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Topical azole antifungal Pregnancy: Compatible — considered safe for topical use throughout pregnancy.

Clotrimazole 1% Cream / Solution

Brand names: Canesten (1% cream, 1% solution, powder spray)

Adult dose

Dose: Apply 2–3 times daily to affected areas
Route: Topical
Frequency: Two to three times daily
Max: Apply to affected area and surrounding skin
Tinea pedis, cruris, corporis, and candidal skin infections. Apply twice to three times daily for 2–4 weeks. Continue for 2 weeks after clinical clearance to prevent relapse. Also effective for pityriasis versicolor.

Paediatric dose

Route: Topical
Frequency: 2–3 times daily
Max: Apply to affected area
Concentration: 1% cream or solution Application/ml
Safe for use in all ages including neonates for candidal nappy rash. In neonates: apply after each nappy change.

Dose adjustments

Renal

N/A — topical use.

Hepatic

N/A — topical use.

Clinical pearls

  • Broad-spectrum coverage: effective against dermatophytes (tinea), Candida, and Malassezia (pityriasis versicolor)
  • Widely available OTC — patients may self-treat before presentation; confirm correct diagnosis before prescribing systemic antifungals
  • Canesten HC (clotrimazole + hydrocortisone): for inflammatory tinea or candidal intertrigo — short course only (max 7 days) to avoid steroid complications
  • Neonatal candidal nappy rash: apply to affected area after each nappy change until 7 days after clearance
  • Treatment duration: tinea corporis/cruris 2–4 weeks; tinea pedis 4 weeks; candida 2–4 weeks

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or imidazoles

Side effects

  • Local burning and irritation
  • Skin rash (rare contact dermatitis)
  • Erythema at application site

Interactions

  • No significant systemic interactions with topical use
  • May damage latex condoms/diaphragms (genital use)

Monitoring

  • Clinical response at 2 weeks
  • Signs of secondary bacterial infection

Reference: BNFc; BNF; NICE CKS Fungal Skin Infection; BAD Dermatophyte Infection Guidelines. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways