Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 29/03/2021
Canesten cream is the brand name of clotrimazole cream, an antifungal agent. It is used to relieve symptoms and treat external infection by the Candida fungus. Canesten cream is for use on external areas such as the vulva, penis and peri-anal region.
Canesten 2% cream is used to treat skin symptoms caused by fungal infection. It’s commonly used to treat genital thrush, athlete's foot, ringworm nappy rash and intertrigo.
Canesten cream works by interfering with the process that Candida yeast uses to build new cells. It, therefore, stops the yeast from being able to grow and reproduce. It both relieves the troublesome symptoms of thrush, and in most cases eradicates the infection on the skin.
Canesten cream 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 therapy such as tablets.
Dose |
Apply thinly to the affected area 2-3 times per day |
Type of medicine | Imidazole antifungal cream |
Mechanism |
Prevents the formation of fungal cell walls, preventing new fungal cells from being made |
Available Size |
20g tube |
Available Strengths |
2% |
Active Ingredient |
Clotrimazole |
Price |
£8.99 |
Side Effects |
Can include itching, blistering, burning, discomfort swelling and peeling of the skin |
The active ingredient in Canesten cream is clotrimazole 2%.
The inactive ingredients are benzyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, sorbitan stearate, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, octyldodecanol and purified water.
Apply a thin layer of Canesten cream to the affected areas of skin. Repeat this 2–3 times a day until symptoms resolve, or you have finished the tube, whichever occurs first. If your symptoms have not resolved within one week, it’s recommended to see your doctor for advice.
Apply the cream to the affected areas of skin 2–3 times a day until symptoms have resolved. Always wash your hands after applying Canesten cream. Canesten cream should not be used internally, for example inside the vagina, anus, urethra or mouth. If symptoms persist after a week, speak to your doctor, who may recommend an alternative treatment. This treatment works best when combined with either an oral or intravaginal antifungal as well.
You do not need to continue if your thrush symptoms have cleared up; generally, this should happen within one week. If your symptoms are still present after a week, you should see your GP for advice.
Side effects are uncommon with Canesten cream but you may experience itching, burning, blisters, a rash, swelling, redness, irritation or peeling of the skin. If you experience these side effects, speak with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there’s a more suitable treatment.
Canesten shouldn’t be used if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients.
You should speak to your doctor first if any of the following apply to you:
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.
You can drink alcohol for the duration of your Canesten treatment.
Canesten 2% is used to treat thrush in both men and women. It is also sometimes used to treat other fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and nappy rash and intertrigo. If you think you have another type of fungal infection, check with your doctor if Canesten cream would be a suitable treatment.
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. Canestan does not affect hormonal contraceptives.
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