What Are the Best Treatments for Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis), and How Does It Look?
There are a variety of treatments for toenail fungus, from prescription pills to OTC creams. Experts discuss which toenail fungus treatments are most effective.
clotrimazole
Used for Thrush, Tinea Versicolor, Yeast Infection
Used for Thrush, Tinea Versicolor, Yeast Infection
Clotrimazole lozenge is an antifungal that treats and prevents yeast infection in the mouth and throat known as oral thrush. Clotrimazole lozenge is a troche, or a throat lozenge, that's slowly dissolved in the mouth, and it must be used several times a day. This medication is approved for use in people over the age of 3, but it should be used with caution in people with liver problems. Side effects can include nausea and an unpleasant feeling in the mouth. It isn't available over the counter, so you must have a prescription from your provider.
What is Clotrimazole lozenge?
What is Clotrimazole lozenge used for?
- Treatment of oral thrush of the mouth and throat caused by Candida
- Prevention of oral thrush for people undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy for cancer or organ transplants
How Clotrimazole lozenge works
Clotrimazole is an antifungal. It blocks yeast (a type of fungus) from making a substance that's essential for the structure of its outer barrier and survival. This prevents the yeast from growing.
When does Clotrimazole lozenge start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Mycelex |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antifungal |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Clotrimazole lozenge
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
- Changes to liver lab test results (15%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unpleasant feeling in the mouth
- Itching
When do Clotrimazole lozenge possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Changes to liver lab test results
The following Clotrimazole lozenge 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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$23.90
GoodRx discount
$11.02
Pros and cons of Clotrimazole lozenge
Pros
- Good at treating mild oral thrush
- Very few side effects
- Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Cons
- Has to be taken multiple times a day
- Takes about 30 minutes to fully dissolve in your mouth
- Might cause changes to liver labs, which can suggest liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Clotrimazole lozenge
- It's very important to let the clotrimazole lozenge melt slowly in your mouth. Don't chew, break, crush, or swallow it whole.
- It takes about 30 minutes for the clotrimazole lozenge to completely dissolve in your mouth. Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth during this time so it doesn't interfere with how well the medication dissolves.
- Finish all of the clotrimazole lozenges your healthcare provider prescribed for you, even if you start to feel better. There's a risk for oral thrush to appear or come back if you stop taking the clotrimazole lozenges too soon.
- Keep your prescription bottle containing the clotrimazole lozenges away from water and other liquids. Any sort of moisture can make the lozenges dissolve. It's best to keep your clotrimazole lozenges in the bottle that your pharmacy gave you. This will help keep the lozenges as dry as possible.
- Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of clotrimazole lozenges. Try taking your dose right after you finish a meal or a snack to help lessen any nausea or vomiting that you might have from the clotrimazole lozenges.
Risks and warnings for Clotrimazole lozenge
Clotrimazole lozenge 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.
Liver problems
- Risk factors: History of liver problems
Changes in liver function tests (LFTs) — blood test results that tell you about the health of your liver — can happen while you're taking clotrimazole lozenges. These changes are usually small, and it's not clear whether they're caused by clotrimazole, other medications, or your medical conditions.
It might be more likely to have abnormal liver labs if you already have or have had liver problems in the past. If you have or have had liver problems, your provider might check your LFTs while you're using clotrimazole lozenges to make sure your liver isn't harmed.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel tired, have stomach pain, vomit, have dark urine, or develop yellow skin or eyes because these can be signs of liver damage.
Clotrimazole lozenge dosage
The average cost for 1 tube of 30g of 1% of Clotrimazole lozenge is $13.97 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 64.16% off the average retail price of $38.98. 
Lozenge
Lozenge| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg | 70 lozenges | $33.20 | $0.47 |
Typical dosage for Clotrimazole lozenge
- Treatment of oral thrush: The typical dose is 10 mg (1 lozenge) dissolved slowly in the mouth 5 times a day for 14 days.
- Prevention of oral thrush: The typical dose is 10 mg (1 lozenge) dissolved slowly in the mouth 3 times a day. You'll typically continue taking clotrimazole lozenges until you've completed chemotherapy or radiation or until you've reached a stable (maintenance) dose of steroids.
Interactions between Clotrimazole lozenge and other drugs
Clotrimazole lozenge may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clotrimazole lozenge. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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 lozenge cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Clotrimazole lozenge (generic)
$11.02
What are alternatives to Clotrimazole lozenge?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Clotrimazole lozenge. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Clotrimazole lozenge
Tinea Versicolor Treatment: Antifungal Medications and Natural Remedies
Tinea versicolor is a condition that changes the color of your skin. You can get rid of tinea versicolor with different medications.
3 Athlete’s Foot Treatments You Have to Try for Long-Lasting Relief
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that can cause itchy feet. See images of athlete’s foot and learn about OTC creams and home remedies.
How to Get Rid of a Vaginal Yeast Infection
Say goodbye to discomfort with GoodRx’s guide on treating vaginal yeast infections. Get expert tips for quick and effective relief.
Yeast Infection vs. UTI: How to Tell the Difference
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections have similar symptoms, making it hard to tell them apart. Here are some ways you can tell the difference.
Oral Thrush Medications: What To Know About Your Treatment Options
Oral thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth and there are some medications you can take to help treat it. Learn more about oral thrush medications with GoodRx.
Fluconazole, Terbinafine, and More: 8 Oral Antifungal Medications and How They Differ
Oral antifungal medications, such as Lamisil and Diflucan, help treat or prevent certain fungal infections. Learn about eight different prescription options and how they differ.
Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis): Causes, Symptoms, Images, and Treatments
Fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) can look a lot like regular acne, but the treatment is different. Learn what fungal acne looks like and what causes it here.
Can You Get a Yeast Infection from Antibiotics? Yes, Here’s 6 Things to Know
Antibiotics fight infection by killing bacteria in the body, but this can cause yeast overgrowth and infection. Here are 6 things to know about yeast infections after taking antibiotics.
What Causes Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis), and What Does It Look Like?
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the foot that can cause itching, peeling, and burning. See pictures of athlete’s foot and learn how to treat it.
Clotrimazole lozenge images
