Can Canesten be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Controlled studies in pregnant women are not available.

Animal studies have shown embryotoxic effects at high oral doses. However, due to the low systemic availability, harmful effects on the embryo or fetus are unlikely.

The preparation should only be used during pregnancy under medical supervision and only if clearly necessary.

Lactation

Animal studies have shown that small amounts of clotrimazole can be detected in breast milk after intravenous administration. Corresponding human data are not available. After local application of clotrimazole, however, the systemic absorption is very low, so that it is unlikely that relevant amounts of the substance will pass into breast milk.

While breastfeeding, Canesten cream/spray should never be applied directly to the breast; if treatment of the breast is necessary, breastfeeding must be (temporarily) stopped.

How do you use Canesten?

Canesten Cream:

Adults and children over 2 years old

Unless otherwise prescribed, Canesten cream is applied thinly to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day and rubbed in. When treating fungal diseases of the auditory canal, if the eardrum is intact, a strip of gauze is coated with Canesten cream and placed in the auditory canal as a loose tamponade.

The application of Canesten cream for diaper rash should be done 2 to 3 times a day with a thin application of the cream on the affected areas. Treatment should last at least 7 days. A doctor should then assess the success of the therapy and decide whether to continue the treatment.

Children under 2 years of age

In children under 2 years of age, Canesten Cream should only be used if prescribed by a doctor.

Canesten Spray:

Adults and adolescents from 12 years

Canesten Spray is applied twice a day to the sick Sprayed on thinly by depressing the spray head twice. When treating large-scale fungal diseases, it is usually sufficient to press down the spray head 4 to 6 times. To prevent athlete's foot, Canesten Spray is used once a day. The spray can also be sprayed into stockings and shoes.

The safety and effectiveness of Canesten Spray in children under 12 years of age has not been established.

The reliable and sufficiently long use of Canesten Cream/Spray (see below) is important for a successful treatment.

The duration of treatment varies; it depends, among other things, on the extent and localization of the disease.

It is generally 3-4 weeks for skin fungal diseases.

In the case of athlete's foot, in order to prevent recurrence, treatment should be continued for about 2 weeks after all signs of the disease have disappeared, even if the improvement is rapid.

To prevent a recurrence of the fungal disease, the affected parts of the body should be dried thoroughly after washing. This applies in particular to the spaces between the fingers and toes.

If the symptoms worsen or if there is no improvement after four weeks of treatment, you should see a doctor.

In the case of fungal infestation of the glans and foreskin, a treatment period of 1-2 weeks is generally sufficient.

What side effects can Canesten have?

The following side effects can occur when using Canesten cream/spray:

Hypersensitivity reactions and skin reactions such as dry skin, burning, blistering, swelling, stinging, reddening of the skin, irritation, itching, scaling, hives, shortness of breath, drop in blood pressure through to fainting, fluid retention at the site of administration and anaphylactic reactions may occur.

Skin reactions can also be due to an existing hypersensitivity to cetylstearyl alcohol, Makrogol 400 or another component of the preparation.

Systemic effects are not to be expected with external application.

If you notice side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What else needs to be considered?

Cream: Store at room temperature (15-25 °C).

Spray: Store at room temperature (15-25°C).

Do not pierce or burn, even after use. Do not spray on a flame or any incandescent object. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. The solution is flammable.

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the container.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Canesten contain?

Canesten cream (O/W emulsion):

Active ingredients

1 g Canesten cream contains 10 mg clotrimazole.

Excipients

Preservative benzyl alcohol and other additives.

Canesten Spray:

Active ingredients

1 ml Canesten Spray contains 10 mg clotrimazole.

Excipients

Macrogol 400, other excipients to prepare a solution.

Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

Approval number

37510, 39725 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Canesten? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores without a doctor's prescription.

Cream in tubes of 20 g and 50 g.

Spray as a spray bottle with 40 ml solution.

Authorization holder

Bayer (Switzerland) AG, Zurich.

This leaflet was last checked by the Medicines Agency (Swissmedic) in January 2022.