Canesten Anti Fungal Cream

The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 1% w/w.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

The active substance in Canesten Anti Fungal Cream is clotrimazole. Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles and is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of fungal skin infections.

Canesten Anti Fungal Cream is used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, fungal nappy rash and fungal sweat rash. It is also used to relieve irritation of the vulva (external thrush) or the end of the penis, which may be associated with thrush.
If the patient is unsure whether he/she (or the baby if treating nappy rash) has one of these fungal skin infections, the patient must be advised to seek a doctor or pharmacist.

If Canesten Anti Fungal Cream has been prescribed by the doctor, the patient must follow any instructions he/she may have been given. If the patient purchased this product without a prescription, the patient must be advised to follow these directions closely.
Before use, pierce the tube seal by inverting the cap over the end of the tube and press.
If the feet are infected, they should be washed and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the cream.
Canesten Anti Fungal Cream should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas two or three times daily and rubbed in gently.
A strip of cream (¹/₂ cm long) is enough to treat an area of about the size of the hand.
The duration of the treatment depends upon the type of infection. Generally, a minimum of two weeks is required, although up to four weeks may be necessary.
The symptoms of skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment although signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. If symptoms persist, the patient must be advised to consult a doctor.
If the patient forgets to use Canesten Anti Fungal Cream: Apply the cream as soon as possible and then continue the rest of the treatment as usual.

Do not use Canesten Anti Fungal Cream: If the patient (or the baby if treating nappy rash) is allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients, including cetostearyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol of Canesten Anti Fungal Cream.

Important information about some of the ingredients: This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). The medicine also contains 20mg benzyl alcohol in each gram of cream. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation.
Special precautions: As with other creams, Canesten Anti Fungal Cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, such as condoms or diaphragms. Consequently, if the patient is using this cream on the vulva or penis, the patient must be advised to use alternative precautions for at least five days after using this product.
Canesten Anti Fungal Cream is for external use only: Do not put the cream in the mouth or swallow it.
If the cream is swallowed accidentally, the patient must be advised to inform the doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
If the patient accidentally gets cream in the eyes or mouth, the patient must be advised to wash immediately with water and contact the doctor.

Canesten Anti Fungal Cream can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If the patient is pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby, she must be advised to inform the doctor or midwife before using Canesten Anti Fungal Cream. If the patient has informed the doctor or midwife already, his/her instructions should be followed carefully.
If used on the nipple area, breasts should be washed before breastfeeding.

Like all medicines, Canesten Anti Fungal Cream can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the cream. If the patient or the baby is allergic, a reaction will occur soon after using it.
If the patient or the baby experiences an allergic reaction, Canesten Anti Fungal Cream should be stopped and inform the doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of the nearest hospital. Signs of an allergic reaction may include: Rash; Swallowing or breathing problems; Swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue; Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint; Nausea.
After applying the cream, the patient might experience: Itching, rash, blisters, burning, discomfort, swelling, irritation, pins and needles, redness or peeling of skin.
Reporting of side effects: If the patient gets any side effects, he/she must be advised to talk to the doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed. Reporting side effects can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

This product should be stored in the original carton.
Do not store above 25°C.

You can help the treatment to work if you follow these simple self-help tips: Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch. Scratching will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further.
Keep the affected skin areas clean.
Pay particular attention to drying the skin, but avoid excessive rubbing.
Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.
Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.
If you have athlete's foot: Remember to dry the skin between the toes thoroughly.
Wash your socks, stockings and tights thoroughly in hot water to remove any shed skin or fungal spores.
Change your footwear daily if possible.

Topical Antifungals & Antiparasites

D01AC01 - clotrimazole ; Belongs to the class of imidazole and triazole derivatives. Used in the topical treatment of fungal infection.

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