Clotrimazole

General Drug Information and Indications

Antifungal for dermatophytosis and superficial mycosis; uterine gel for equine fungal endometritis; guttural pouch mycosis treatment. Imidazole antifungal (clotrimazole). Mechanism: inhibits lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51) → blocks ergosterol biosynthesis in fungal cell membranes → membrane permeability disruption → cell death. Fungistatic at low concentrations; fungicidal at high. Active against dermatophytes, Candida, Aspergillus. Topical/intrauterine use; poor systemic bioavailability. Key information Topical antifungal. For external use only. Uterine gel: intrauterine infusion for fungal endometritis in mares — culture-confirmed before use. Store at room temperature.

How to Give this Medication

Topical: Apply topically to affected area; wear gloves during application. Apply thin layer to affected skin 2–3 times daily. Intrauterine (mares): dilute in sterile saline; infuse using aseptic technique via infusion catheter. Otic: instill drops or cream as directed; Clean ear canal before instillation. Gently massage base of ear after application to distribute medication. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next application, skip it and resume the normal schedule. Do not apply extra product to compensate.

Side Effects

Topical/intrauterine: local irritation, erythema, discharge. Systemic absorption minimal — systemic side effects rare with topical use. Nausea, vomiting (oral — if absorbed). Hepatotoxicity (not significant with topical use).

Precautions

For animals Intrauterine use in mares: confirm absence of active bacterial infection before antifungal monotherapy. For topical use — avoid mucous membranes and eyes. Assess tympanic membrane integrity before otic use. For people handling this medication Wear gloves when handling. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Antifungal — wear gloves during topical or intrauterine application. Minimal systemic risk with topical use. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

If excessive product was applied, wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water. Contact your veterinarian if the animal shows any signs of irritation, lethargy, tremors, or other unusual behavior. Clotrimazole is minimally absorbed topically. Contact your veterinarian if the animal ingests the product.

Clotrimazole dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
CLOTRIMAZOLE 400MG/50ML UTERINE CPD400 MG/50MLSolution1Compound
CLOTRIMAZOLE UTERINE GEL 200 MG/30 ML200 MG/30 MLGel1Compound
CLOTRIMAZOLE CREAM 1% - 45 GRAMS—Cream—Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)