Canesten Thrush External Cream

What is Canesten Thrush External Cream?

Canesten Thrush External Cream is a topical medicine containing the active ingredient clotrimazole. Clotrimazole is a type of antifungal medicine that treats thrush infections. You apply the cream a few times a day to help relieve itchiness and irritation caused by thrush. To help prevent further flare-ups of thrush, you can use the vaginal tablet alongside it to treat the infection site. Male partners can also use it on their penis.

Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by a fungus called Candida. It causes symptoms like burning, itching, redness, inflammation and discharge. Clotrimazole kills the yeast that causes the infection and restores the natural pH balance.

How does Canesten Thrush External Cream work?

The active ingredient in Canesten Thrush Cream is clotrimazole, an antifungal treatment that belongs to a class of medications called azoles. It’s used to treat skin infections caused by yeasts and fungi like athlete’s foot, ringworm, fungal nail, infected nappy rash and thrush. Clotrimazole for vaginal thrush is also available as an internal cream and tablet you insert into your vagina.

It works by damaging the walls of the cell membranes, allowing the contents to leak out. Clotrimazole also inhibits the cells from producing ergosterol. Ergosterol is needed for the fungus to grow, spread and keep the yeast cell membranes intact. Using Canesten Thrush External Cream will help to prevent further reinfection by soothing the symptoms of thrush and attacking the fungus that’s causing it.

What doses of Canesten Thrush External Cream are there?

Canesten Thrush External Cream is only available in a strength of 2% w/lw (weight by weight) of clotrimazole. You can get it in either a 10mg or 20mg tube.

Who can use Canesten Thrush External Cream?

Canesten Thrush External Cream is for vaginal thrush (vaginal candidiasis) but can also be used for male thrush too (just check with our clinician first). If you and your partner both use the cream it can help stop reinfection, even if you don’t have symptoms.

How to use Canesten Thrush External Cream

Apply Canesten Thrush External Cream to the vulva and area surrounding and including the infected area.

• pierce the tube using the pointed end of the cap
• apply the cream two or three times a day
• apply thinly and rub in gently

You should use the cream until your symptoms have gone. It’s best if you also use an internal treatment like a vaginal tablet or internal cream too. This will help speed up recovery and stop the infection altogether. If your symptoms persist after seven days, let your prescriber know.

How long does it take to work?

Physical symptoms like itching and irritation should improve after three days due to its soothing effect. Internal symptoms like pain and inflammation should improve within seven days, especially if you’re taking an internal treatment like a pessary or internal cream.

What if I make a mistake when using Canesten Thrush External Cream 2%?

This cream is for external use only, so don’t use it inside your vagina (there’s a separate cream for that). If you accidentally get it in your mouth or swallow it, seek medical attention immediately.