Description
Generics: Clotrimazole
Dosage Form: Cream.
Indications:
- All dermatomycoses due to dermatophytes (e.g.Trichophyton species).
- All dermatomycoses due to yeasts (Candida species).
- Dermatomycoses due to moulds and other fungi.
- Skin diseases showing superinfections with these fungi.
- Some examples of skin infections included in above points are interdigital mycoses (e.g. athlete’s foot), paronychias (associated with nail mycoses), mycoses in skin folds, Candida vulvitis, Candida balanitis, Pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma.
Pharmacology:
Clotrimazole works mainly by destroying the osmotic barrier in the fungal cell membrane. Clotrimazole inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol, which is an important component of fungal cell membranes. If the synthesis of ergosterol is completely or partially inhibited, the cell can no longer build a complete and functional cell membrane. Since ergosterol directly promotes the growth of fungal cells in a hormone-like manner, the rapid occurrence of the above events results in a dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth.
Although it is recognized that the reduction of ergosterol due to the inhibition of lanosterol 14 demethylase (also known as CYP51) is the main reason for the antifungal properties of clotrimazole, the drug also shows other pharmacological effects. These include inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2 + ATPase, consumption of intracellular calcium, and blockade of calcium-dependent potassium channels and voltage-dependent calcium channels. The effects of clotrimazole on these targets explain other effects of the drug that differ from its antifungal activity.
Dosage guideline:
2-3 times daily.
- Clotrimazole Cream: This should be thinly applied 2-3 times daily to the infected sites and rubbed in. On account of the excellent efficacy, a small amount of cream is usually sufficient for an area about the size of the palm. For the treatment to become a complete success, reliable and sufficiently long-time application of Clotrimazole Cream is important. The duration of treatment varies; it depends among other factors on the extent and localization of the disease.
Recommended duration of treatment-
- Dermatomycoses: 3-4 weeks
- Candida vulvitis and Candida balanitis: 1-2 weeks
- Erythrasma and Pityriasis Versicolor: 3 weeks (approximately)
- In fungal infection of the feet, to prevent relapse, treatment should be continued for about 2 weeks beyond the disappearance of all signs of disease. After washing, the feet should be thoroughly dried (particularly spaces between the toes). Clotrimazole Cream is odorless, can be washed off and does not stain clothing.
Clotrimazole topical solution: Apply this sparingly to the affected areas and rub in gently, two or three times daily.
Route of administration: Topical.
Interaction:
No information is available.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to Clotrimazole.
Side Effects:
When applied topically, Clotrimazole is well tolerated.With external application, systemic effects are not observed. Local irritation or burning sensation may occur in a very few cases but these symptoms are not considered harmful.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
It is recommended that Clotrimazole should be used in pregnancy only when considered necessary by the physician.
Precautions & Warnings:
Before you use Afun Cream, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information. Tell your doctor if you are allergic any of the following substances: cetostearyl alcohol.
Therapeutic Class:
Drugs for subcutaneous and mycoses, Topical Antifungal preparations
Storage Conditions:
Keep below 25°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Manufactured by: Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
