Yeast infection can be treated by anti-fungal medications such as Clotrimazole. It is one of the most prescribed yeast infection medications. Clotrimazole is the generic name for known yeast treatment brands like Mycelex and Lotrimin. This antifungal is usually for topical application only for anti-fungal remedies like ketoconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, and itraconazole. The mechanism of this yeast infection medication stops the rapid growth of many fungi types by preventing the membranes from growing around the fungal cells.
Formulation
Clotrimazole is a yeast infection medication for skin such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and body ringworm, mouth and the vagina. Clotrimazole is also good in preventing oral thrush. It comes in the form of cream, lotion, powder, and solution to apply to the skin; lozenges (called troches) to dissolve in the mouth; and vaginal tablets and vaginal cream to be inserted into the vagina.
Dosage
Clotrimazole should be taken exactly as directed on the package or as your doctor prescribed it. Do not try to speed up your treatment by using more often than what is prescribed.
- For oral thrush, use Clotrimazole five times daily for 14 days.
- To treat skin yeast infection, use twice daily ( morning and evening) for at least 2 weeks or 8 weeks maximum
- For vaginal yeast infection, apply once daily at bedtime for 3 to 7 days.
Brand Names
Clotrimazole is available over-the-counter under the brand names
Gyne-Lotrimin and Mycelex.
Side Effects
Anti-fungal medications like Clotrimazole have side effects. Any sign or symptom of side effects should be immediately reported to your doctor such as:
- itchiness
- burning sensation
- irritation
- hives or redness on the affected areas
- swelling of the tongue, face or throat
- stomach ache
- fever
- foul-smelling discharge if using the vaginal product
- nausea or vomiting with the lozenges (troches)
- difficulty in breathing
Helpful Information When Using Clotrimazole
If you have yeast infection, you should take every safety measure during treatment. A list of some reminders and information can help you with your treatment:
- Always keep all appointments with your doctor. Also, keep a written list of the medications you are taking including vitamins, minerals and other supplements. You might need the information in case of emergency.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly always before and after you handle clotrimazole. Because clotrimazole cream, lotion and solution are for external use only, do not let clotrimazole to come in contact with your ears, eyes or mucous membranes unless your doctor prescribed so. It is very important to read the medicine’s package or doctor’s prescription and follow it.
- Yeast infection is contagious. If you are diagnosed with a vaginal infection, refrain from sexual intercourse. Latex products like condoms or diaphragms should not be used within 72 hours of treatment. Always wear clean cotton panties.
- Do not share with any one else the clotrimazole medication you are using. If you need refilling, you can ask your pharmacist for instructions.
- Make sure you complete your treatment with clotrimazole to avoid recurrence of yeast infection.
If you follow your Clotrimazole treatment as unfailingly as possible, you should see improvement in your condition after a few days. You need to see your doctor for a change of dose or medication if no improvement is observed.