Clotrimazole is an antifungal treatment you use to treat yeast infections (also known as vaginal thrush). Clotrimazole Cream 1% is used to treat fungal skin infections, including thrush, and relieves irritation.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast cells called candida in your vagina and/or vulva. Clotrimazole targets the yeast cells and kills off the infection, relieving your symptoms.
How does Clotrimazole work?
Clotrimazole works by targeting the yeast that causes the infections. The active ingredient in Clotrimazole, clotrimazole, is a powerful antifungal treatment. It damagesthe outer membrane of each yeast cell by blocking the yeast cells from producing ergosterol, which is a substance that serves the same function cholesterol does in the human body.[1]
Ergosterol keeps the yeast cells alive and helps them reproduce. Clotrimazole cream works locally in your vagina. It also helps to relieve itchiness and irritation. It kills off the yeast cells there and limits their growth, curing your yeast infection.
What doses of Clotrimazole cream are there?
Clotrimazole cream is available in one dose (1%). You will usually only need to use the medication for up to seven days. If it has been seven days since you started your treatment and your infection is still around, get in touch with a medical provider. You may need a different course of treatment. If you’ve had more than two instances of vaginal yeast infection in six months, tell a doctor. There may be something else causing your infection to keep coming back.
Treated trusted source:
Haller I., 1985.Mode of action of clotrimazole: implications for therapy. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 152(7 Pt 2), 939–944.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on March 03, 2025. Next review due on March 03, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Clotrimazole
Always use your Clotrimazole cream as your physician tells you to.
Pierce the tube using the point on the cap and press.
For internal use, use the applicator to insert each dose of cream into your vagina at bedtime, for three or seven days in a row, depending on your instructions.
For external use, squeeze a small amount of cream onto your fingertip. Apply to itchy, irritated skin outside your vagina. Use it twice a day for up to seven days as needed.
How long does it take for Clotrimazole to work?
Most of the symptoms of your infection should clear within a couple of days. So things like itching, redness and discharge should vanish pretty quickly. The yeast cells will need to be combatted fully so that your infection won’t come back again, so you should continue using the cream for the full time your doctor prescribed, even if you start feeling better sooner.
What should I do if I make a mistake when using Clotrimazole?
Don’t swallow the cream. If you accidentally get it in your mouth or swallow it, seek medical attention right away.
If you forget to use the cream, apply it as soon as possible and complete your treatment. Try not to scratch the area as the infection will spread, and keep the area clean. Always wash your hands after using the cream.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on March 03, 2025. Next review due on March 03, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Clotrimazole isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when using it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let a doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.
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Clotrimazole: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Clotrimazole 1% cream used for any other conditions?
Answer:
Clotrimazole is a type of medication called imidazole and is used to treat fungal skin infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal nappy and sweat rash. It’s sometimes used as a combination steroid and antifungal treatment as clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream. It can also be used to treat irritation at the end of the penis, similar to vaginal yeast infections. For these other fungal infections, use Clotrimazole Cream 1% for up to one month.
Is Clotrimazole similar to any other medicines?
Answer:
There is also a branded version of Clotrimazole, called Lotrimin. This contains the same active ingredient as Clotrimazole, it’s just not a generic treatment. They should work in very similar ways, but they may look different. Generic treatments like Clotrimazole are often cheaper than the brand names.
Can I have sex while using Clotrimazole vaginal tablets or 1% cream?
Answer:
It’s best to avoid having sex while using Clotrimazole. Sex can change the chemical environment of your vagina, so it might make treatment less effective. You should avoid oral sex as Clotrimazole is not safe to be swallowed.
If you do have sex while using Clotrimazole, or within seven days of finishing treatment, it will reduce the effectiveness of latex based contraceptives. This includes most condoms and diaphragms. So use an alternative form of contraception during this time to avoid pregnancy.
Which dose of Clotrimazole should I use?
Answer:
Clotrimazole Cream 1% only comes in this dosage which contains 10mg of Clotrimazole per gram of cream. There are other cream treatments available with a stronger dosage so speak to a medical provider if it doesn’t seem to be working for you.
Do I need a prescription for Clotrimazole?
Answer:
Clotrimazole vaginal cream is available over the counter. This means you don’t need a prescription to use it, and can get it from various drug and grocery stores.
Last updated on Mar 02, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Mar 02, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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