How does canesten internal cream work

Clotrimazole cream is generally considered safe to use while you're breastfeeding. If you are using clotrimazole on your breasts, wash off any cream from your breasts before feeding your baby. Then wash your hands before you touch your nipple to your baby's mouth.

If your baby is being treated for oral thrush, you can carry on breastfeeding, but you'll need to be treated at the same time.

Apply clotrimazole cream on and around your nipples after each time you breastfeed. Tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.

There are no known problems with using clotrimazole creams and taking other medicines. However, tell a doctor before using clotrimazole pessaries if you are taking any of the following medicines:. For safety, tell a pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus yeast that is causing the infection. Clotrimazole kills fungus by causing holes to appear in its cell membrane and the contents leak out. This kills the fungus and treats the infection. External symptoms such as itching and discharge should get better within 3 days. Talk to a doctor if your symptoms do not get better or get worse. If internal symptoms such as pain or soreness do not go away within 7 days, talk to a doctor.

Talk to a doctor if your symptoms do not get better within 7 days. You may need a longer course of treatment or a stronger medicine. If your vaginal thrush improves within 7 days but then comes back after 7 days, you can use another pessary or internal cream.

Do not use clotrimazole for more than 7 days, unless a doctor tells you to. The fungal infection may become resistant to clotrimazole which means it will no longer work properly. There are other antifungal medicines available that are similar to clotrimazole, including:.

These are available as creams and pessaries for the treatment of thrush. You will need a prescription from a doctor for these medicines. There is an antifungal medicine called fluconazole which is available as a capsule to be taken by mouth. It can be bought from a pharmacy for treating thrush of the vagina or penis. Clotrimazole cream can damage the latex used in condoms and diaphragms.

This can mean your contraception will not work as well as it should. There is no firm evidence that clotrimazole will affect fertility in men or women.

No, thrush is not an STI, but it can sometimes be passed on by having sex. Clotrimazole cream can damage the latex used in contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms. These steps can help stop thrush from coming back after you've treated it:. Page last reviewed: 9 October Next review due: 9 October Clotrimazole for thrush Canesten On this page About clotrimazole for thrush Key facts Who can and cannot use clotrimazole How and when to use external cream How and when to use internal cream and pessaries Side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About clotrimazole for thrush Clotrimazole is an antifungal medicine. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Clotrimazole works by killing the yeast that causes the fungal infection. It usually treats thrush within 7 days but it's best to treat the infection for at least 2 weeks to stop it coming back.

The most common side effect is an itching or burning feeling in the area being treated. Clotrimazole is also known by the brand name Canesten, including Canesten pessaries and cream. However, not all Canesten products contain clotrimazole, and some contain clotrimazole combined with another medicine. Clotrimazole creams can be used by most adults and children. Wash your hands before you start. Put the cream on in a thin layer and rub it in gently. A strip of cream 0.

Put the cream onto the affected area 2 or 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. The cream will work better if you can use it 3 times a day. What if I forget to use it? What if I use too much? How much to use Clotrimazole pessaries are available in different strengths: mg, mg and mg. Common symptoms of vaginal thrush are itching, soreness, and redness around the outside of the vagina and a thick, creamy white, odourless vaginal discharge. Clotrimazole works by killing the yeast fungus causing the infection.

Clotrimazole is usually applied in two ways to treat thrush. A pessary or internal intravaginal cream is inserted high into the vagina to treat the infection. Many of the products available are 'combi' packs - these contain either a pessary or internal cream, and also a cream for external use. Clotrimazole is available on prescription and you can also buy it at a pharmacy, without a prescription, if you have previously been diagnosed by your doctor as having vaginal thrush.

A lower strength of clotrimazole cream is used to treat other fungal skin infections. There is a separate medicine leaflet called Clotrimazole for fungal skin infections which gives more information about this. To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using clotrimazole for thrush make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:.

Clotrimazole is unlikely to cause any serious side-effects. It can occasionally cause some irritation when it is used at first. If you experience any other symptoms, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of this medicine. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website? In general, yes it's fine to use Canesten internal cream if you are taking other medicines by mouth, injection, inhaler etc.

However, don't use other vaginal medicines, vaginal douches, spermicides or tampons while using this medicine. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Clotrimazole pessaries and creams are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine. Last updated Parenting Mental health Healthy eating Conditions Follow. Type keyword s to search. Vaginal thrush Candidal vaginitis. How does Canesten internal cream work? How do I use Canesten internal cream? The cream should be inserted high into the vagina as a single dose at bedtime.

Use the applicator provided. Follow the instructions provided in the pack. If you have your period you should wait until it's finished before using the cream. You should consult your doctor if your symptoms have not got better within a week of using this medicine. What should I know before using Canesten internal cream?

Canesten internal cream may damage latex rubber condoms and diaphragms caps and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. You should use an alternative method of contraception for at least five days after using this medicine, or preferably avoid having sex until after the infection has cleared up. Remember that having sex while you still have the infection is likely to transmit the infection to your partner, who could then give it back to you.

If your sexual partner also has symptoms of thrush in men these are soreness and redness of the penis, tightness of the foreskin or a white, odourless discharge from the penis , it is important that they are treated at the same time as you, for example with clotrimazole cream, to prevent you being re-infected.