$Unique_ID{BRK03100}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{clotrimazole (vaginal)}
$Subject{ Gyne-Lotrimin Schering Mycelex-G Miles Vaginal fungal infections
vagina fungi yeast Candida}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


clotrimazole (vaginal)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Gyne-Lotrimin (Schering) [*]
     Mycelex-G (Miles)
     * Available without a prescription in 1% cream or 100 mg tablet.

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antifungal

INGREDIENT

     clotrimazole

DOSAGE FORMS

     Vaginal cream (1%)
     Vaginal tablets (100 mg and 500 mg)

STORAGE

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

USES

     This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the vagina.
Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent that prevents the growth and
multiplication of a wide range of fungi and yeast, including Candida.

TREATMENT

     Clotrimazole vaginal cream and tablets are packaged with detailed
directions for use.  Follow these instructions carefully.  An applicator will
probably be provided for inserting the cream into the vagina.  Use this
medication at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
     You should wash the area carefully prior to inserting the cream or tablet
into the vagina.
     If you begin to menstruate while being treated with clotrimazole,
continue your regular dosing schedule.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, insert the missed dose as soon as
possible.  However, if you do not remember until the following day, do not
insert 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.
     It is important to continue to insert this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor--even if the symptoms disappear before the end of
that period.  If you stop using the drug too soon, resistant fungus could be
given a chance to continue growing, and it is possible that your infection
could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     You may experience vaginal burning, itching, or irritation when this drug
is inserted.  This sensation should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.  Your sexual partner may also experience some burning or
irritation.
     Do not treat any side effects that occur in the area of the infection
unless you first consult your doctor.

     Major.

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

INTERACTIONS

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

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to clotrimazole.
     * Tell your doctor if you have had other vaginal infections, especially
if they have been resistant to treatment.
     * To prevent reinfection, avoid sexual intercourse or ask your partner to
use a condom until treatment is completed.
     * There may be some vaginal drainage while using this medication;
therefore, you may want to use a sanitary napkin or panty liner to prevent the
staining of clothing.  However, the use of tampons is not recommended since
they may soak up too much of the medicine.
     * Whenever possible, wear cotton panties rather than those made of nylon
or other nonporous materials while being treated for a vaginal fungus
infection.  Also, in order to better prevent reinfection, always wear freshly
laundered underclothes.
     * If there is no improvement in your condition, or if irritation in the
area continues after several days of treatment, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.  This
medication may be causing an allergic reaction, or it may not be effective
against the organism causing your infection.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection that develops later on, or one that someone else has, may
require a different medication.  Therefore, you should not give your
medication to other women or use it for other infections unless your doctor
specifically directs you to do so.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Clotrimazole appears to be safe
during pregnancy.  However, extensive studies have not been conducted.  In
addition, your doctor may want to change the instructions on how you are to
use this drug if you are pregnant.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding.  It is not known whether this drug 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.