Buy Clotrimazole online

Clotrimazole 1% cream is an over-the-counter topical treatment for fungal skin infections, such as thrush, athlete's foot, and ringworm. It belongs to a group of medications called imidazoles and works by killing the fungi responsible for fungal infections, including Candida albicans, which causes thrush. At ZAVA, we can provide clotrimazole cream to treat thrush in men to relieve symptoms such as itching and irritation.

Thrush in men usually affects the penis and is also known as Candidal balantis. It is caused by a yeast called Candida albicans. Although it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), thrush can be passed on from your partner during sex.

The most common symptoms for thrush in men include:

• soreness, redness, or irritation of the penis
• tightness of the foreskin
• a white discharge from the penis that may or may not smell

Clotrimazole works by killing the fungus that causes thrush. It does this by stopping the fungus from making ergosterol, which is important for protecting the outside of the fungus cell. Without ergosterol, the cell membrane is damaged, cannot work properly, and causes the contents of the cell to leak out, killing the fungus.

How long does clotrimazole take to work?

Most people find that they have an improvement in thrush symptoms within 7 days, but a minimum of 2 weeks of treatment is recommended to stop it coming back. If you have not noticed an improvement within 7 days, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist, as they may recommend a stronger treatment.

How effective is clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole 1% cream is considered an effective treatment for thrush in men. One older study found that it cleared the Candida albicans infection after 7 days in 90% of men, with a 95% clearance rate after 3 weeks.

Clotrimazole 1% cream should be applied directly to the affected area. If you have thrush around your penis, apply a thin layer of cream to the area and gently rub it in before washing your hands to prevent the infection spreading.

You’ll need to apply the cream 2 to 3 times a day for 2 weeks, or as long as your doctor or pharmacist has advised.

How long do you need to take clotrimazole for?

You will need to apply clotrimazole cream for at least 2 weeks to get rid of Candida, the fungus responsible for causing thrush. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on how long you will need to apply clotrimazole 1% cream for thrush.

How often should I use clotrimazole?

Clotrimazole cream should be applied 2 to 3 times a day for 2 weeks.

What if I miss a dose of clotrimazole?

If you forget to apply a dose of clotrimazole 1% cream, apply it as soon as you remember and then continue the rest of your treatment as usual.

What if I take too much clotrimazole?

If you apply too much clotrimazole cream, it can make your skin irritated or red. If this happens, use less cream next time and consider washing it off and reapplying less when your skin settles.

A strip of cream around 0.5cm long is enough to treat an area the size of a hand.

You can buy clotrimazole 1% cream online from regulated online doctor services, like ZAVA. These services are run by registered doctors who will ensure that your medication request is suitable for you.

Alternatively, you can buy clotrimazole 1% cream over the counter from most UK pharmacies without a prescription.

Can I buy clotrimazole online?

Yes, you can buy clotrimazole 1% cream online for thrush in men from ZAVA.

You can request clotrimazole in 3 easy steps:

1. Fill out a short online health questionnaire.
2. One of our doctors will review your responses and confirm your suitability.
3. Your medication will be discreetly delivered by Royal Mail to an address of your choice, or you can choose to collect it from your local Post Office.

Can I buy clotrimazole over the counter?

Yes, clotrimazole 1% cream is available over the counter without a prescription. You can also get it from most UK pharmacies as well as online without a prescription.

Can I get clotrimazole on the NHS?

Yes, you can usually get clotrimazole 1% cream on the NHS. Your GP may direct you to your local pharmacy to get it through Patient Group Directions (PGDs).

PGDs allow registered healthcare professionals, like pharmacists, to provide certain medications, like clotrimazole 1% cream, without the need for a prescription from a doctor.

Like all medications, clotrimazole 1% cream can cause side effects, but not everyone will get them. They mainly affect the area of the skin where the cream is applied.

Side effects include:

• itching
• rash
• blisters
• burning
• discomfort
• swelling
• irritation
• pins and needles
• redness
• skin peeling

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects are severe or persistent.

How long do clotrimazole side effects last?

Clotrimazole 1% cream side effects usually subside within a few days. However, if you get persistent or worsening side effects, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What to do if you get clotrimazole side effects

If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above and they do not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using clotrimazole and speak to a doctor or pharmacist straight away:

• rash
• swallowing or breathing problems
• swelling lips, face, throat, or tongue
• weakness, dizziness, or fainting
• feeling sick (nausea)

In an emergency, such as if you’re struggling to breathe or lose consciousness, call 999.

Clotrimazole may not be suitable for some people, for example, because of allergies, medical conditions, or certain other medications they’re taking. Do not use clotrimazole 1% cream if you are allergic to clotrimazole or any other ingredients listed in the medication.

You should avoid smoking or going near naked flames while using clotrimazole cream because there is a risk of severe burns. Fabric, like clothing and bedding, that has been in contact with clotrimazole will burn more easily and will be a fire hazard.

Other medications and clotrimazole

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or plan to take any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications while using clotrimazole 1% cream.

Clotrimazole cream may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, like condoms and diaphragms. If you are using the cream on the penis or vulva, you will need to use extra protection for at least 5 days after using this product.

If clotrimazole 1% cream isn’t right for you, there are other types of treatments for thrush in men available from ZAVA, which may be more suitable for you.

Clotrimazole alternatives include:

• Daktarin 2% cream – topical antifungal cream that contains the active ingredient miconazole nitrate
• Daktacort ointment – used to treat inflamed fungal infections because it contains hydrocortisone to soothe inflammation and miconazole nitrate to fight the infection
• fluconazole 150mg capsules – oral treatment for thrush, containing the active ingredient fluconazole, a type of antifungal

Clotrimazole vs Canesten

Canesten is a brand name for many medications that contain the antifungal ingredient clotrimazole, which are used to treat fungal skin infections, including thrush.

However, because clotrimazole 1% cream is a generic form of clotrimazole, it tends to be a more cost-effective treatment. At ZAVA, we only offer generic clotrimazole 1% cream to treat male thrush.