clotrimazole

Clotrimazole lozenge is only approved for the treatment of fungal infections of the mouth or throat. It may also be used to prevent these infections in patients receiving treatments that may weaken the body's immune system (e.g., chemotherapy). Clotrimazole is known as an azole antifungal agent. It works by stopping the growth of fungus.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Use this medication orally by placing it in your mouth and allowing it to slowly dissolve over 15-30 minutes. Do not chew or swallow the lozenge whole. Do not eat or drink while this medication is in your mouth. If your child cannot safely use this tablet, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Antifungals work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. If you are using this medication to treat an oral fungal infection, take it usually five times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you have trouble swallowing or have pain while swallowing, consult your doctor. Other medications may be necessary. Continue to use this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. If you are using this medication to prevent an oral fungal infection, take it usually three times daily or as directed by your doctor. Continue to use it for the full number of days prescribed.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: certain medications for diabetes (sulfonylureas such as glipizide, glyburide), rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), tacrolimus. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function tests) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Before taking clotrimazole lozenges, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to clotrimazole; or to other azole antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from heat and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Nausea, vomiting, mild itching, or an unpleasant sensation in the mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.