Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream

Description

Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule & External Cream

Canesten Thrush Duo is a combined treatment for thrush, containing both a one-off oral capsule and an external cream. It is used to relieve the internal and external symptoms of vaginal or penile thrush, such as itching, soreness, and discharge.

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How It Works

The oral capsule contains fluconazole, an antifungal medicine that travels through the bloodstream to tackle the fungal infection from the inside. The external cream contains clotrimazole, which works directly on the skin to relieve irritation, redness, and soreness on the outside. Both ingredients belong to a group of medicines called azole antifungals, which work by damaging the cell membranes of the Candida fungus, causing it to die.

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Directions for Use

Adults aged 16 to 60 years: Take one 150 mg fluconazole capsule by mouth as a single dose. At the same time (or as soon as symptoms develop externally), apply the clotrimazole 2% cream sparingly to the affected external area up to three times daily. Continue using the cream until all external symptoms have cleared. The oral capsule is taken once only — do not repeat the capsule dose. 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

• Fluconazole 150 mg (oral capsule)
• Clotrimazole 20 mg/g (2% external cream)

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Possible Side Effects

• Headache
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
• Skin irritation, burning, or redness where the cream is applied
• Rash or itching (skin reactions)
• Dizziness
• Elevated liver enzymes (rare, detected by blood tests)

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 fluconazole, clotrimazole, or any other azole antifungal medicine
• Children under 16 years of age or adults over 60 years
• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant
• People taking certain medicines, including terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, or pimozide
• People with liver or kidney problems
• Those who have had more than two episodes of thrush in the past six months — seek medical advice first
• Men who have not had thrush confirmed by a doctor previously

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Interactions

Fluconazole can interact with a number of medicines, including warfarin and other anticoagulants, certain antidiabetic medicines (such as glibenclamide), ciclosporin, theophylline, rifampicin, phenytoin, and some statins. These interactions may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of either medicine. 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

The oral fluconazole capsule should not be used during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. The clotrimazole external cream is generally considered safer in pregnancy, but medical advice should be sought before use. Fluconazole passes into breast milk, so the oral capsule should not be used whilst 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 direct interaction between alcohol and fluconazole or clotrimazole at therapeutic doses; however, alcohol may worsen any nausea or stomach upset you experience as a side effect of the oral capsule. It is advisable to drink sensibly whilst being treated for any infection.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Fluconazole can occasionally cause dizziness in some people. If you feel dizzy after taking the oral capsule, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel completely normal again. The external cream is not expected to affect your ability to drive.

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Storage

Store the oral capsule and external cream below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. 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.

Weight	0.03 kg
Brand	Canesten