Canesten Thrush Cream

What is Canesten Cream?

Canesten is a cream containing clotrimazole. It is used to relieve symptoms and treat infection by the candida fungus. Clotrimazole cream is applied externally to the affected areas - in men, this is usually around the penis. 

How does Canesten work?

Canesten works in two ways - relieving the symptoms of thrush and treating the underlying infection. Canesten contains clotrimazole, an antifungal agent that kills the candida fungus. As the fungus is being attacked, the symptoms should start to improve. 

How long does Canesten take to work?

Canesten takes approximately one week to resolve your symptoms after starting treatment. If this does not happen, you should speak to a doctor who may be able to offer you an alternative such as Miconzaole. 

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Canesten cream is clotrimazole.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients are: benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.

How to use Canesten Cream

Apply the cream 2-3 times a day for up to two weeks. Always wash your hands after applying Canesten. If symptoms persist after two weeks, speak to your doctor, who may recommend an alternative treatment. 

Canesten Cream dosage

Apply a thin layer of Canesten cream to the affected areas of skin. Repeat this 2-3 times a day until symptoms resolve. 

Do I need to use Canesten after my symptoms have resolved?

You do not need to continue if your thrush symptoms have cleared up; generally, this should happen within two weeks. If your symptoms are still present after two weeks, you should see your GP for advice.

Canesten Cream side effects

Side effects are uncommon with Canesten cream but you may experience itching and burning or a rash, peeling and redness.

Contraindications

Canesten shouldn’t be used if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients. If you have additional symptoms such as penile discharge, burning during urination or pain in the genitals then this could be signs of a sexually transmitted infection. You should take an STI test and visit a doctor or sexual health clinic to get treated for any additional infections.

Drug interactions

Canesten cream should not be affected by any other medication. However, if you are taking any other treatments/medications you should inform the prescribing doctor.

Canesten and alcohol

You can drink alcohol for the duration of your Canesten treatment. 

Can Canesten be used for any other fungal infections?

Aside from thrush in men, Canesten can also be used to treat female thrush, athlete's foot, ringworm and fungal nappy rash. For female thrush, Canesten cream is often used in conjunction with a pessary. 
 

Will Canesten affect my contraception?

Canesten can damage condoms or contraceptive diaphragms, this can weaken these materials, increasing the chance of them failing. It is advised that you avoid sex whilst you have thrush. Canesten does not affect hormonal contraceptives. 

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet
• NHS > Thrush
• Canesten > Thrush