Canesten 10% VC

How does it work?

Canesten 10% VC (vaginal cream) contains the active ingredient clotrimazole, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.

Canesten 10% VC is a single dose treatment for vaginal infections with Candida species of fungi, in particular Candida albicans (vaginal thrush), and for mixed vaginal infections where Trichomonas is present or suspected. It is an applicator that contains a single dose of 10% clotrimazole cream.

Clotrimazole kills the Candida fungi causing thrush infection by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As clotrimazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Canesten 10% vaginal cream is inserted high into the vagina from the applicator provided to allow the clotrimazole to act directly in the area of infection. The cream should be inserted into the vagina at bedtime. Follow the instructions provided in the pack.

The single dose treatment should clear up the infection inside the vagina. However, you may also want to use a cream on the outside of the vagina (vulva and labia) to help relieve the external symptoms of the infection, such as itching, inflammation and soreness. Clotrimazole 1% or 2% cream are suitable for this. See the end of this factsheet for available products.

What is it used for?

Inflammation of the vagina caused by infection with Candida albicans or other yeasts (also known as vaginal thrush).

Inflammation of the vagina caused by mixed vaginal infections where Trichomonas is present or suspected.

Warning!

Canesten 10% VC is not to be taken by mouth. It is for inserting into the vagina only.

Canesten 10% VC may damage latex (rubber) condoms and diaphragms (caps) and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. You should use an alternative method of contraception for at least five days after using this medicine, or preferably avoid having sex until after the infection has cleared up. Remember that having sex while you still have the infection is likely to transmit the infection to your partner, who could then transfer it back to you.

If your sexual partner also has symptoms of thrush (in men these are soreness and redness of the penis, tightness of the foreskin or a white, odourless discharge from the penis), it is important that they are treated at the same time as you, for example with clotrimazole cream, to prevent you being re-infected. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

You should consult your doctor if your symptoms have not got better within a week of using this medicine.

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine when used during pregnancy has not been specifically studied. However, it has been used by a large number of women during pregnancy without any apparant harmful effects. As with all medicines, you should consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy. Take extra care using the applicator to insert the cream if you are pregnant.

Since very little of this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the vagina it is unlikely that any of the medicine will pass into breast milk. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Vaginal irritation

Burning sensation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

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