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Topical Antifungal Pregnancy: Can be used during pregnancy, but only under the supervision of a physician or midwife (limited human data; systemic exposure after topical use is low); may be used during lactation as systemic absorption is minimal

Clotrimazole 1% Cream

Brand names: Canesten, Canoderm

Clotrimazole 1% cream is a topical imidazole antifungal used to treat dermatophyte and Candida skin infections, including fungal colonisation of moist skin folds and healing burn or graft sites.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Apply the cream thinly 2-3 times daily and rub in gently (a strip of cream about half a centimetre long is enough to treat an area about the size of the hand)
Route: Topical
Frequency: 2 to 3 times daily
Source is the SPC for Canesten Athlete's Foot 1% w/w Cream. The SPC states there is no separate dosage schedule for the young or elderly, so no distinct paediatric regimen and no per-kg dose is given; verify paediatric use against a children's formulary. If the feet are infected they should be washed and dried, especially between the toes, before applying the cream. Treatment should be continued for at least one month to prevent re-infection; however a physician should be consulted if symptoms do not improve within 7 days. Do not use the cream to treat nail or scalp infections. §4.4: contains cetostearyl alcohol (may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis) and benzyl alcohol (may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation); fire hazard — instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames, as fabric in contact with the product burns more easily. US OTC label (cross-check only): apply a thin layer over the affected area twice daily (morning and night); for athlete's foot and ringworm use daily for 4 weeks, for jock itch 2 weeks.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
  • Do not use the cream to treat nail or scalp infections

Side effects

  • Application site irritation, application site reaction, oedema and pain
  • Skin: pruritus, rash, urticaria, erythema, blister, contact dermatitis, skin exfoliation, paraesthesia and stinging/burning sensation of the skin
  • Immune system: hypersensitivity, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction
  • Vascular: syncope and hypotension
  • Respiratory: dyspnoea
  • Frequencies cannot be assigned as the listed effects are based on spontaneous reports

Interactions

  • No interaction studies have been performed

Clinical monograph

How it works

It inhibits fungal cytochrome-P450-dependent 14-alpha-demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and damaging the fungal cell membrane.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is for external cutaneous use only and must be kept out of the eyes; if irritation or sensitisation occurs treatment should be stopped.
  • Treatment should continue for a period after clinical clearance to reduce relapse, as directed by current prescribing references.
  • The cream base may affect the integrity of latex condoms and diaphragms when applied to genital skin.

Monitoring

Monitor the treated area for clinical response and for any local irritation or contact dermatitis.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and surrounding area as directed.
  • Keep using it for the full recommended course even once the skin looks better.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical clotrimazole is a well-established, effective treatment for superficial dermatophyte and candidal skin infections.

Reference: NICE CKS Fungal Skin Infection; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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