$Unique_ID{BRK03099}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{clotrimazole (topical)}
$Subject{topical Lotrimin Schering AF Schering-Plough Mycelex Miles OTC
Antifungal clotrimazole superficial fungal infections skin fungi yeasts}
$Volume{}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clotrimazole (topical)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Lotrimin (Schering)
     Lotrimin AF [*] (Schering-Plough)
     Mycelex (Miles)
     Mycelex OTC [*] (Miles)
     * Available without a prescription in 1% cream and 1% solution.

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antifungal

INGREDIENT

     clotrimazole

DOSAGE FORMS

     Topical cream (1%)
     Topical solution (1%)
     Topical lotion (1%)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in tightly closed containers.  This medication
should never be frozen.

USES

     This medication is used to treat superficial fungal infections of the
skin.  Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent that is active against a broad
range of fungi and yeasts.  It acts by preventing the growth and
multiplication of these organisms.

TREATMENT

     Apply this medication in the morning and evening, unless your doctor
directs you to do otherwise.  Before applying clotrimazole, you should wash
your hands.  Then (unless otherwise directed) cleanse the affected area with
soap and water.  Pat the skin with a clean towel until it is almost dry.
Gently massage a small amount of the cream, solution, or lotion over the
entire area that is affected and the skin immediately surrounding this area.
Do not bandage or cover the infection after applying the medication unless
your doctor instructs you to do so.  Wash your hands again after use.
     Improvement in your condition may not become apparent for as much as a
week after you begin treatment with this drug.  However, you should be sure to
complete the full course of therapy.  If you stop using this drug too soon,
resistant fungi are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection
could recur.  If your condition has not improved after four weeks of treatment
with this medication, however, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.  Clotrimazole may not be
effective against the organism that is causing your infection.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the missed dose as soon as
possible.  If you do not remember until it is almost time for the next dose,
however, do not apply the missed dose at all; just return to your regular
dosing schedule.  Do not use a double dose of the medication at the next
application.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     You may experience some burning, itching, stinging, or redness when this
drug is applied to the skin.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the drug.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blistering, irritation, peeling of the skin, or swelling.

INTERACTIONS

     Clotrimazole should not interact with other medications as long as it is
used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual reactions you have had to
medications, especially to clotrimazole.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection may require a different medication.  Therefore, you should
not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless
your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Clotrimazole should not be used in or around the eyes.
     * In order to avoid reinfection, keep the affected area clean and dry,
wear freshly laundered clothing, and try to avoid wearing tight-fitting
clothing.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of
clotrimazole may be absorbed through the skin.  It should, therefore, be used
cautiously, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is not known whether
clotrimazole passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.