Clotrimazole

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Clotrimazole
Systematic (IUPAC) name
1-[(2-chlorophenyl)-diphenyl-methyl]imidazole
Identifiers
CAS number	23593-75-1
ATC code	A01 AB18 D01 AC01, G01 AF02
PubChem	2812
DrugBank	APRD00244
Chemical data
Formula	C₂₂H₁₇ClN₂
Mol. weight	344.837 g/mol
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	Poorly and erratically absorbed orally
Protein binding	90%
Metabolism	hepatic
Half life	2 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	A(AU) C (oral) & B (topical) (US)
Legal status	P(UK)
Routes	topical

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication commonly used in the treatment of fungal infections of both humans and animals such as vaginal yeast infections and ringworm. It also used to treat athlete's foot and jock itch.

1 Indications and formulations
2 Drug interactions
3 Side effects
4 External links

[edit] Indications and formulations

It is commonly available as an over-the-counter substance in various dosage forms, such as a cream, and also (especially in the case of ear infection) as a combination medicine. In the latter case, it typically includes an antibiotic such as Marbofloxacin, and is applied in liquid form, as ear drops.

Fungal infections can be slow to clear up, so the usual course for an anti-fungal agent is usually longer than the typical 3-7 days of an antibiotic.

Women who suffer from vaginal yeast infections, such as candidiasis, can buy clotrimazole at a pharmacy. However, women should contact their doctor on the first occurrence of a vaginal yeast infection instead of self-diagnosing.

In the UK and Canada, the drug is marketed under the name Canesten.

[edit] Drug interactions

There is the potential for drug interactions with Clotrimazole if taken orally, as it is a potent, specific inhibitor of cytochrome P450 oxidase enzymes and so may alter the metabolism of other drugs.

[edit] Side effects

Occasionally may cause localised irritation of the skin with a mild burning sensation, redness and itching.

[edit] External links

MedlinePlus - Clotrimazole (Topical)
MedlinePlus - Clotrimazole
Links to external chemical sources.

Antifungals (D01 and J02) edit
Antibiotics:	Griseofulvin, Hitachimycin, Natamycin, Nystatin
Topical Azoles:	Clotrimazole, Econazole, Fluconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Oxiconazole, Sertaconazole, Sulconazole, Tioconazole
Other topicals:	Ciclopirox, Ethylparaben, Flucytosine, Salicylic acid, Selenium sulfide, Terbinafine, Tolnaftate
For systemic use:	Amphotericin B, Anidulafungin, Caspofungin, Griseofulvin, Itraconazole, Terbinafine, Voriconazole
Other:	Posaconazole, Thiabendazole, Tea tree oil