Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication belonging to the azole class, commonly used in oral form to treat fungal infections of the mouth and throat, particularly oral candidiasis.
Clotrimazole is an antifungal agent used to treat oral fungal infections like thrush by disrupting fungal cell membrane formation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AB18
- RxNorm
- 2598
- Generic
- Clotrimazole
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Fungicure Solution, Dermatin, Aardora Anti-Fungal Maximum Strength, Alevazol, Motazol, Otomax, Mometamax, Fungistat, Lotrimin, Jock-Eze, Mometavet, Trimazole, Clotic, Lasolex Liquid, Cruex Antifungal
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 12
- Routes
- otic, topical, vaginal, oral
- Forms
- cream, lotion, solution, gel, powder, spray, vaginal tablet, lozenge, otic drops
- Regions
- US, EU, Canada, UK, Australia, India, worldwide
- Monitoring
- none
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg five times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg five times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg five times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
topical application preferred over oral; avoid oral clotrimazole lozenges unless clearly needed
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterstandard dosing
topical clotrimazole is generally considered safe for treating superficial fungal infections
routine prenatal care
pregnancy
third trimesterstandard dosing
topical application safe; oral lozenges should be used only if benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal care
lactation
breastfeedingstandard topical dosing
topical clotrimazole is safe during lactation; avoid applying to breast area before nursing
monitor infant for any oral thrush
pediatric_age
infantsuse under medical supervision
not recommended for infants under 1 month; use only under pediatrician guidance
monitor for skin irritation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenstandard pediatric dosing
suitable for children over 1 year; supervise application to prevent ingestion
monitor for allergic reactions
geriatric
elderlystandard dosing
suitable for elderly patients; monitor for skin sensitivity
check for skin irritation or allergic reactions
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
minimal systemic absorption with topical use makes renal dosing unnecessary
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
topical use does not require hepatic dose adjustment
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Treatment of oral candidiasis (thrush), oropharyngeal candidiasis, and prevention of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. May also be used for other localized fungal infections as determined by a healthcare provider.
Clotrimazole works by inhibiting the enzyme lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which is required for the synthesis of ergosterol—an essential structural component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes unstable and permeable, leading to cell death.
For oral use, allow troches to dissolve slowly in the mouth without chewing. Complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve. Inform your doctor of any other medications being taken, as clotrimazole may interact with certain drugs. Common side effects may include mild mouth irritation or altered taste. Not for systemic fungal infections.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 29, 2026. · Read our editorial policy