Canesten ® Tablets

Canesten ® 1 Vaginal Tablet is used for the treatment of fungal infections of the vagina. Clotrimazole the active ingredient in Canesten ® 1 Vaginal tablet inhibits the growth and multiplication of fungal cells such as yeasts, a number of fungi and some bacteria.

Do not use in girls under 12 years of age, except on the advice of a medical practitioner. Canesten ® 1 vaginal tablet may reduce the effectiveness and safety of latex products such as condoms and diaphragms. The effect is temporary and occurs only during treatment. Do not use Canesten ® 1 Vaginal Tablet if you are hypersensitive to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients.

Special Warnings:

• Not for oral use.
• Use only if you have already had a vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a medical practitioner and you have the same symptoms now, otherwise consult your doctor. These symptoms include itching and burning of the vagina and sometimes a white discharge.
• If there is no improvement in 3 days or if symptoms have not disappeared in 7 days, then consult a medical practitioner as not all vaginal infections are caused by yeasts.
• Consult a medical practitioner if you have abdominal pain, fever or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge before or during the use of this medication.
• If symptoms recur within 2 months, consult a medical practitioner.
• If skin rash or new irritation occurs, discontinue use.

Pregnancy and Breast feeding

Canesten ® 1 Vaginal Tablet should not be used in the first 3 months of pregnancy except on the advice of a medical practitioner. During pregnancy the Canesten ® 1 Vaginal Tablet 500 mg should be inserted without using an applicator.

Interaction with other medicinal products

Not known.

CANESTEN ® 1 Vaginal Tablet should be inserted, preferably at night, into the vagina as deeply as possible (see instructions for use of applicator). This is best achieved when lying back with the legs slightly drawn up. If necessary, a second treatment may be carried out. It is recommended that the treatment should be timed so as to avoid the menstrual period. For prevention of re-infection the partner should be treated locally with clotrimazole cream at the same time, in as far as symptoms (e.g. pruritus, inflammation, etc.) are present. In individual cases where disintegration of the tablet does not occur, such as in dry vagina associated with menopause, it is recommended that clotrimazole vaginal cream be used. During pregnancy the vaginal tablets should be used and should be inserted without the applicator.

Local reactions including irritation and burning may occur. Contact allergic dermatitis has been reported. In the case of systemic absorption, lower abdominal cramps, increase in urinary frequency or skin rash may occur. In isolated cases there may be generalized hypersensitivity reactions of varying degrees of severity. These reactions may affect the skin (e.g. itching, redness), breathing (shortness of breath), the circulation (e.g. a drop in blood pressure requiring treatment or even impaired consciousness) or the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. nausea, diarrhoea). Not all side effects reported for this medicine are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Store below 25°C. Do not use after the expiry date on the carton. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets).