Canesten

Canesten is the brand name for clotrimazole products from Bayer. It has been used successfully for decades to treat fungal infections.

The Canesten product range includes various dosage forms for vaginal yeast infections, fungal skin infections, and athlete's foot. Canesten GYN has been developed specifically for the treatment of vaginal fungal infections.

Canesten is available without a prescription at the pharmacy.

Canesten contains the active ingredient clotrimazole:

Mechanism of action:

• Disrupts the formation of the fungal cell membrane
• Inhibits the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase
• Blocks ergosterol synthesis
• Makes the fungal membrane permeable
• The fungus dies or can no longer grow

Spectrum of activity:

• Candida albicans (the most common cause of vaginal yeast infections)
• Other Candida species
• Dermatophytes
• Molds

Special feature of Canesten GYN: Specially formulated for vaginal use.

Canesten is suitable for:

Canesten GYN (vaginal):

• Acute vaginal yeast infection
• Recurrent vaginal candidiasis
• Fungal infections of the external genital area

Canesten cream/spray/solution:

• Fungal skin infection (tinea corporis)
• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
• Fungal infection in skin folds
• Pityriasis versicolor

Particularly suitable:

• For typical vaginal yeast infection symptoms
• For women who do not want oral medications

Canesten GYN 3-day therapy:

• 3 vaginal tablets of 200 mg each
• One tablet every evening

Canesten GYN Once Kombi (1-day therapy):

• 1 vaginal tablet containing 500 mg clotrimazole, single application
• plus 20 g cream containing 10 mg clotrimazole per gram for the labia and the adjacent areas, apply thinly 2 to 3 times daily, usually for 1 to 2 weeks

Canesten GYN Kombi:

• 3 vaginal tablets + cream for external use
• Recommended for symptoms in the external area

Canesten Extra (bifonazole):

• Cream 1x daily for 2-4 weeks
• For fungal skin infections and athlete's foot

Canesten cream:

• Apply thinly 2-3x daily
• For 2-4 weeks

Vaginal tablets: 1. In the evening before going to bed 2. Remove the tablet from the blister 3. Insert deep into the vagina while lying down 4. With a finger or the enclosed applicator 5. Leave in overnight while lying down

Canesten GYN cream (vaginal):

• Use the enclosed applicator
• Insert in the evening
• During pregnancy: use the vaginal tablets instead of the cream, as they can be inserted without an applicator

Canesten cream (skin):

• Clean and dry the affected area
• Apply thinly and rub in
• Repeat 2-3x daily
• 2-4 weeks or until 2 weeks after symptoms have resolved

Important notes:

• No tampons during vaginal treatment
• Latex contraceptives can be damaged
• If possible, do not carry out the treatment during menstruation, but complete it before menstruation begins

Canesten must not be used in cases of:

• Allergy to clotrimazole

See a doctor in cases of:

• First-time infection (to confirm the diagnosis)
• Frequent infections (more than 4x per year)
• Bloody or foul-smelling discharge
• Fever, lower abdominal pain
• No improvement after 3 days

Pregnancy:

• Use is possible, but only under medical supervision
• Do not use an applicator!

Breastfeeding: Use is possible.

Possible side effects (frequency not known):

• Local burning during application
• Itching
• Skin redness
• Swelling
• Skin rash
• Increased discharge
• Allergic reactions
• Blistering

Typical reaction: A slight burning or tingling sensation in the first few minutes after application is normal and no cause for concern.

Important:

• Damages latex (condoms, diaphragms)
• Use alternative contraception during treatment and for 5 days afterward
• If you use Canesten vaginally and take tacrolimus or sirolimus (immunosuppressants) at the same time, their blood levels can rise. Careful medical monitoring is then necessary.

No interactions with:

• Birth control pills
• Other creams (apply at different times)

With oral antifungal therapy: Can be used in addition.