Canesten is a brand product that contains clotrimazole, which is a type of antifungal agent. It is used in many types of fungal skin infections including athlete’s foot and vaginal thrush.
Canesten can be applied topically as cream, spray, and vaginal tablets.
For vaginal yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
Canesten vaginal tablets:
Insert one 100 mg tablet for 6 consecutive nights OR
Insert two 100 mg for 3 consecutive nights OR
Insert one 500 mg for 1 night.
Canesten antifungal cream 1%:
Apply 2-3 times daily to the irritated skin outside the vagina for up to 7 days.
For fungal skin infection (e.g. athletes’ foot, tinea cruris)
Canesten cream 1%:
Apply 2-3 times daily to the affected area for 4 weeks.
Canesten pumpspray 1%:
Spray 2-3 times daily to the affected area and nearby healthy skin. It can also be sprayed inside the shoes.
Common side effects of Canesten include stinging, irritation, burning sensation of the vagina, and hypersensitivity.
People who are allergic to Clotrimazole or any component of the formulation.
Common dosing schedule:
Apply 2-3 times a day to the affected area.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Canesten may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Canesten cream and pumpspray are over-the-counter medicine and can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
In Hong Kong, Canesten vaginal tablets and anti-fungal cream are pharmacy only medicine and can be purchased without a prescription in a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Canesten in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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