouth, greater care should be taken in those with liver problems.[1] It is in the azole class of medications and works by disrupting the cell membrane.[1]
Clotrimazole was discovered in 1969.[2] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[3] It is available as a generic medication.[1] The wholesale cost in the developing world as of 2014 is 0.20–0.86 USD per 20 gram tube of cream.[4] In the United States a course of treatment typically costs less than 25 USD.[5]
Clotrimazole, sold under the brand name Canesten among others, is an antifungal medication.[1] It is used to treat vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, diaper rash, pityriasis versicolor, and types of ringworm including athlete's foot and jock itch.[1] It can be taken by mouth or applied as a cream to the skin or in the vagina.[1]
Common side effects when taken by mouth include nausea and itchiness.[1] When applied to the skin common side effects include redness and burning.[1] In pregnancy, use on the skin or in the vagina is believed to be safe.[1] There is no evidence of harm when used by mouth during pregnancy but this has been less well studied.[1] When used by mouth, greater care should be taken in those with liver problems.[1] It is in the azole class of medications and works by disrupting the cell membrane.[1]
Clotrimazole was discovered in 1969.[2] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.[3] It is available as a generic medication.[1] The wholesale cost in the developing world as of 2014 is 0.20–0.86 USD per 20 gram tube of cream.[4] In the United States a course of treatment typically costs less than 25 USD.[5]
