Clotrimazole®

What is Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal from the imidazole family. It’s FDA-approved for a range of fungal infections including athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and tinea versicolor.^[1] For tinea versicolor, it’s usually applied directly to the skin as a 1% cream or solution.

How does Clotrimazole work for tinea versicolor?

Clotrimazole targets the cell membrane (the outside wall) of fungus. The yeast (Malassezia) that causes tinea versicolor needs a substance called ergosterol to survive. Clotrimazole blocks ergosterol production, which weakens the fungal cells so they can’t grow or spread.^[1]

This action helps to clear the infection and helps your skin recover. In clinical studies, clotrimazole 1% solution applied twice daily was just as effective as tioconazole, with all patients seeing a full resolution of their condition after four weeks of treatment.^[2]

Will I get side effects using Clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole can cause side effects, but like all medicines, they won’t necessarily affect everyone. Because Clotrimazole cream is applied to the skin, only very small amounts enter your body, so systemic side effects are rare.
Some people may notice:

• mild redness or irritation at the site of application
• a slight burning or stinging feeling when first applied

Serious side effects are extremely rare. Unlike oral antifungals, clotrimazole does not usually affect blood pressure, weight, or hair, and is generally well tolerated in both younger and older adults.^[1]

What doses of Clotrimazole are there?

For tinea versicolor, you’ll usually use clotrimazole as a 1% cream or solution, applied to any affected areas and surrounding skin twice or thrice daily for 2-4 weeks.
Other forms of Clotrimazole include:

• powders, sprays, and lotions (for athlete’s foot and ringworm)
• oral lozenges (for oral thrush)
• vaginal tablets or creams (for yeast infections)

How to take Clotrimazole

Always follow the instructions provided with your medicine. For tinea versicolor:

1. Wash and dry your affected skin gently, with a mild cleanser.
2. Apply a thin layer of 1% cream or solution to the patches and the surrounding area, twice or thrice a day, following your doctor’s instructions.
3. Continue for at least 2 weeks, even if your skin looks better sooner, to reduce the risk of recurrence.

It can take several weeks after treatment for the patches to fade completely, as your skin pigment will take time to recover.^[1]

What should I do if I take too much Clotrimazole?

If you accidentally apply too much Clotrimazole cream, gently wipe away the excess. Using more than directed won’t clear the infection faster, but might increase irritation or dryness of your skin.

If clotrimazole is accidentally swallowed in large amounts, seek medical advice.