Indications
Skin fungal infections caused by dermatophytes (e.g. Trichophyton species), yeasts (Candida species), moulds and other fungi, including skin conditions that have become superinfected with these organisms. Examples covered include athlete's foot and other infections between the fingers or toes, paronychia linked to nail mycoses, mycoses in skin folds, Candida vulvitis, Candida balanitis, pityriasis versicolor and erythrasma.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Clotrimazole works mainly by damaging the permeability barrier in the fungal cell membrane. It inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a substance essential to fungal cell membranes. When ergosterol synthesis is blocked, whether completely or partially, the cell can no longer build an intact, functional membrane. Since ergosterol directly promotes fungal cell growth in a hormone-like way, this rapid disruption leads to a dose-dependent inhibition of fungal growth.
Though the resulting drop in ergosterol, caused by inhibition of the enzyme lanosterol 14-demethylase (also known as CYP51), is considered the main reason for clotrimazole's antifungal action, the drug also produces other pharmacological effects. These include inhibiting sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, depleting intracellular calcium, and blocking calcium-dependent potassium channels and voltage-dependent calcium channels. Clotrimazole's action on these targets explains additional effects of the drug that are separate from its antifungal activity.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Clotrimazole should only be used during pregnancy if a physician judges it necessary.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.