Canesten 1% Cream – 50g

Description

Canesten 1% Cream – 50g

Canesten 1% Cream is an antifungal cream used to treat a range of fungal skin infections, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, sweat rash, nappy rash, and thrush affecting the outside of the vagina or the end of the penis. It contains clotrimazole 1%, which works directly on the skin to relieve itching, redness, and discomfort caused by fungal infections.

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How It Works

Clotrimazole, the active ingredient in Canesten 1% Cream, is an antifungal medicine that kills the fungi responsible for the infection. It works by damaging the outer membrane of the fungal cells, causing them to break down and die, which clears the infection and relieves symptoms such as itching, burning, and redness.

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Directions for Use

Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area two to three times a day. Gently rub the cream into the skin until it is fully absorbed. Continue treatment for at least two to four weeks, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning — for athlete’s foot, treatment should be continued for four weeks. For nappy rash in babies, apply at each nappy change for up to four weeks. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

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Active Ingredients

• Clotrimazole 1% (10 mg per gram of cream)

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Possible Side Effects

• Skin irritation, burning, or stinging at the application site
• Redness or rash around the treated area
• Blistering or peeling of the skin
• Allergic skin reaction (redness, swelling, or hives)
• Rarely, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) causing difficulty breathing or swelling of the face

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

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Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• People who are allergic to clotrimazole or any other ingredient in the cream
• People who have previously had an allergic reaction to other imidazole antifungals (e.g., miconazole, econazole)
• This cream is for external use only — do not apply inside the vagina, ears, or eyes
• Do not use on broken or severely inflamed skin without medical advice

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Interactions

Clotrimazole cream is applied to the skin and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream, so interactions with other medicines are unlikely. However, if you are using latex condoms or diaphragms alongside this cream, be aware that clotrimazole can weaken latex and may reduce the effectiveness of contraception — use an alternative method of contraception during treatment. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Canesten 1% Cream is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when applied to the skin, as clotrimazole is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, if you are pregnant, avoid using applicators for internal use and take care when applying near the breast area during breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

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Alcohol

There is no known interaction between Canesten 1% Cream and alcohol. As this medicine is applied externally to the skin and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream, alcohol consumption does not affect how this treatment works.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Canesten 1% Cream does not cause drowsiness or affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. This medicine is applied to the skin and has no known effect on alertness or concentration.

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Storage

Store Canesten 1% Cream below 25°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not refrigerate or freeze the cream. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

Brand	Canesten