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Clotrimazole topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed on Jun 7, 2018

Consumer Professional Managing Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to clotrimazole topical: topical cream, topical lotion, topical solution

Along with its needed effects, clotrimazole topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking clotrimazole topical:

  • Skin rash, hives, blistering, burning, itching, peeling, redness, stinging, swelling, or other sign of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to clotrimazole topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical lotion, topical powder, topical solution, topical spray, vaginal cream with applicator, vaginal kit, vaginal tablet

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included erythema, stinging, blistering, peeling, edema, itching, burning, and general skin irritation. Contact dermatitis, confirmed by patch testing, has been documented.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary system effects associated with intravaginal use have included burning, itching, cramping, pain, and bleeding. Vulvar lesions and rash have rarely been reported.[Ref]

References

1. Kalb RE, Grossman ME "Contact dermatitis to clotrimazole." Cutis 36 (1985): 240-2

2. "Product Information. Mycelex (clotrimazole)." Bayer, West Haven, CT.

3. Baes H "Contact dermatitis from clotrimazole." Contact Dermatitis 32 (1995): 187-8

4. Balato N, Lembo G, Nappa P, Ayala F "Contact dermatitis from clotrimazole." Contact Dermatitis 12 (1985): 110

5. Roller JA "Contact allergy to clotrimazole." Br Med J 2 (1978): 737

6. Lebherz TB, Ford LC, Kleinkopf V "A comparison of a three-day and seven-day clotrimazole regimen for vulvovaginal candidiasis." Clin Ther 3 (1981): 344-8

7. Lebherz T, Guess E, Wolfson N "Efficacy of single- versus multiple-dose clotrimazole therapy in the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis." Am J Obstet Gynecol 152 (1985): 965-8

8. Pons V, Greenspan D, Debruin M "Therapy for oropharyngeal candidiasis in HIV-infected patients: a randomized, prospective multicenter study of oral fluconazole versus clotrimazole troches. The Multicenter Study Group." J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 6 (1993): 1311-6

9. Sawyer PR, Brogden RN, Pinder RM, Speight TM, Avery "Clotrimazole: a review of its antifungal activity and therapeutic efficacy." Drugs 9 (1975): 424-47

10. Wolfson N, Riley J, Samuels B, Singh JM "Clinical toxicology of clotrimazole when administered vaginally." Clin Toxicol 18 (1981): 41-5

11. Brown D Jr, Binder GL, Gardner HL, Wells J "Comparison of econazole and clotrimazole in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis." Obstet Gynecol 56 (1980): 121-3

12. Stein GE, Christensen S, Mummaw N "Comparative study of fluconazole and clotrimazole in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis." DICP 25 (1991): 582-5

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer

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