Clotrimazole (Lotrisone, Lotriderm, Lotrimin) is an antifungal medication belonging to the Azole class of medications. It is used to treat skin and nail fungal and gram positive infections including yeast infections. It works by inhibiting enzyme activity and processes involved in the cell membrane function of the fungi, effectively depleting the fungal cells until they are destroyed.

Clotrimazole comes as a cream, lotion, powder and solution for topical application on the skin and is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Some people may experience side effects with this medication, which can include burning, stinging, swelling, irritation, redness, pimple-like bumps, tenderness, or flaking of the skin. If you experience any of these symptoms and they do not go away or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

Clotrimazole is FDA pregnancy category C, which means that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. Adequate, well-controlled human studies are lacking, and animal studies have shown a risk to the fetus or are lacking as well. Additionally, it is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

  • Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
  • Tinea cruris
  • Tinea corporis due to Trichophyton rubrum (ringworm)
  • Cutaneous candidiasis (skin infections)
  • Pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms or legs.
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