Canesten Solution
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Clotrimazole 1% w/v
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use Canesten Solution carefully to get the best results from it.
• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
• You must contact a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• If you have any unusual effects after using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
IN THIS LEAFLET
1. What is Canesten Solution and what is it used for?
2. Before you use Canesten Solution
3. How to use Canesten Solution
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Canesten Solution
6. Further information
1. what is canesten® solution and what is it used for?
Canesten Solution is used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal intertrigo and fungal infections of the outer and middle ear.
If you are unsure whether you have one of these fungal skin infections, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
The solution is particularly suitable for use on hairy skin. The active substance in Canesten Solution is clotrimazole. Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles and is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of fungal skin and ear infections.
2. before you use canesten® solution
Do not use Canesten® Solution:
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or the other ingredient of Canesten Solution, macrogol 400.
Using other medicines:
Canesten Solution and Sofradex drops may cause a heat reaction when used together. Consult your doctor before using these products together in the ear.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby, tell your doctor or midwife before using Canesten Solution. If you have informed your doctor or midwife already, follow his/her instructions carefully.
3. HOW TO USE CANESTEN® SOLUTION
If Canesten Solution has been prescribed for you by your doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you. If you purchased this product without a prescription, follow these directions closely:
• If the feet are infected, they should be washed and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the solution.
• For skin infections, Canesten Solution should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas two or three times daily.
• A few drops are enough to treat an area of about the size of the hand.
• For ear infections, put 2 - 3 drops of Canesten Solution in the ear two or three times daily.
• The treatment should be continued for at least two weeks after the disappearance of all signs of infection, to prevent re-infection.
• If you have athlete’s foot, it may help to use an antifungal dusting powder as well. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend one.
The symptoms of your infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment although signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Canesten® Solution is for external use only:
Do not put the solution in your mouth or swallow it.
If the solution is swallowed accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
If you accidentally get solution in your eyes or mouth, wash immediately with water and contact your doctor.
If you forget to use Canesten® Solution:
Apply the solution as soon as possible and then continue the rest of your treatment as usual.
You can help the treatment to work if you follow these simple self-help tips:
• Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch. Scratching will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further.
• Keep the affected skin areas clean.
• Pay particular attention to drying the skin, but avoid excessive rubbing.
• Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.
• Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.
If you have athlete’s foot:
• Remember to dry the skin between the toes thoroughly.
• Wash your socks, stockings and tights thoroughly in hot water to remove any shed skin or fungal spores.
• Change your footwear daily if possible.
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all medicines, Canesten Solution can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the solution. If you are allergic, a reaction will occur soon after you start using it. If you experience an allergic reaction, stop using Canesten Solution and tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:
• Rash.
• Swallowing or breathing problems.
• Swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
• Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint.
• Nausea.
After you apply the solution you might experience:
• Itching, rash, blisters, burning, discomfort, swelling, irritation, redness or peeling of skin.
If you experience any of the above effects or react badly to the solution in any other way not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
5. HOW TO STORE CANESTEN® SOLUTION
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
This product should be stored in the original carton.
Do not store above 250C.
Do not use Canesten Solution after the expiry date which is stated at one end of the carton and on the label of the bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
What Canesten® Solution contains:
• The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 1% w/v.
• The other ingredient is macrogol 400.
What Canesten® Solution looks like and contents of the pack:
Canesten Solution is available in dropper bottles containing 20ml of colourless solution.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Bayer plc, Consumer Care Division, Bayer House,
Strawberry Hill, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JA, UK
Manufacturer:
KVP Pharma + Veterinar Produkte GmbH,
Projensdorfer Str 324, 24106 Kiel, Germany Remember: If you have any doubts about using Canesten® Solution correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Further information about fungal infections:
Fungal infections are very common and affect many people. Some of the most common fungal skin infections include athlete’s foot, ringworm and sweat rash of skinfolds (intertrigo).
There are two main types of fungal infection:
• The tinea group, also known as dermatophytes.
• The candida group, also known as yeasts.
The tinea group includes athlete’s foot and ringworm, both of which are easily spread by contact. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot usually lives harmlessly on our skin and in our environment. The natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as damp moist conditions. This could happen, for example, through regularly wearing training shoes that keep the feet hot and sweaty. Since this fungus is contagious, it can also often be picked up in changing rooms. Ringworm is usually passed on from animals to children. Ringworm is not actually a worm, its name comes from the circular wormlike shape that it forms on the skin. The main symptom for both is an itchy, scaly and irritating rash.
The candida group can be responsible for conditions such as sweat rash. Sweat rash can appear anywhere on the body, but is more likely to occur where folds of skin rub against each other, such as: under the breasts, under arms, around the groin and on the back. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that usually lives harmlessly on our skin. However, the natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as sweating, tight or synthetic clothing and cosmetic preparations such as bath additives. When levels of the yeast increase, the skin can develop the following symptoms: persistent burning and itching, soreness and a variety of patches or blemishes as well as a softened and soggy appearance.
For UK residents only: if you have any questions or would like more information, call our Canesten Advice Line on 0845 758 5030. Calls charged at local rate.
This leaflet was last revised in October 2013.
Canesten is a registered trademark of Bayer AG, Germany.