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← New search | Clotrimazole: 1% cream 20gm and 500mg pessary

INN monograph

Clotrimazole: 1% cream 20gm and 500mg pessary

Antifungal · POM

POM

Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Antifungal)

Class
Antifungal
Schedule
POM
Route
ORAL / TOPICAL / IV
Onset
Days for clinical response (varies)
Duration
Days–weeks per indication
Pregnancy
Systemic azoles often av...
Renal
Fluconazole dose-adjust...
High-alert
No

Kenya market

Wholesale / list prices where loaded

From
Median
Brands
1

Risk first

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity.
  • Many systemic azoles contraindicated with certain CYP3A4 substrates (e.g. some statins, quinidine) — check labels.
  • Terfenadine/astemizole historical QT combinations.

Precautions

  • Hepatotoxicity monitoring for systemic azoles.
  • QT prolongation (some azoles).
  • Voriconazole: visual disturbances, photosensitivity, skin cancer risk long-term.
  • Confirm species for invasive disease.

Point of care

Dosing

Adult

Insert the pessary high into the vagina preferably at night The cream should be thinly and evenly applied to the area around the entrance of the vagina, 2-3 times a day and rubbed in until the symptoms disappear

Paediatric

See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.

Renal

Fluconazole dose-adjust in CKD; amphotericin nephrotoxicity high-alert.

  • CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.

Hepatic

Monitor LFTs for courses >14 days or higher-risk patients.

Safety

Drug interactions

Open checker →
  • Match agent to site and species.
  • For tinea, continue topical beyond clearance.
  • Invasive fungal disease needs ID/specialist input and source control.

Safety

Adverse effects

  • GI upset, rash, raised LFTs.
  • Serious: hepatitis, severe skin reactions, arrhythmias, infusion reactions (amphotericin).

Use

Indications

  • Treatment of candidal vaginitis and vulvitis Clinical selection for Clotrimazole: 1% cream 20gm and 500mg pessary should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
  • Class context: Antifungal.
  • Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.

Pharmacology

Mode of action

Azoles inhibit fungal CYP51 (lanosterol 14α-demethylase), depleting ergosterol and disrupting membrane integrity.

Azoles inhibit fungal CYP51 (lanosterol 14… Terbinafine inhibits squalene epoxidase. Polyenes bind ergosterol creating membrane…
Full mechanism text

Azoles inhibit fungal CYP51 (lanosterol 14α-demethylase), depleting ergosterol and disrupting membrane integrity. Terbinafine inhibits squalene epoxidase. Polyenes bind ergosterol creating membrane pores. Echinocandins inhibit β-glucan synthase (cell wall).

ADME

Pharmacokinetics & PD

Onset Days for clinical response (varies)
Duration Days–weeks per indication
Route ORAL / TOPICAL / IV
Metabolism with major interactions. Topicals: minimal systemic
Full PK/PD text

Fluconazole: excellent bioavailability, renal excretion, CSF penetration. Itraconazole/voriconazole: complex absorption and CYP metabolism with major interactions. Topicals: minimal systemic absorption when intact skin.

Kenya

Brands & prices

1 listed
Brand Company Pack KES
Unisten Combi Pack Regal Pharmaceuticals Standard Commercial Pack

Special populations

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Systemic azoles often avoided in pregnancy (fluconazole high-dose teratogenicity signal); topical clotrimazole commonly used for VVC.

Lactation

Topicals usually fine; systemic — agent-specific.

Diet

Food & alcohol

  • Food
  • Food

Trust

Sources & disclaimer

Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; Professional class pharmacology (Antifungal)

Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026

Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.

Kenya Verified Health Registry