Clotrimazole-Fluconazole

Indications

The Canesten Combi Pack is a medication used to treat vaginal yeast infections.

Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication that works by stopping the growth of yeast, while fluconazole is an oral antifungal medication that treats the infection from within the body. The combination of these two medications helps to effectively treat the infection and relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge.

Use and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. If stomach upset occurs, you may take it with food or milk.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time(s) every day.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight.

If you are using this medication to treat an infection, continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

If you are taking this medication to prevent certain bacterial infections, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor’s approval. Tell your doctor if you develop signs of infection such as fever or night sweats.

Side Effects

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and changes in taste may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including nausea/vomiting that does not stop, hearing loss, mental/mood changes, muscle weakness, eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision), trouble speaking, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin.

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: diarrhea that does not stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping blood/mucus in your stool.

If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including severe dizziness, fainting, and fast/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including fever that does not go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions

• Before taking clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, azithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including liver problems with past clarithromycin use), kidney disease, heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart attack), a certain type of muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).
• Clarithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.
• The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using clarithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using clarithromycin safely.
• Clarithromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your healthcare professional that you are using clarithromycin before having any immunizations/vaccinations.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially hearing loss and QT prolongation (see above).
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Canesten Combi Pack is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Clotrimazole-Fluconazole Cream and Oral Capsule:
  • 1%/150mg

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5030-7015/clarithromycin-oral/clarithromycin-oral/details
2. https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/c/Canesten-duo.pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10112099/

FAQ

How long does it take for Canesten Combi Pack to work?

The Canesten Combi Pack is designed to provide relief from vaginal yeast infections. The exact duration of treatment may vary, but typically, it takes about 3 days for the symptoms to improve. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the product packaging for the recommended duration of treatment.

Can I use the Canesten Combi Pack during pregnancy?

The Canesten Thrush Duo Oral Capsule and External Cream (which contains fluconazole and clotrimazole) should not be used during pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential unless clearly necessary or as recommended by a doctor. Consult with your healthcare professional before using any medication during pregnancy.

Can I use the Canesten Combi Pack while breastfeeding?

Fluconazole, one of the components of the Canesten Combi Pack, passes into breast milk. While breastfeeding may be maintained after a single dose of 150 mg fluconazole, not recommended after repeated use. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother’s clinical need for fluconazole. Consult with a healthcare professional before using the Canesten Combi Pack while breastfeeding.

Can I drink alcohol while using the Canesten Combi Pack?

There are no known interactions between alcohol and the Canesten Combi Pack. Therefore, it is considered safe to drink alcohol while using this medication.