Clotrimazole is usually the first choice for thrush in the dental office, but are you fully aware of its potential side effects and drug interactions? Continue reading to discover important details about this antifungal medication:
Generic Name: Clotrimazole
Brand Name(s): Mycelex
Pronunciation: kloe TRIM a zole
About this drug:
Clotrimazole is used to treat and prevent oropharyngeal candidiasis in adults and children older than 3 years.
It is not absorbed from the stomach and will not treat fungal infections in other parts of the body.
It will not cure a common cold, flu, or virus.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
This medication may cause changes in taste.
Patients with full or partial dentures may need to soak their dentures nightly in an oral suspension to eliminate the fungus from the dentures. In rare cases when the fungus is not eliminated, it may be necessary to have new dentures made.
Combining narcotics and certain benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam, Midazolam, and Triazolam with Clotrimazole may increase the risk of CNS and respiratory depression and diminished psychomotor function.
Do not prescribe the macrolide antibiotic Erythromycin or the narcotic Hydrocodone, as combination with Clotrimazole may increase the risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias.
Clotrimazole may increase the levels and side effects of the anticonvulsant Carbamazepine when used together. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
Fun facts:
Oral candidiasis (thrush) is caused by the yeast Candida albicans, which affects the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. Thrush is caused by many factors such as the use of inhaled corticosteroids and if dentures are not cleaned properly.
Clotrimazole inhibits the growth of the fungus by disrupting the permeability of the cell membrane.
This medication treats several fungal infections but studies are showing that it can also be used as a chemotherapeutic agent since it can inhibit cancer cell proliferation.
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