Clotrimazole is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and other fungal skin infections (candidiasis).
Clotrimazole acts primarily by damaging the permeability barrier in the cell membrane of fungi. Clotrimazole causes inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis, an essential constituent of fungal cell membranes. If ergosterol synthesis is either completely or partially inhibited, the cell is no longer able to construct an intact and functional cell membrane. Because ergosterol directly promotes the growth of fungal cells in a hormone‐like fashion, rapid onset of the above events leads to dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth.
Though decreased ergosterol, due to the inhibition of lanosterol 14-demethylase (also known as CYP51) is accepted to be primarily responsible for the antimycotic properties of clotrimazole, this drug also shows other pharmacological effects. These include the inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, depletion of intracellular calcium, and blocking of calcium‐dependent potassium channels and voltage‐dependent calcium channels. The action of clotrimazole on these targets accounts for other effects of this drug that are separate from its antimycotic activities.
OTIC/AURAL Fungal otitis externa: Adult: Apply 1% soln to affected area. TOPICAL/CUTANEOUS Skin fungal infections: Adult: Apply a 1% cream/lotion/solution bid-tid for 2-4 wk, may be used w/ a 1% powd to prevent reinfection. VAGINAL Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Adult: As pessary: 100 mg daily for 6 days, 200 mg daily for 3 days or 500 mg as a single dose; alternatively, apply 1, 2 or 10% cream.
No information is available.
Hypersensitivity. Avoid contact w/ eyes upon topical application. Childn <3 yrs. Pregnancy, lactation.
Topical: Erythema, stinging, irritation; hypersensitivity reactions; contact dermatitis. Oral: GI disturbances, dysuria, mental depression, elevated liver enzymes.
Clotrimazole use has not been well studied during the first trimester. Clotrimazole should only be used during the first trimester when need has been clearly established. There are no data on the excretion of clotrimazole into human milk. However, systemic absorption is minimal after topical and vaginal administration. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering clotrimazole topical to nursing women.
Keep below 25°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
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