Canesten

Canesten 2% (clotrimazole) cream and pessaries to treat genital thrush. Available to buy online from Dr Fox.

Canesten rated 5/5 in 6 reviews

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About Canesten

Canesten contains the antifungal medication clotrimazole which helps fight the cause of thrush and helps relieve thrush symptoms.

Canesten is available as an external cream, internal cream, and a pessary.

When to see a doctor

If you have not been diagnosed with thrush before, or uncertain your symptoms are caused by thrush, please seek advice from your GP or a Sexual Health Clinic before using Canesten, or if your symptoms do not clear after 7 days of treatment.

Local Sexual Health Clinics

• England
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

Possible side effects

These are uncommon, however local skin irritation such as stinging or redness is possible. For further information please refer to the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Please use Canesten under the guidance of your midwife or doctor if pregnant.

The Breastfeeding Network advise it is safe to use whilst breastfeeding as only small amounts are absorbed into the system so minimal amounts will be passed to the baby in breast milk. The manufacturers advise you to consult with your GP before using.

Dr Fox does not prescribe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Canesten 2% cream

Canesten cream contains the antifungal medication clotrimazole 2% which helps fight the cause of thrush. It is used to treat and help relieve external thrush symptoms of the vulva in women or on the end of the penis in men.

How to use Canesten cream

A thin even layer should be applied to the affected area 2-3 times a day and rubbed in gently. Remember to clean your hands after use and use separate towels to others to prevent spreading the infection.

The symptoms of soreness and itching should improve after a few days but other symptoms such as redness and cracked skin may take longer to settle. Women should use the product for 7 days and men 10-14 days.

Canesten cream may damage the latex in contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms so it is recommended not to rely on these whilst using the product and for 5 days afterwards.

Canesten Cream Combi

Canesten Thrush Combi consists of an external and internal cream for women only which treats the internal cause and external symptoms of thrush.

In the product there is a 10% cream that is used internally using an applicator that comes with the product and a 2% cream that is used externally.

How to use the internal Canesten cream

The cream is used by inserting it as high as possible into the vagina using the pre-filled single-use applicator.

The tip of the plunger is inserted into the applicator, the cap removed then inserted into the vagina as deep as is comfortable. The plunger is then slowly pressed until it stops to release the pre-measured dose of cream into the vagina. The applicator is then removed and disposed of in household waste (please do not flush it down the toilet). Some of the cream may come out after use so it may be useful to wear a panty liner. This does not mean it has not worked.

It is recommended to use the internal cream before going to bed so it remains as long as possible in the vagina. This cream is used once at the start of treatment. It may be less effective if used during a period. The external 2% cream is used for 7 days.

Canesten Combi - pessary and cream

Canesten Combi pessary 500mg and 2% cream is for women only and treats the internal cause of the symptoms using the pessary and the external symptoms with the cream.

How to use the internal pessary

The pessary is inserted into the vagina using the single-use applicator that comes in the pack. To use, pull the plunger out until it stops and then remove the pessary from the foil blister pack and insert 1cm into the larger opening at the end of the applicator. The applicator is then inserted into the vagina as deep as is comfortable and the plunger pressed until it stops to insert the pessary inside. Remove the applicator and dispose in your household waste (please do not flush down the toilet). The pessary will dissolve inside so expect to see some white residue and it may help to wear a panty liner. It is best to use before you go to bed and is a one off-dose at the start of your treatment. The external 2% cream is used for 7 days.

Patient Information Leaflet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Canesten 2% cream
Canesten Combi cream
Canesten Combi pessary & cream

This page written and reviewed by doctors

Authored 05 August 2021 by Dr Claire Pugh
MB ChB University of Liverpool 2000. NHS GP and GP appraiser in Bristol. GMC no. 4712688

Reviewed by Dr A. Wood, Dr B. Babor
Last reviewed 06 August 2021
Last updated 19 January 2024
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