Clotrimazole (cream)

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on June 29, 2023

This article describes clotrimazole’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of clotrimazole.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of clotrimazole. To find coupons for clotrimazole lozenges, see this article.

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about clotrimazole.

Is clotrimazole available as a vaginal cream?

Yes, clotrimazole comes as a vaginal cream. It’s available over the counter. However, if you’ve never used this product, you should talk with your doctor before using it.

To learn more about clotrimazole vaginal cream, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can clotrimazole be used for diaper rash?

Possibly. Causes of diaper rash include a fungal yeast infection. But there are other causes, too. When a fungal infection is the cause, clotrimazole is a possible treatment.

If you notice signs of diaper rash, call your child’s doctor. They can advise you on the best treatment for your child.

Is it safe to use clotrimazole along with hydrocortisone cream?

Yes, it’s generally safe to use clotrimazole with hydrocortisone cream. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that helps relieve swelling and irritation. Doctors may recommend clotrimazole and a corticosteroid for fungal infections that become inflamed.

In fact, there’s a combination product that contains clotrimazole and the corticosteroid betamethasone.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about using these two drugs together.

How does clotrimazole work? And how long does it take to start working?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal drug that works by stopping fungi from growing. This helps your body clear a fungal infection.

Clotrimazole will start working right away, but it can take some time to clear a fungal infection. Usually, relief from your symptoms will start within the first week of treatment. It’s important to use clotrimazole for the recommended length of time. This will help make sure the infection is treated and doesn’t come back. It can be harder to treat infections that come back.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as clotrimazole for certain conditions. Approved uses for clotrimazole are described below. These uses differ based on the form of clotrimazole prescribed.

Use for certain fungal infections, including ringworm

Doctors may prescribe clotrimazole topical cream or topical liquid solution for treating the following conditions:

• yeast infections of the skin
• tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches of skin)

These forms of clotrimazole are also available over the counter. They treat common fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete’s foot and jock itch.

They’re used for these purposes in adults and children. They’re usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Doctors may prescribe clotrimazole oral lozenge for treating oral thrush, which is a yeast infection of the mouth. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children 3 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With fungal infections of the skin, a fungus infects the skin and causes symptoms such as itching or redness or discoloration of the skin. Fungal infections can affect any area of the skin. Common sites include the feet, groin, and skin folds. Clotrimazole can help clear these infections and relieve the symptoms.

With fungal infections of the mouth, you may have symptoms inside your mouth, such as white or yellow spots and soreness or burning. You may also have a bad taste in your mouth. Clotrimazole can help clear this type of infection and relieve the symptoms.

Below, you’ll find information about clotrimazole’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of clotrimazole

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you use clotrimazole, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for clotrimazole” section below.

Warnings for clotrimazole

Some people should not use clotrimazole and others should use it cautiously.

Clotrimazole could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether clotrimazole is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of clotrimazole you use.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for clotrimazole, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Clotrimazole can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to clotrimazole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe clotrimazole. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to clotrimazole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of clotrimazole

If you use clotrimazole, you should not use more clotrimazole than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much clotrimazole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and clotrimazole

Information about clotrimazole and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Clotrimazole and pregnancy

In general, clotrimazole topical cream and solution are considered safe to use during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.

It’s not fully understood whether clotrimazole lozenges are safe to use while pregnant. You and your doctor should review the risks and benefits of using clotrimazole lozenges during pregnancy and make the best treatment decision for you.

Clotrimazole and breastfeeding

In general, clotrimazole topical cream and solution may be safe to use while breastfeeding. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you. It may depend on where you apply the medication on your skin and whether your child will come into contact with it.

It’s not fully understood whether clotrimazole lozenges are safe to use while breastfeeding. You and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding if you are using clotrimazole lozenges. Together, you and your doctor can make the best decisions about treatment for you and feeding choices for your child.

Clotrimazole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of clotrimazole and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about clotrimazole’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for clotrimazole listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of clotrimazole are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of clotrimazole you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about clotrimazole’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for clotrimazole listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Clotrimazole topical cream’s mild side effects include any of the following at the place where you apply the medication:

• burning or stinging
• irritation
• itching
• redness
• mild allergic reaction*

Clotrimazole oral lozenge’s mild side effects include:

• itching
• nausea or vomiting
• unpleasant mouth sensations
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for clotrimazole” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of clotrimazole are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of clotrimazole you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about clotrimazole’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for clotrimazole listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, clotrimazole’s serious side effects include:

• increased levels on liver function tests, with clotrimazole oral lozenge
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for clotrimazole” section.

This article describes clotrimazole’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about clotrimazole or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How does clotrimazole compare with other medications that could treat my condition?
• How long do I need to use clotrimazole?
• What’s the most important information I need to know about clotrimazole?

• Clotrimazole cream USP, 1%. (2014). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/697c7429-5720-4e04-b645-902047034571/spl-doc
• Clotrimazole- clotrimazole lozenge. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3f57ef51-8202-4d0b-95a8-d2df468b8d9a/spl-doc
• Clotrimazole topical solution USP, 1%. (2012). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/b67ebafe-0b9d-4fb0-a897-7c9a5691696e/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.