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.
Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:
Jock itch
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.
Source: DailyMed
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:
Jock itch
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Symptoms of ringworm infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Put your medicines up and away and out of sight.
Chain Drug Marketing Association Inc. (2023). Clotrimazole 1%- clotrimazole cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Khatter, N. J., et al. (2023). Clotrimazole. StatPearls.
MedlinePlus. (2018). Clotrimazole topical.
Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. (2021). Miconazole | Clotrimazole. Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets.
Ward, D. B., et al. (2000). Characterization of diaper dermatitis in the United States. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
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