Patient leaflet - Canesten Dermatological spray
1. WHAT IS CANESTEN®
DERMATOLOGICAL SPRAY AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Canesten Dermatological Spray is used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch and fungal infected skin folds. If you are unsure whether you have one of these fungal skin infections, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
The atomiser spray is particularly suitable for infections covering large or hairy areas. The active substance in Canesten Dermatological Spray is clotrimazole. Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles and is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of fungal skin infections.
2. BEFORE YOU USE CANESTEN®
DERMATOLOGICAL SPRAY Do not use Canesten® Dermatological Spray:
If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to clotrimazole or any of the other ingredients, including propylene glycol, of Canesten Dermatological Spray.
Important information about some of the ingredients:
This medicine contains 546 mg propylene glycol in each 1 ml of spray. Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.
Do not use this medicine in babies less than 4 weeks old with open wounds or large areas of broken or damaged skin (such as burns) without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Because this medicine contains propylene glycol, do not use it on open wounds or large areas of broken or damaged skin (such as burns) without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Canesten Dermatological Spray 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 Dermatological Spray. 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.
Warnings and precautions:
Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
3. HOW TO USE CANESTEN®
DERMATOLOGICAL SPRAY If Canesten Dermatological Spray 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:
- Before the first application, press the atomiser head down once or twice. The spray is then ready to use.
- If the feet are infected, they should be washed and dried thoroughly, especially between the toes, before applying the spray.
- Canesten Dermatological Spray should be applied to the affected areas two or three times daily, from a distance of about 6 inches.
- The duration of the treatment depends upon the type of infection. Generally a minimum of two weeks is required, although up to four weeks may be necessary.
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.
M0004649 The symptoms of skin 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® Dermatological Spray should only be used on your skin:
Avoid contact with eyes, ears, nose and mouth. If contact happens accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of your nearest hospital. Do not inhale the spray.
Do not spray near a naked flame.
If you forget to use Canesten®
Dermatological Spray:
Apply the spray 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 Dermatological Spray can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the spray. If you are allergic, a reaction will occur soon after you start using it. If you experience an allergic reaction, stop using Canesten Dermatological Spray 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 spray 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® DERMATOLOGICAL SPRAY
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. This product should be stored in the original carton.
Do not use Canesten Dermatological Spray 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® Dermatological Spray contains:
- The active substance is clotrimazole at a strength of 1% w/v.
- The other ingredients are isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol and macrogol 400. See Section 2 ‘Important information about some of the ingredients’ for propylene glycol advice. The spray is produced by an atomiser and contains no propellant.
What Canesten® Dermatological Spray looks like and contents of the pack:
Canesten Dermatological Spray is available in bottles containing 40ml 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® Dermatological Spray 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.