About Canesten

Canesten is a topical anti-fungal medication that is often available over-the-counter. Anti-fungal medication can be based on many different compounds and works by breaking down fungal cell walls or by slowing down their growth. Typically, this medication merely works to slow the fungus enough so that the body's immune system is able to successfully fight off the infection. Most fungal infection occurs on the skin or in internal orifices.

Manufacturer

• Canesten is a trade name for the medication clotrimazole. Clomitrazole was originally discovered by Bayer in 1973. Bayer continues to marker clomitrazole under the name of Canesten.

Forms

• Canesten is available in many different doses in many different forms. It can be found as a topical cream, ointment or gel. It is also available as a vaporized form that can be sprayed onto an affected area. In addition, Canesten can be found as an ingredient in the Canesten brand shampoo and as an additive in special laundry detergent.

Uses

• Clomitrazole (Canesten) is used as an anti-fungal medication. It can also be used to treat yeast infections, especially of the vagina, mouth and skin. This means that it can be used to treat conditions, such as jock itch and athlete's foot, as well as some forms of oral candida.

Side Effects

• The side effects of using Canesten are generally fairly mild and include an itching and burning sensation, as well as redness and minor pain. This is due to a mild allergic reaction that some people have with Canesten. Some people also experience stomach pain, a fever, and, if the treatment is used on the vagina, a foul smelling discharge.

Other Risks

• One of the major risks of using Canesten is that, when taken orally, it is metabolized by the liver and slows down certain enzymes that are involved in processing other drugs. This can lead to higher levels of any normally taken drug that is also processed by the liver. There is also some evidence that this medication, when used as a cream, can be poisonous to marine life.