Topical Antifungal — Otomycosis

Clotrimazole Ear Drops

Brand names: Canesten Ear, Clotrimazole 1% Solution

Clotrimazole ear drops are a topical imidazole antifungal preparation used to treat fungal otitis externa (otomycosis).

Dosing — not shown for this use

The product information we hold does not support a dose for this page's specific use, route or population, so none is shown. Follow your local or national guideline, and confirm against the product SmPC.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Clotrimazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450-dependent synthesis of ergosterol, disrupting the fungal cell membrane and inhibiting fungal growth.

Prescribing in practice

Thorough aural toilet to remove fungal debris before and during treatment is essential for effective resolution of otomycosis.
Treatment usually needs to continue for a period after symptoms settle to prevent recurrence.
Fungal otitis externa should be confirmed clinically, as it may follow prolonged use of topical antibiotics or steroids.

Monitoring

Review the ear canal clinically for clearance of fungal elements and resolution of symptoms.

Counselling the patient

Use only in the affected ear and keep the ear dry between applications.
Continue treatment for the full course even once symptoms improve.
Return for cleaning of the ear if advised, as this aids recovery.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical antifungals with aural toilet are the established approach to fungal otitis externa in clinical practice.

Reference: ENT-UK Otomycosis Guidelines; NICE CKS Otitis Externa; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways