Canesten Solution

Patient Leaflet Updated 21-Mar-2023 | Bayer plc

Canesten Solution

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

Canesten®

Solution

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 infected skin folds (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 breastfeeding:

Canesten Solution can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding 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. If used on the nipple area, wash your breasts before breastfeeding.

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 should only be used on your skin:

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, pins and needles, redness or peeling of skin.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. HOW TO STORE CANESTEN® SOLUTION

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

This product should be stored in the original carton.

Do not store above 25°C.

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
400 South Oak Way
Reading
RG2 6AD
UK

Manufacturer:
KVP Pharma + Veterinär 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.

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 August 2022.

Canesten is a registered trademark of Bayer AG, Germany.

90210451

Company Contact Details
Bayer plc
Address

400 South Oak Way, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 6AD

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http://www.bayer.co.uk

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Telephone

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