clotrimazole
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream that's applied to the skin to treat certain infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Sometimes, a provider might also recommend this medication for diaper rash. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is for adults and children 2 years and older, unless otherwise directed by a provider. Most people experience few to no side effects while using clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), though mild skin irritations have been reported.
What is Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)?
What is Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) used for?
Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:
- Athlete’s foot
- Jock itch
- Ringworm
How Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) works
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is an antifungal medication. It works by damaging the protective covering of the fungus. This stops the growth of the fungus and kills it to treat the infection.
Drug facts
More on Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) essentials
Side effects of Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)
Less Common Side Effects
- Blistering
- Swelling
- Burning
- Stinging
- Peeling
- Skin cracks
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reactions: rash or hives, swelling of your face or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
The following Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Skin rash, hives, blistering, burning, itching, peeling, redness, stinging, swelling, or other sign of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
Pros
- Available as a generic, over-the-counter medication
- Side effects are typically minor or mild
- Can treat multiple fungal infections, including athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch
Cons
- Need to apply twice daily
- Can take up to a month to treat athlete's foot
- Need to speak with provider before using it on children under 2 years old
Pharmacist tips for Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) should only be used on the outside of your body (e.g., skin). Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.
- Never insert clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) into your vagina to treat a vaginal yeast infection. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, there's a clotrimazole vaginal cream that you can buy OTC specifically for that purpose.
- Before applying clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), wash your hands and clean the affected area(s) of your skin.
- If you're using clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) for athlete’s foot, make sure to apply it in between the toes. Wear shoes that fit well and are breathable. Change your shoes and socks daily. This will help your infection clear up as quickly as possible, and will also help prevent the infection from spreading.
- Wash your hands after using clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse your eyes with water or saline. Contact your provider if the irritation doesn't go away.
- Stop using clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and talk with your provider if you aren't seeing any improvement for more than a month for athlete's foot and ringworm or more than 2 weeks for jock itch. Your provider might switch you to a different medication.
- Store clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medicine that was left out. Always put medication away every time you use it. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away even if you aren't completely sure.
Common questions about Clotrimazole
No, Clotrimazole isn't a topical steroid; it's a topical antifungal that's used to treat fungal skin infections. Depending on your infection, your provider might prescribe a topical steroid along with Clotrimazole. This is because a topical steroid can also help with the redness, swelling, and itching that's caused by the fungal skin infection.
Wash your hands and clean the affected area(s) before applying Clotrimazole. Place a thin layer of this medication onto the affected area(s) of your skin until the infection heals. Typically it's recommended that you apply Clotrimazole twice a day. If you're using this medication for your feet, make sure to apply the cream in between your toes as well. Wash your hands after using Clotrimazole to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes.
Clotrimazole is available over the counter as a lower-cost generic medication. It's also available by the brand name Lotrimin AF Cream. Note that the brand name Lotrimin is used for several different antifungal medications, including butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra). Be sure to read the active ingredient list on any Lotrimin product before purchasing. Ask your pharmacist to help you choose the right medication for your condition.
The length of time it takes for Clotrimazole to work can differ depending on the type of infection. Typically, you need to apply Clotrimazole regularly for a month to treat athlete's foot or ringworm, and 2 weeks to treat jock itch. Even if your symptoms start to get better, make sure finish your treatment course so your infection can get completely treated. If your symptoms haven't improved or have worsened after this time, contact your provider.
While clotrimazole does treat vaginal yeast infections, the Clotrimazole that's meant for athlete’s foot isn't formulated to treat yeast infections. If you've a vaginal yeast infection, consider using clotrimazole vaginal cream instead; this form of clotrimazole cream is inserted vaginally with a special applicator to treat this type of infection. If you've any questions about yeast infections, talk with your provider.
Yes, Clotrimazole is safe to use during pregnancy. According to several studies, Clotrimazole has a low risk of causing birth defects since it's only used on the skin and only a small amount gets absorbed into your bloodstream. But before you use any OTC medications, you should still talk to your provider or pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you and your unborn baby.
Clotrimazole is safe to use on the face, but make sure you avoid applying it inside your mouth. Also, never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears. Talk to your provider if you've symptoms of ringworm (e.g., itchy or cracked skin, ring-shaped rash) on your face.
According to the manufacturer, you should ask your child's provider before using Clotrimazole for children under 2 years old. Some providers might recommend clotrimazole cream for diaper rash if they think it's a safe option. Only use clotrimazole for babies if your child's provider gives you instructions to do so.
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Risks and warnings for Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Use only on your skin
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) shouldn't be inserted into the vagina either. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) dosage
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15g of 1% | 1 tube | $10.21 | $10.21 |
| 45g of 1% | 1 tube | $13.45 | $13.45 |
| 30g of 1% | 1 tube | $13.55 | $13.55 |
Typical dosage for Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- Adults and children 2 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 2 times daily, or as directed by your provider. For athlete's foot and ringworm, apply regularly for 1 month. For jock's itch, use daily for 2 weeks.
- Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.
Interactions between Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Trimetrexate
How much does Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) cost?
$10.21
What are alternatives to Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)?
Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:
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