Topical Antifungal
Pregnancy: Safe for topical use — extensive obstetric use record
Clotrimazole 1% Cream
Brand names: Canesten, Canoderm
Adult dose
Dose: Apply 2–3 times daily
Route: Topical
Frequency: Two to three times daily for 2–4 weeks
Max: Continue for 2 weeks after symptoms resolve
First-line topical antifungal for dermatophyte (tinea) and Candida skin infections. Common in burns patients with prolonged antibacterial therapy, moist wound environments, or immunosuppression. Also available as solution, powder, and pessary.
Paediatric dose
Route: Topical
Frequency: Two to three times daily
Max: 2–4 weeks
Safe in children of all ages including neonates. Apply thinly.
Dose adjustments
Renal
No adjustment — topical use.
Hepatic
No adjustment — topical use.
Clinical pearls
- Candida superinfection common in burns patients on broad-spectrum antibiotics — examine skin folds, perineum, and wound edges
- Tinea pedis in burns patients with prolonged bed rest — examine interdigital spaces
- Combination cream (Canesten HC — clotrimazole + hydrocortisone) useful when infection + inflammation coexist
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or imidazoles
Side effects
- Local burning or stinging
- Mild skin irritation
- Occasional erythema or blistering
Interactions
- Tacrolimus (potential interaction if large-area systemic absorption — rare)
Monitoring
- Clinical response at 1 week
- Exclude systemic fungal infection if local treatment fails
Reference: BNFc; BNF 90; BNFc; NICE CKS Fungal Skin Infection. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.