Antifungal
Clotrimazole
Cream, powder, pessary or lozenge
Quick Summary
Clotrimazole kills fungi that cause ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and thrush.
Fungal skin infections
Vaginal thrush
Oral thrush
Medical Uses
Fungal skin infections: Ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch.
Vaginal thrush: As a pessary or cream.
Oral thrush: As lozenges.
How it's taken
Apply the cream thinly to the affected skin and a little around it, and continue for two weeks after the rash clears.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Mild irritation
Burning or itching.
Redness
Rarely.
Allergy
Rare.
Interactions
Condoms
Some vaginal products can weaken latex.
Critical Warnings
Steroid combinations
Avoid creams mixed with steroids for ringworm unless a doctor advises.
No improvement
See a doctor if not better in two to four weeks.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Clotrimazole Topical: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Clotrimazole: antifungal for fungal infections(opens in a new tab) · NHS