Clotrimazole

This drug is a broad spectrum antimycotic or antifungal agent. Clotrimazole's antimycotic properties were discovered in the late 1960s . Clotrimazole falls under the imidazole category of azole antifungals, possessing broad-spectrum antimycotic activity . It is available in various preparations, including creams, pessaries, and troche formulations (slowly dissolving tablets). As well as its antifungal activity, clotrimazole has become a drug of interest in treating several other diseases such as sickle cell disease, malaria and some cancers . The minimal side effect profile of this drug and its uncomplicated metabolic profile have led it to gain widespread acceptance for the treatment of mycotic outbreaks such as vaginal yeast infections as well as athlete's foot .

Topical preparations

Clotrimazole topical cream is indicated for the topical treatment of the following dermal infections , :

Tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis due to Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum

Candidiasis due to Candida albicans

Tinea versicolor due to Malassezia furfur

Diaper rash infected by Candida albicans

In some preparations, clotrimazole may be combined with betamethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid .

Oral preparations

The oral troche preparation is indicated for the local treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis . It is also indicated as a prophylactic drug to reduce the incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in patients immunocompromised by conditions such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or steroid therapy utilized in the treatment of leukemia, solid tumors, or renal transplantation . Troche preparations are not indicated for the treatment of any systemic mycoses .