Clotrimazole for vaginal thrush

About clotrimazole for thrush

Many women have an occasional bout of vaginal thrush. It is due to an infection with a yeast fungus called Candida spp. Most cases of thrush are caused by the yeast called Candida albicans but other types of Candida spp. can also cause thrush. Common symptoms of vaginal thrush are itching, soreness, and redness around the outside of the vagina and a thick, creamy white, odourless vaginal discharge. Clotrimazole works by killing the yeast fungus causing the infection.

Clotrimazole is usually applied in two ways to treat thrush. A pessary or internal (intravaginal) cream is inserted high into the vagina to treat the infection. Then a cream (usually containing 2% clotrimazole) is applied around the outside of the vagina to relieve the itching and soreness. Many of the products available are 'combi' packs - these contain either a pessary or internal cream, and also a cream for external use. Clotrimazole is available on prescription and you can also buy it at a pharmacy, without a prescription, if you have previously been diagnosed by your doctor as having vaginal thrush.

A lower strength of clotrimazole cream is used to treat other fungal skin infections. There is a separate medicine leaflet called Clotrimazole for fungal skin infections which gives more information about this.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using clotrimazole for thrush make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant. This is because you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor while you are expecting a baby. Also, you may need to use clotrimazole for a longer period of time during pregnancy than is usually recommended.

• If you are under 16 or over 60 years of age.

• If you have had more than two episodes of thrush in six months.

• If you have a foul-smelling or blood-stained vaginal discharge, or if you have blisters or sores in the vaginal area.

• If you are in pain, feel sick, or have diarrhoea or a fever.

• If you have previously had a sexually transmitted infection, or if you have had a partner with a sexually transmitted infection.

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• If you are using or taking any other medicines. This includes medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about how to use the clotrimazole preparation you have been given.

• If you are using clotrimazole cream, apply the cream to the area around the outside of your vagina and back passage two or three times daily. Rub it in gently. Continue to use the cream until the itching and soreness due to the infection are gone.

• If you are using clotrimazole intravaginal cream (for example, Canesten 10% VC® or Canesten® Internal Cream), insert one applicatorful high into your vagina at bedtime. A single dose is usually sufficient to treat the infection. If you are having your period, ask your doctor when you should use the cream.

• If you are using a clotrimazole pessary, use the applicator to insert the pessary high up into your vagina at bedtime. Depending upon the strength of the pessary, a single dose is usually sufficient to treat the infection. If you are having your period, ask your doctor when you should use the pessary. If you are pregnant, do not use the applicator which is provided to insert the pessary, unless your doctor has recommended you to do so. Instead, use a finger to insert the pessary as high as possible.

• Use clotrimazole exactly as your doctor tells you to, or as directed on the pack. Remember to complete the course of treatment as this will help to prevent the infection from coming back. If your symptoms do not improve within seven days, see your doctor for further advice.

• A pessary will dissolve overnight in the moisture in the vagina. If you have problems with vaginal dryness you may notice some undissolved pieces of pessary the following morning.

• Clotrimazole can damage the latex in condoms and diaphragms so do not rely on these forms of contraception. Use an alternative method of contraception (or do not have sex) for at least five days after using clotrimazole. Please also keep in mind that having vaginal sex while you have thrush could infect your partner.

• If after seven days your symptoms recur, you can buy a repeat course of clotrimazole from a pharmacy. If you have more than two occurrences of thrush during six months, you should speak with a doctor for further advice. An alternative treatment could be more suitable for you.

Clotrimazole is unlikely to cause any serious side-effects. It can occasionally cause some skin irritation, itching or stinging when it is first usedt. Stop using the product if you think this is causing problems. If you experience any other side-effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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