Canesten Thrush Cream

What is Canesten Cream?

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.

 What is Canesten cream used for?

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.

How does Canesten work?

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.

How long does Canesten take to work?

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.

Active ingredient

The active ingredient in Canesten cream is clotrimazole 2%.

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 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. 

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, 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.

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 one week. If your symptoms are still present after a week, you should see your GP for advice.

Canesten Cream side effects

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. 

Contraindications

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:

• You have symptoms that could indicate a sexually transmitted infection e.g. unusual or smelly vaginal or penile discharge, unscheduled vaginal bleeding, blisters, ulcers or pain around the genitals, pain during sex or abdominal pain
• This is the first time you’ve ever had thrush
• You’ve had thrush more than twice in the past 6 months
• You or a partner may be at risk of an STI
• You’re under the age of 16, or over the age of 60
• You have difficulty or pain passing urine
• You have a fever
• You are feeling sick, are vomiting or have diarrhoea

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?

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. 

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. Canestan does not affect hormonal contraceptives.