IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
CLOTRIMAZOLE - VAGINAL
(kloh-TRIM-uh-zole)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Femcare, Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex
USES: This medication is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. Clotrimazole reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available with this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you are pregnant, follow your doctor's instructions on how to use the applicator to insert this medication.
Use the medication once daily, usually at bedtime or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands before using the medication. If using the cream, use the disposable applicator. Follow the package instructions on how to fill the disposable applicator with the cream. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert one applicator full of cream into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator all the way down to apply the cream. If you have itching/burning around the outside of the vagina (vulva), apply some cream to that area as well.
If using the vaginal tablet or combination pack, you may use either the applicator or your finger to insert the tablet. Unwrap the tablet before use. Follow the package instructions on how to fill the applicator with a vaginal tablet. Lie on your back with your knees toward your chest. Insert one applicator with a tablet into the vagina as far as it will comfortably go. Slowly press the plunger of the applicator all the way down to release the tablet. If you have itching/burning around the outside of the vagina (vulva), apply the cream to that area. After use, throw away the applicator and wash your hands.
Continue to use this medication every day for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days or if your menstrual period starts. Stopping the medication too soon may allow the yeast infection to return. Do not use tampons or douches while using this medication. Unscented sanitary napkins may be used for your menstrual period or to protect your clothing from leakage of the medication.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or returns 1 week after completing the treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: Burning/itching/pain in the vagina/urinary opening or lower abdominal cramps may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using clotrimazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungal agents (e.g., butoconazole, fluconazole); or to mineral oil; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, immune system problems, 4 or more vaginal yeast infections per year.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, or stomach/abdominal pain. This may mean you have a more serious infection and need another treatment.
Ask your doctor whether you can have sexual intercourse while using this product. Avoid using a diaphragm, cervical cap, or latex condoms for birth control while using this product and for 3 days after treatment is finished. Some ingredients in these medicines may damage these products, possibly causing them to break. Use other forms of birth control such as polyurethane condoms.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: oral antibiotics, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This product may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., KOH smear, culture) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress. Consult your doctor for more details.
Dry the genital area thoroughly after showering, bathing, or swimming. Avoid wearing tight jeans, nylon underwear, pantyhose, a wet bathing suit, or damp/sweaty exercise clothes for long periods. Wear cotton underwear, and change your underwear daily. This may help to prevent the growth of yeast.
If your sexual partner experiences symptoms, they should contact their doctor immediately.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store the cream at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.