Clotrimazole is a synthetic, imidazole derivate with broad spectrum antifungal activity used primarily in the treatment of skin, oral and vaginal candida infections. It is typically given topically or as oral or vaginal troches and has only modest systemic absorption.
It inhibits biosynthesis of sterols, particularly ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, thereby damaging and affecting the permeability of the cell membrane. This results in leakage and loss of essential intracellular compounds, and eventually causes cell-lysis.
Oral drug in used to treat and prevent yeast infections of the mouth and throat. It is not absorbed through our stomach. It will not treat fungal infections in any part of our body other than our mouth and throat. It does not work on the scalp or nails.
Uses:
To treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal nail infection, infected nappy rash, rash in folds of skin (intertrigo), thrush etc.
The safety and effectiveness of clotrimazole have not been established for children younger than 3 years of age.
Dosage Forms:
Topical cream, solution or lotion: 1% Vaginal suppositories: 100 and 200 mg and Vaginal cream: 1% and 2%
Buccal lozenge. 10 mg
Dosage:
Usual Pediatric Dose >3 years Apply topically to the affected area and immediately surrounding skin twice a day for 4 weeks
Pediatric Dose for Vaginal Candidiasis> 12 years Regimen 1:100 mg (one 100 mg vaginal suppository) intra vaginally once a day for 7 consecutive days alone or in combination with topical application of 15 clotrimazole cream to affected area two times daily for 7 consecutive days.
The lozenge should slowly dissolve in the mouth. One lozenge is administered 5 times daily for 14 days. The cream, lotion, or solution is applied to the affected and surrounding skin areas, generally twice daily in the morning and evening.
The vaginal cream is inserted via applicator once daily. preferably at night, for 7 consecutive days.
The 100 mg vaginal suppository is inserted once daily, preferably at bedtime, for 7 consecutive days. The 200 mg vaginal suppository is inserted once daily for 3 days, preferably at bedtime.
Side Effects
Common allergic reactions: hives; difficult breathing swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using clotrimazole topical if there is severe blistering of treated skin: swelling, redness, or oozing or severe burning, itching, or other irritation
