Femcare (Clotrimazole)

Description

Femcare is a brand name for clotrimazole vaginal, used to treat candida (yeast) infections in the vagina. Femcare may be available in the form of topical cream, solution, lotion, compounded powder, tablet or vaginal kit with applicator.

Drug Information

Clotrimazole is an azole antifungal medication that treats and prevents skin infections by stopping the growth of fungi like yeast, ringworm and oral thrush. Clotrimazole is commonly available over-the-counter for treatment of fungal infections in the vagina, skin, mouth, and for conditions such as athlete’s foot and jock itch. Clotrimazole vaginal may be available as a cream or a lotion to apply onto the skin or as lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.

Dosage

For vaginal infections, clotrimazole should be applied once a day at bedtime for 3 to 7 days depending on the severity of the fungal infection. Otherwise use clotrimazole as directed by a physician. Do not use clotrimazole more or less than directed in the packaging or prescribed by a physician.

Application

Femcare must be applied as directed in the packaging or as prescribed by a physician. Read all the information in the “Patient Information Leaflet” that comes with the product and ask the pharmacist if any of the instructions are not clear.

Femcare is strictly for external use only. The medication should only be applied onto the skin of the affected area. Avoid getting Femcare into eyes, ears, nose or mouth. If the medication gets into the eyes, wash with cold running water. Consult a doctor if eyes continue to irritate.

Wash hands with soap before applying Femcare. Then thoroughly clean the affected area, and gently apply Femcare as directed. When using the skin lotion, smoothly rub the liquid to the affected area until the lotion is fully absorbed.

Follow all instructions on the package when using Femcare vaginal cream with applicator. Fill the applicator with the cream, and then lie on the back. Draw knees towards the chest and insert the applicator as far as comfortable inside the vagina similar to inserting a tampon. Slowly press the plunger to release the cream. Wash the applicator before next use.

Side Effects

Clotrimazole can potentially cause the following side effects:

 Itching
 Stinging
 Flaking
 Tenderness
 Bumps that may look like pimples
 Burning sensation
 Skin irritation
 Unusual redness
 Swelling
 Fever
 Stomach pain
 Upset stomach
 Vomiting
 Bad-smelling discharge after treatment begins

Very rare but serious side effects include blistering and oozing open sores.

Above list is not comprehensive. Other side effects not listed above may occur when using products with clotrimazole.

Consult a doctor immediately if side effects worsen after or persist for more than a couple of days.

Precautions

 Do not use Femcare if allergic to clotrimazole.

 Do not use Femcare if pregnant without consulting a doctor first.

 Do not use tampons, spermicides, douches or other vaginal products while using Femcare.

 Do not stop using Femcare if menstruation starts while the treatment is continuing. Use unscented sanitary pads to manage menstruation while using Femcare.

Femcare should be continued without pause for the entire prescribed period. Abruptly stopping treatment or missing doses will cause the fungal infection to return.