Clotrimazole 500mg Vaginal Tablet Internal Pessary

Clotrimazole 500mg pessary. Effective internal treatment for thrush in a single internal dose.

Canesten Pessary Alternative

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

This medicine contains Clotrimazole which belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals, which act to treat infections caused by fungi.

Clotrimazole is used to treat fungal infections of the vagina known as thrush (candidal vaginitis).

Thrush is a common infection caused by yeast (or fungus).Transmission of thrush usually occurs through intestinal excretions and personal contact and may live harmlessly in the vagina, without you even noticing it. However, in certain circumstances, it may develop into an infection in the vagina and symptoms may spread to the surrounding area.

These symptoms may include one or more of the following:

•   itching of the vagina and surrounding area (the vulva)

•   redness and swelling of the tissues of the vagina and vulva

•   soreness of the vagina and vulva

•   a white non-smelling discharge from the vagina.

Do not use if:

•   you are allergic to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients.

•   you are pregnant (see 'Pregnancy', section 2).

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if:

•   you are under 16 years or over 60 years

•   you have thrush for the first time

•   you or your partner have ever had a sexually transmitted disease

•   you have had more than two infections in the last six months.

Taking other medicines

Please tell your pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Clotrimazole reduces the effectiveness of other drugs used for the treatment of fungal diseases, such as:

•   amphotericin

•   other polyene antibiotics e.g. nystatin.

Pregnancy

Clotrimazole should not be used in early pregnancy. Clotrimazole should not be used in pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to. If your doctor tells you to use Clotrimazole,

do not use the applicator to insert the

vaginal tablet.

HOW TO USE

Follow the instructions below or ask your pharmacist for help if you are not sure how to take this medicine.

•   Clotrimazole is a vaginal tablet and is only for use in the vagina

•   Treatment consists of only one tablet, which should be inserted at night before going to sleep

•   Do not use the tablet at the same time as you are having a period. Wait until your period has finished.

Unless your doctor advises against it, you may continue to have sexual intercourse during the treatment period.

Duration of treatment

Each course of treatment consists of just one Clotrimazole VaginalTablet, which remains effective for 3 days. After just 1 - 2 days most of the obvious symptoms of the infection will disappear (in particular itching).

If the external symptoms of the disease, e.g. discharge or itching, have not completely subsided within three days of using the tablet, consult your doctor who may want you to repeat the treatment.

If anyone accidentally swallows the tablet

Clotrimazole VaginalTablets are for external use and should be used only in the vagina. If you or anyone else has accidentally swallowed the vaginal tablet you must contact your doctor immediately or go to the accident and emergency department of your nearest hospital.Take this leaflet with you.

Personal hygiene and self-help tips

Personal hygiene is very important.

•   Always wash your hands before and after going to the toilet

•   After urinating, wipe carefully with toilet tissue

•   Occasionally stools may contain infective agents.To avoid their contact with the vagina you should always wipe the toilet tissue from front to back

•   Flannels, hand towels and underwear should be changed daily

•   Do not wear underwear made of synthetics, or tight fitting pants

•   Avoid wearing tights, nylon knickers and close fitting jeans too often.These provide warm and airless conditions which help the thrush fungus to grow

•   Wash daily, but use simple bland soaps, not heavily scented or medicated ones

•   Do not scrub hard with sponges or flannels, and avoid hot baths with strong perfumed oils or disinfectants.The most soothing bath to have, if you have thrush, is a warm one with salt in it.

Combined use with cream/vaginal cream

If your doctor has prescribed vaginal tablets and cream/vaginal cream for you, the cream/vaginal cream should be applied to the labia and surrounding areas.

 Cream/vaginal cream is also suitable for your partner to use to treat a yeast infection of the penis (candida balanitis).

Ask your doctor if your partner should be treated at the same time with cream/vaginal cream. In this case, the cream/vaginal cream should be applied to the top of the penis (glans) and foreskin 2-3 times daily.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Most people will not have problems with this medicine but, like all medicines it may cause side effects in a few people.

If you have these side effects see a doctor:

•   Allergic reaction such as, skin rash, red or itchy skin

•   Intolerable burning or irritation.

Rare side effects

•  Local mild burning or irritation
immediately after applying the tablet.

The side effects are very similar to the symptoms of thrush.

If any of the side effects become serious or you notice any side effects not mentioned, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE

Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Do not store above 25°C and protect from

moisture.

Store in the original container. Do not use after the expiry date. If you have any medicines which are out of date, return them to your doctor or pharmacist who will dispose of them safely.

FURTHER INFORMATION

What Clotrimazole Vaginal Tablets contain:

Active ingredient:

500mg Clotrimazole Ph. Eur.

Other ingredients:

lactose, adipic acid, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium hydrogen carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, maize starch, stearic acid, colloidal silicon dioxide and polysorbate 80.

Always read all packaging and directions carefully before using your purchases.