Canesten Cream (Clotrimazole)
Canesten Cream 1% (Clotrimazole) Dosage and Side Effects
CANESTEN is used to treat various skin infections caused by fungus or yeast. CANESTEN can be used to treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm), candidiasis (various yeast infections of the skin and mucous membranes), infected diaper rash, and tinea versicolor (patches of skin that are a different colour than the rest of the skin).
Warnings and Precautions
Do not use CANESTEN if you are pregnant, think you are, or are nursing, without first consulting your physician.
Do not use CANESTEN if you are allergic to clotrimazole or to any non-medicinal ingredients in the formulation or component of CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream.
If you experience a rash or new irritation while using CANESTEN, discontinue use and contact your physician.
CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream are not suitable for treating fungal infections of the nail or scalp.
CANESTEN may reduce the effectiveness of some birth control methods such as condoms, diaphragms or vaginal spermicides. This effect is temporary and occurs only during treatment.
For the treatment of diaper rash (yeast infected), use only if your child has a yeast-infected diaper rash diagnosed by a physician. If there is no improvement in the rash after 14 days of treatment with CANESTEN, consult your physician.
For adult treatment, consult your doctor if signs and symptoms of the infection have not resolved after 4 weeks.
Occlusive dressings should not be applied on top of CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream unless directed by a physician. It is noted that diapers would not be considered occlusive dressings because of frequent changes and airings, normal hygiene practices and the use of newer more breathable and absorbent diapers.
CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream is for topical use only.
If CANESTEN is accidentally swallowed, contact your local emergency room or Poison Control Centre immediately.
Keep CANESTEN and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Do not use on children under 2 years of age, unless recommended by a doctor.
Avoid contact with the eyes. If this happens, rinse thoroughly with water.
If you have any questions about CANESTEN or topical fungal infections, contact your physician or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Side effects which can occur include: stinging, burning, rash, itching, irritation, peeling skin, redness, swelling (edema) and allergic reaction with symptoms such as fainting, low blood pressure or hives.
Proper Use of this medication
CHILDREN (for the treatment of diaper rash secondarily infected with Candida albicans and diagnosed by a doctor):
Thinly apply and gently massage sufficient CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream into the affected and surrounding skin areas twice daily at diaper change (in the morning and evening).
ADULTS (for the treatment of jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm):
Thinly apply and gently massage sufficient CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream into the affected and surrounding skin areas twice daily, in the morning and evening. Do not cover the medication with a bandage unless advised to do so by your physician.
For the treatment to be completely successful, CANESTEN 1% Topical Cream should be applied regularly and in sufficient quantities. If you miss a dose, do not apply twice as much medication at the next dosing. "Athlete's foot" should be treated for 4 weeks, while "jock itch", "ringworm", "tinea versicolor", "candidiasis, and infected diaper rash usually require 2 weeks of treatment.
How can I help prevent "athlete's foot"?
Bathe your feet regularly with soap and water. Towel-dry your feet, paying special attention to the area between the toes. Let your feet air-dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Wear absorbent socks made of 100% cotton or wool and well-fitting shoes that allow air circulation. Change your socks and shoes frequently. Avoid walking in bare feet at health clubs, public pools and other wet areas.
How can I help prevent "diaper rash"?
Proper diaper hygiene is the most effective way to prevent diaper rash. Ensure that the baby’s diapers are frequently changed and properly and thoroughly cleaned. The diaper area should be cleansed often, using lukewarm water and gently patted dry or air dried before another diaper is put on. Do not use detergents or other laundry products that are not recommended for infant use. Avoid using soaps or commercial wipes that contain irritants if there is a rash present.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, especially accidental oral ingestion, contact a doctor, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre, even if there are no symptoms
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.