Clotrimazole

The Basics

What is Clotrimazole?

Used to treat tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).

Brand names for Clotrimazole

Lotrimin

How Clotrimazole is classified

Antifungal Agents

Clotrimazole During Pregnancy

Clotrimazole pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Clotrimazole while pregnant

Clotrimazole has been shown to be embryotoxic in rats and mice when given in doses 100 times the adult human dose (in mg/kg), possibly secondary to maternal toxicity. The drug was not teratogenic in mice, rabbits, and rats when given in doses up to 200, 180, and 100 times the human dose. Clotrimazole given orally to mice from nine weeks before mating through weaning at a dose 120 times the human dose was associated with impairment of mating, decreased number of viable young, and decreased survival to weaning. No effects were observed at 60 times the human dose. When the drug was given to rats during a similar time period at 50 times the human dose, there was a slight decrease in the number of pups per litter and decreased pup viability. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Clotrimazole troches should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Clotrimazole While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Clotrimazole?

Because clotrimazole has poor oral bioavailability, it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant, including topical application to the nipples. It has been used orally in infants with thrush, sometimes successfully after nystatin has failed.[1] Any excess cream or ointment should be removed from the nipples before nursing. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because clotrimazole has poor oral bioavailability, it is unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant, including topical application to the nipples. It has been used orally in infants with thrush, sometimes successfully after nystatin has failed.[1] Any excess cream or ointment should be removed from the nipples before nursing. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

Possible effects of Clotrimazole on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Clotrimazole

Fluconazole, Miconazole, Nystatin.