Drug reference

Clotrimazole

Antifungal

AntifungalATC null

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

Can be treated with vaginal application during pregnancy; oral antifungal treatment should be avoided.

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AlfentanilSevereDatabaseDDInter
AmiodaroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
AstemizoleSevereDatabaseDDInter
BenzhydrocodoneSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal that inhibits lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (CYP51), a fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme essential for converting lanosterol to ergosterol. This depletes ergosterol from fungal cell membranes and causes accumulation of toxic 14-α-methylsterols, disrupting membrane fluidity and function. As an imidazole (rather than triazole), it has less selectivity for fungal over mammalian P450 enzymes, limiting its use primarily to topical applications for vulvovaginal candidiasis and dermatophyte infections.

Indications

Local treatment of vaginal candidiasisDermatophyte infectionsCandidal vulvitisVulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnancyVulvitisOther superficial sites of infection (when supplemented with antifungal cream)Monilial diarrhoea (due to Candida albicans)Thrush (due to Candida albicans)Vulvovaginitis (due to Candida albicans)trichomonas vaginitis (alternative intravaginal)Topical treatment of tinea infections (ringworm, athlete's foot)OtomycosisOral candidiasis (topical)Cutaneous candidiasis (topical)Vaginal candidiasis (topical)Skin infections caused by CorynebacteriaOropharyngeal candidiasisSeborrhoeaSeborrheic dermatitisTopical treatment for common cutaneous mycosesTopical treatment for oropharyngeal candidiasisTopical treatment for vaginal candidiasis

Dosing

Adult: For candidal infections, short courses of 1 to 14 days via vaginal application or topical cream, according to the preparation used. Treatment can be repeated if initial course fails to control symptoms or if symptoms recur. For vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnancy, vaginal application for usually about 7 days to clear the infection.