This medication is used to treat vaginal yeast
infections. Clotrimazole reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge
that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal.
It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the
infection. The vaginal product comes in 2 forms (a vaginal cream or
tablet). Some products come with a skin cream to be applied to the area
around the outside of the vagina.
Ask your doctor before using this medication for
self-treatment if this is your first vaginal infection. This medication
only works for vaginal fungal infections. You may have a different type of
infection (such as bacterial vaginosis) and may need a different
medication.
If you have fever, chills, flu-like symptoms,
stomach/abdominal pain, or a bad-smelling vaginal discharge, do not use
this medication. Contact your doctor right away because these may be signs
of a more serious infection.
If you are using the over-the-counter product to
self-treat, read all directions on the product package before using this
medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your
doctor has prescribed this medication, use it as directed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available with this
product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.
This product is for vaginal use only. Wash your hands
before and after use. Avoid contact of this product with your eyes. If it
gets into your eyes, wash them right away with plenty of water. Call your
doctor if eye irritation lasts.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to treatment. Use the medication usually once daily at bedtime for 1 to 7
nights depending on the product used, or as directed by your
doctor.
If using the vaginal cream, follow the package
instructions on how to fill/use the applicator with the cream. Lie on your
back with your knees toward your chest. Insert one applicator filled with
cream into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the
plunger of the applicator in to apply the cream. Make sure to insert the
correct cream for use inside the vagina, not the skin cream for use on the
outer genital area (vulva).
If using the vaginal tablet, you may use either the
applicator or your finger to insert the tablet. Unwrap the tablet before
use. Follow the package instructions on how to fill the applicator with the
vaginal tablet. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert
the tablet or the applicator into the vagina as far as it will comfortably
go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator to release the
tablet.
If you have itching/burning around the outside of the
vagina (vulva), apply the skin cream to that area usually once or twice a
day for no more than 7 days. If you are using a product with only the
vaginal cream, you may apply a small amount of the vaginal cream to the
area.
Continue to use this medication every day for the full
time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days or if your
menstrual period starts. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the
yeast infection to return.
Do not use tampons, douches, spermicides or other
vaginal products while using this medication. Unscented sanitary napkins
may be used for your menstrual period or to protect your clothing from
leakage of the medication.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
after 3 days or lasts more than 7 days, or if your infection returns within
2 months. You may need a different or additional medication to treat your
condition.
Vaginal/urethral burning/itching/pain, or lower
abdominal cramps may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal agents
(such as terconazole, fluconazole); or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
medication:
- diabetes
- immune system problems (such as HIV-AIDS)
- frequent vaginal yeast infections (more than 3 in 6 months or
4 in 1 year)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Ask your doctor whether you can have sexual intercourse
while using this product. This product may weaken rubber products (such as
latex condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps) and lead to failure. This can
result in pregnancy. Do not use these products during treatment with this
medication. Consult your doctor about other forms of barrier
protection/birth control (such as polyurethane condoms) during this
time.
Do not use this medication for self-treatment if you are
pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when
clearly needed. If you are pregnant, follow your doctor's instructions on
how to use the applicator to insert this medication. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, dry the
genital area thoroughly after showering, bathing, or swimming. Avoid
wearing tight jeans, nylon underwear, pantyhose, a wet bathing suit, or
damp/sweaty exercise clothes for long periods. Wear cotton underwear, and
change your underwear daily.
If your sexual partner experiences symptoms, they should
contact their doctor right away.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.