Adults and children over the age of 12 can get vaginal clotrimazole treatment for vaginal yeast infections. The antifungal drug clotrimazole belongs to the imidazole class of drugs. It functions by preventing the fungi that spread infection from growing.

Clotrimazole for vaginal use is available as a cream that is applied to the vagina. It can also be used on the skin around the vaginal exterior. Depending on the product directions, the cream is applied to the vagina once a day before bedtime for three or seven consecutive days. The cream is applied twice daily for up to seven days around the vaginal exterior. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions you do not understand, and carefully follow any instructions on the packaging or the label of your prescription. Follow the medication’s directions precisely. Use just as suggested on the container or as your doctor has instructed. Do not use more, less, or more frequently than recommended.

Without a prescription, vaginal clotrimazole is sold over-the-counter. Before using clotrimazole if this is the first time you have had vaginal itching and pain, consult a physician. Use the vaginal cream as stated on the packaging if a doctor has previously identified your symptoms as a yeast infection and you are experiencing them once more.

During your therapy, refrain from using tampons, douches, or spermicides, as well as other vaginal products.

During the first three days of clotrimazole therapy, you should start to feel better. Call your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away or get worse.

Apply a small amount of the clotrimazole cream with your finger to the skin afflicted area surrounding the vagina to treat it.

Read the medication’s directions before using the clotrimazole cream vaginally and then perform the following actions:

1. To the level specified, pour cream into the unique applicator that is included.
2. Standing with your feet wide apart and your knees bent is an alternative to lying on your back with your knees raised up and spread apart.
3. Push the plunger to release the drug after gently inserting the applicator into the vagina.
4. Take the applicator away.
5. If the applicator is disposable, throw it away. If the applicator is reusable, disassemble it and wash it after each use in warm water and soap.
6. Quickly wash your hands to stop the infection from spreading.

When you lay down to go to bed, you should administer the dose. After applying it, it works best if you don’t get up again besides to wash your hands. To prevent stains on your clothes while applying the vaginal cream, you might want to wear a sanitary napkin. Even if you get your period while receiving therapy, keep taking clotrimazole vaginal cream.

Before using vaginal clotrimazole,

• If you have an allergy to clotrimazole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in clotrimazole vaginal cream, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• If you experience shoulder, back, or lower abdominal pain, let your doctor know. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge; exposure to or possession of the HIV or AIDS virus; persistent vaginal yeast infections (once a month or three or more infections in a six-month period); or any of these conditions.
• Inform your physician if you are nursing a baby, intend to get pregnant, or are already pregnant. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking clotrimazole.
• You should be aware that using condoms and diaphragms while receiving vaginal clotrimazole medication may cause them to weaken. As a result, if you use these devices while undergoing treatment, they could not be successful in preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

There may be negative effects from clotrimazole. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Increased vaginal stinging, itchiness, or discomfort

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away and stop taking clotrimazole if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Hives
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stench in the vaginal discharge

You or your doctor can report a significant side event to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch or by phone at 1-800-332-1088

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it at room temperature and out of the bathroom and other places with excessive heat and moisture.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

To make sure that pets, kids, and other people cannot take leftover pharmaceuticals, they should be disposed of in a specific manner. You shouldn’t flush this medication down the toilet, though. The best option to get rid of your medication is instead through a medication take-back program. To find out about take-back initiatives in your neighborhood, speak with your pharmacist or get in touch with your city’s waste/recycling department. If you do not have access to a take-back program, you can find more information at the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p).

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments.

All inquiries regarding clotrimazole should be directed to your pharmacist.

Call your doctor if, seven days after beginning your clotrimazole medication, you are still experiencing signs of infection.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.