Canesten Clotrimazole Thrush Treatment Once Pessary + Cream

Generic Name: Clotrimazole
Product Name: Canesten Clotrimazole Thrush Treatment Once Pessary + Cream

Indication

Canesten clotrimazole thrush treatment once pessary and cream belongs to a group of medicines called azole antifungals.

The pessary is used to treat a fungal infection in the vagina and vulval area (thrush).

The cream works to relieve the symptoms of external irritation.

Action

Clotrimazole acts primarily on the cell membrane of the fungi, damaging the permeability barrier, thus stopping the growth.

Dose advice

Canesten pessary:

The pessary should be inserted gently and as deeply as possible into the vagina. The best time to insert is at bedtime. Lie down in a comfortable position and follow the directions illustrated on the patient instruction sheet. You can insert the pessary using the plastic applicator provided or push the pessary into the vagina using a clean finger. In late pregnancy, manual insertion or digital insertion may be preferred over the use of the applicator.

The 500mg single dose Canesten pessary provides therapy for 3 to 4 days as it creates high intravaginal concentrations of clotrimazole. However, the symptoms may persist for these 3 to 4 days.

Canesten antifungal cream:

The cream is used in conjunction with pessary. It should be applied thinly up to 2 to 3 times daily and rubbed in to the vulvovaginal and perianal areas. You can apply the cream to glans and prepuce of partner for up to 4 days to prevent re-infection of the female.

Precautions:

You should seek medical advice under the following circumstances prior to initiation of treatment.

• The first occurrence of the problem
• More than 2 infections in the previous 6 months
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Under 18 years of age
• No improvement in symptoms after 4 days.

It is suggested that Canesten treatment be timed so as to avoid the menstrual period and to be completed before the onset of menstruation. If the treatment does coincide with a menstrual period, use sanitary pads not tampons during therapy.

It is also vital that you are aware of the effect of cream on latex products during thrush treatment. Canesten thrush treatment may reduce the effectiveness and safety of latex products such as condoms and diaphragms. However, this effect is temporary and occurs only during treatment. Do not rely on these methods while using these cream.

Hygienic tips to avoid further infection:

You may find the following tips helpful for resolving thrush.

1. Instead of wiping from back to front after urinating, blot with toilet paper.
2. Change underwear, night attire, towels and linen daily.
3. Where possible, avoid perfumed toilet paper, fragrant soaps and bath oils, wearing tight or synthetic underwear, douches or vaginal deodorants.

Schedule

Schedule 3

Common side effects

Topical Canesten thrush treatment is generally well tolerated. This medicine helps most people with thrush but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. Tell your doctor if you experience discomfort while you are using this treatment.

Uncommon side effects

All medicines can have side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following symptoms. Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects as they are generally mild signs of an allergic reaction and you may not experience any of them.

• burning, stinging, redness
• blistering, peeling, swelling, itching

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook, Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2008.
2. MIMS Online [online]. 2003 [cited 2008 March 21]. Available from: [URL Link]

For further information talk to your doctor.