Clotrimazole topical is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.

Clotrimazole topical (for the skin) is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Clotrimazole topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Topical clotrimazole comes as a cream and liquid to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day (morning and night). Follow the directions on the package label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use clotrimazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed on the package or as directed by your doctor.

Topical clotrimazole is only for use on the skin. Do not let clotrimazole get into your eyes and do not swallow the medication. Clotrimazole does not work on the scalp or nails.

If you are using clotrimazole to treat jock itch, your symptoms should improve over 2 weeks of treatment. If you are using clotrimazole to treat athlete's foot or ringworm, your symptoms should improve over 4 weeks of treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time or if your symptoms get worse at any time during your treatment.

To use topical clotrimazole, wash the affected area and dry thoroughly. Then apply a small amount of cream or liquid to cover the affected area of skin with a thin layer.

If you are treating athlete's foot, pay special attention to the spaces between the toes when applying clotrimazole. Also, be sure to wear well-fitting shoes that allow for air circulation, and change shoes and socks at least once a day.

If you are using the liquid, do not apply it to any severely cracked or irritated areas.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not take by mouth. Clotrimazole topical is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after using clotrimazole topical, unless you are using it to treat a hand infection.

Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cream (usually twice daily) for 2 to 4 weeks.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid using bandages or dressings that do not allow air circulation. A light cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if your condition does not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use clotrimazole topical if you are allergic to it.

Clotrimazole topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether clotrimazole topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of clotrimazole topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with clotrimazole topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear clothing made of loose cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clotrimazole topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using clotrimazole topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe blistering of treated skin;

• swelling, redness, or oozing; or

• severe burning, itching, or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about clotrimazole.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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