Difference between revisions of "Clotrimazole"

Latest revision as of 10:13, 20 September 2010

Clotrimazole (brand name Canesten) is an antifungal medication commonly used in the treatment of fungal infections of both humans and animals such as vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and ringworm. It is also used to treat athlete's foot and jock itch.

Indications and formulations

It is commonly available as an over-the-counter substance in various dosage forms, such as a cream, and also (especially in the case of ear infection) as a combination medicine. It is also available as a troche (prescription only). For ear infection, it is often applied in liquid form, as ear drops. Fungal infections can be slow to clear up, so the usual course for an anti-fungal agent is, in general, longer than the typical 3–7 days of an antibiotic.

Drug interactions

Potential for drug interactions with clotrimazole oral exists, as it is a potent, specific inhibitor of cytochrome P450 oxidase and may alter the metabolism of other drugs.

Side-effects

Side effects include Skin rash, hives, blistering, burning, itching, peeling, redness, stinging, swelling, or other sign of skin irritation.^[1]

Production

This compound (3) is produced by alkylating imidazole (1) with o-chlorotrityl chloride (2) in acetone, with triethylamine as the base.^[2]

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Environmental impact

Some research suggests that, in combination with other commonly used chemicals, clotrimazole has negative effects on the ocean environment, in particular microalgae.^[3]

References

External links

• MedlinePlus — Clotrimazole

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1. ↑ Canesten Topical consumer information from Drugs.com
2. ↑ OSPAR Commission: Hazardous Substances Series: OSPAR background document on clotrimazole. OSPAR Publication 2005/199, 2005, ISBN 1-904426-38-7 (pdf, engl.)
3. ↑ Drug used to treat skin conditions is a marine pollutant