Boots Thrush 1% w/w Cream
(Clotrimazole)
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat the external symptoms of thrush. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
What this medicine is for
This medicine contains Clotrimazole which belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals, which act to treat infections caused by fungi.
It can be used to treat the external symptoms of thrush (vulval candidiasis). It may also be used by the woman’s sexual partner to treat associated penile thrush (candidal balanitis).
Thrush is a common infection caused by a yeast (or fungus), which may live harmlessly in the vagina without you even noticing it. However, in certain circumstances, it may develop into an infection in the vagina and symptoms may spread to the surrounding area. These symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- Itching of the vagina and surrounding area (the vulva)
- Redness and swelling of the tissues of the vagina and vulva
- Soreness of the vagina and vulva
- A white non-smelling discharge from the vagina
Thrush may be aggravated by sexual intercourse, but is not a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes however, thrush can be passed to your partner through sexual intercourse.
If your partner has penile thrush he may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Soreness and redness of the penis
- Tightness of the foreskin
- An abnormal penile discharge
Before you use this medicine
This medicine can be used by adults between the ages of 16 and 60 years. However, some people should not use this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.
Do not use:
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine or any other antifungal medicine
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor or midwife tells you to
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:
- If this is the first time you have had these symptoms
- If you are under 16 years, or 61 years or older
- If you have had thrush more than twice in the last 6 months
- If you or your partner have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease
- If you have lower stomach pain, or pain or a burning sensation on passing urine
- If you are a woman and:
- You have abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding, or a blood-stained discharge
- You have sores, ulcers or blisters on your vulva or vagina
- If you are a man and:
- Your sexual partner does not have thrush
- You have an abnormal discharge or leakage from your penis
- You have sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis
Other important information
The ingredients in the cream may affect the latex used in contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms. This may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptives. You should therefore use other methods of contraception for at least 5 days after using the cream.
Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol in the cream may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
You can help the treatment to work if you follow these simple self-help tips:
- Although the infected area will itch, do not scratch as this will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further
- Keep the affected areas of skin clean
- Pay particular attention to drying the skin but avoid excessive rubbing
To help prevent thrush from coming back once you have treated it, follow these simple steps:
- Wash daily
- Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothing
- Try to avoid wearing tights, nylon underwear and tight fitting clothing
- After going to the toilet, wipe yourself from the front to the back, as a thrush infection may be transferred from the bowel
- Try to avoid washing with perfumed soaps or using vaginal deodorants
- Do not rub hard with sponges or flannels and avoid hot baths with strong perfumed oils
- Change your sanitary protection regularly
If you take other medicines
Before you use this medicine, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time. If you are unsure about interactions with any medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor and medicine you have bought for yourself, including herbal and homeopathic remedies.
How to use this medicine
Check the tube seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not use the cream. Pierce tube seal with end of cap.
Adults ages 16 to 60 years: Apply to the affected area two or three times a day for 2 weeks.
For use on the skin only. For women, apply the cream to the vulva and surrounding area. For men, apply the cream to the penis.
Do not use on children under 16 years, or if you are an adult of 61 years or older, unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not use more than the amount recommended above.
If symptoms do not go away within 7 days talk to your doctor.
If you have thrush more than twice in six months you must see your doctor.
If anyone accidentally swallows some of the cream: Talk to a doctor or go to your nearest hospital casualty department straight away. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you.
Possible side effects
Most people will not have problems, but some may get some.
If you get any of these serious side effects, stop using the cream. See a doctor at once:
- Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat (severe allergic reactions)
These other effects are less serious. If they bother you talk to a pharmacist:
- Mild burning or irritation of the skin immediately after applying the cream
- Skin rash, red or itchy skin (may be an allergic reaction)
- Pain
The symptoms of allergic reactions are very similar to the symptoms of thrush. If the pain, itching and burning get worse see your doctor.
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
How to store this medicine
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.
Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.
What is in this medicine
This cream contains Clotrimazole 1% w/w which is the active ingredient.
As well as the active ingredient, the cream also contains sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl palmitate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol, purified water
The pack contains 20 g of white cream.
Who makes this medicine
Manufactured for
by
Marketing Authorisation held by
Leaflet prepared May 2008
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Thrush Cream 1%
Reference number: 10622/0230
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
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