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
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLOTRIMAZOLE 400MG/50ML UTERINE CPD | 400 MG/50ML | Solution | 1 | Compound |
| CLOTRIMAZOLE UTERINE GEL 200 MG/30 ML | 200 MG/30 ML | Gel | 1 | Compound |
| 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)