Canesten Thrush External Cream 2% w/w 20g

Description

Canesten Thrush External Cream contains clotrimazole 2% w/w for the treatment of candidal vulvitis — the external itching and soreness caused by vaginal thrush. It can also be applied to a male partner's penis to help prevent re-infection. Sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

This is a pharmacy (P) medicine sold under the supervision of our GPhC-registered pharmacist. You may be asked a few short questions before your order is supplied.

Key facts

Active ingredient	Clotrimazole 2% w/w
Format	Cream for external use only
Use	Treatment of candidal vulvitis, as an adjunct to treatment of the vaginal infection; also for application to a partner's penis
Age	Adults aged 16 to 60; see your doctor if you are under 16 or over 60
Dose	Apply thinly and evenly to the affected area two or three times a day, rubbing in gently
Duration	Continue until the symptoms have gone; partner treatment for up to two weeks
Pack	20g tube
Contraceptives	May damage latex condoms and diaphragms — use other precautions for at least five days

Who it is for

Women who have external itching and soreness from vaginal thrush and are also treating the vaginal infection.
Male partners with symptoms, applied to the penis to help prevent re-infection.

Not suitable for: Anyone allergic to clotrimazole or to any of the other ingredients, including cetostearyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol. See your doctor rather than treating yourself if this is the first time you have had thrush, you have had more than two infections in the last six months, you are under 16 or over 60, you are pregnant or think you may be, you have had a sexually transmitted infection or have been exposed to a partner with one, you have irregular or abnormal vaginal bleeding, blisters, sores or ulcers on the vulva, lower abdominal pain or pain on passing urine, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or a foul-smelling discharge, or you have reacted badly to antifungal treatments before.

How to use

Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the cream.
Apply a thin, even layer around the entrance of the vagina two or three times a day and rub in gently.
Keep using it until the irritation has gone. This cream relieves the external symptoms only, so treat the vaginal infection with a pessary, internal cream or capsule as well.
A male partner should apply it to the penis two or three times a day for up to two weeks.
See your doctor if the symptoms have not improved within seven days.

Frequently asked questions

Does this cream treat the infection inside the vagina?

No. It relieves the external irritation only. The infection inside the vagina needs a pessary, an internal cream or an oral capsule, used alongside this cream.

Can my partner use it?

Yes. A male partner can apply it to the penis two or three times a day for up to two weeks to help prevent re-infection.

Can I use condoms while I am using this cream?

The cream can damage latex condoms and diaphragms. Use alternative precautions for at least five days after using it.

Can I use it if I am pregnant?

Tell your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How long does it take to work?

Keep applying it until the irritation settles. If your symptoms have not improved within seven days, see your doctor.

Safety and storage

For external use only. Do not swallow and do not use it inside the vagina.
Stop using it and speak to a pharmacist or doctor if the skin becomes more red, irritated or swollen.
No special storage conditions are required for the 20g tube. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.