What Is Lotrimin Af?

Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole) is a topical medication (a drug applied directly to the skin) that contains a broad-spectrum antifungal drug called clotrimazole. It is used to treat various fungal skin infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. Lotrimin AF is recommended for adults and children 2 and older.

Lotrimin AF belongs to a class of drugs called imidazoles (a group of antifungal medications) and works by preventing the growth of infection-causing fungi.

Clotrimazole, the active ingredient in Lotrimin AF, is available as a generic prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

However, this article will discuss Lotrimin AF, an OTC, brand-name product administered as a cream, lotion, or liquid solution.

What Is Lotrimin AF Used For?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lotrimin AF topical to treat the following skin infections:

Drug Facts

Generic Name: Clotrimazole

  • Tinea corporis (ringworm): Rashes caused by a fungal infection on the skin
  • Tinea cruris (jock itch): Fungal infection in the groin area
  • Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot): Fungal infection on the feet and between the toes

All these fungal infections cause redness, itching, burning, rashes, cracking, and discomfort on the infected skin.

How to Use Lotrimin AF?

When using Lotrimin AF, follow these steps to ensure a safe and effective application of the cream:

Wash and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer of Lotrimin AF cream over the affected areas twice each day (morning and evening).

Closely supervise the use of this product on children. For athlete’s foot and ringworm, use daily for four weeks. In comparison, when using for jock itch, use daily for two weeks.

If working to treat athlete’s foot, wear shoes that allow for effective air circulation, and change your shoes and socks at least once each day.

Overall, if a person’s symptoms last longer than four weeks, or if no improvement is noticed, contact your healthcare provider. Lotrimin AF is indicated for use only on the skin.

Storage

Store Lotrimin AF at room temperature. Do not freeze it or store it in a bathroom. Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet.

Avoid pouring unused and expired drugs down the drain or in the toilet. Ask your healthcare provider about the best ways to dispose of this medicine.

Visit the FDA website to learn where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications.

If you travel with Lotrimin AF, become familiar with your final destination’s regulations. In general, be sure to make a copy of your Lotrimin AF prescription.

Keep your medication in its original container from your pharmacy with your name on the label. Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about traveling with your medicine.

Off-Label Uses

Lotrimin AF may be recommended for use with other conditions it has not been FDA approved to treat but that may prove beneficial in treating. These include:

  • Tinea versicolor: Fungal infection of the skin causing brown or light-colored spots on the body
  • Candidiasis: Yeast infections of the skin caused by the Candida fungus

Talk to your healthcare provider about the other uses of this medicine. 

What Are the Side Effects of Lotrimin AF?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

How Long Does Lotrimin AF Take to Work?

After starting Lotrimin AF, you should notice signs of improvement within two weeks for jock itch and up to four weeks for ailments such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. If the product offers no relief within four weeks, discontinue use and speak with your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lotrimin AF are:

  • Erythema (skin reaction caused by injured blood vessels)
  • Stinging
  • Blistering
  • Peeling
  • Edema (swelling associated with injury, inflammation, or fluid overload)
  • Pruritus (itching skin)
  • Urticaria (hives on the skin)
  • Burning and irritation of the skin

Severe Side Effects

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Potential signs of a severe allergic reaction may include:

  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Increased heart rate
  • Light-headedness
  • Fainting

Dosage: How Much Lotrimin AF Should I Use?

Modifications

The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using Lotrimin AF:

Report Side Effects

Lotrimin AF may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and solution):

  • Fungal infections (treatment):

  • Adults and children—Use two times a day, morning and evening.

  • Fungal infections (treatment):

  • Adults and children—Use two times a day, morning and evening.

  • Adults and children—Use two times a day, morning and evening.

Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Lotrimin AF if you have a known allergy to clotrimazole or any of its ingredients. Ask your healthcare provider for a complete list of ingredients in this product if you’re unsure.

Pregnancy: Not enough is known about the safety and effectiveness of Lotrimin AF in pregnant people and their unborn fetus. Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, and weigh the benefits and risks of taking Lotrimin AF during your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Not enough is known about the safety of Lotrimin AF in human breast milk and nursing babies. Ask your healthcare provider to help you weigh the benefits and risks of using Lotrimin AF if you plan to breastfeed.

Adults over 65: Clinical studies haven’t included a large enough sample of participants in this age group to determine whether they will respond differently to Lotrimin AF than younger adults do. Older adults with several medical conditions or taking several medications should use caution with Lotrimin AF. Older adults might also be more sensitive to the side effects.

Children: Do not use in children under the age of 2.

Administration modifications: For external use on the skin only.

Missed Dose

If you accidentally forget your Lotrimin AF dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s already close to your next scheduled dose, then skip the missed dose and apply the following dose at your next scheduled dosing time. Don’t try to double up to make up for the missed dose.

Try to find ways that work for you to help yourself remember to routinely keep your appointments and take your medication. If you miss too many doses, Lotrimin AF might be less effective at treating or preventing your condition.

Overdose: What Happens If I Apply Too Much Lotrimin AF?

Applying too much of topical Lotrimin AF is unlikely to cause a life-threatening situation.

If someone accidentally swallows the cream or experiences life-threatening symptoms, however, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Use Lotrimin AF?

If you’re allergic to clotrimazole or any of its ingredients, avoid using it. Ask your healthcare provider for a full list of the ingredients if you’re unsure.

What Happens If I Overdose on Lotrimin AF??

If you think you or someone else may have swallowed Lotrimin AF, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).

If your skin problem does not improve within 4 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Moreover, Lotrimin AF may interact negatively in the following situations:

Onychomycosis: As with other topical antifungal drugs, topical Lotrimin AF is not effective for onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of fingernails or toenails. This condition usually requires treatment with an oral (systemic) antifungal drug that works throughout your system.

Azole antifungal hypersensitivity: Lotrimin AF should be used with caution in people with hypersensitivity to azole antifungal (agents that can be used to treat fungal infections of the body and skin). Lotrimin AF may have a cross-sensitivity with other azole products.

Abdominal pain, diabetes mellitus, fever, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, immunosuppression, and vaginal discharge: Using Lotrimin AF for longer than seven days is not recommended with these conditions. If there is no improvement in the fungal infection after three days, or if the infection persists after seven days, stop Lotrimin AF therapy and speak with a healthcare provider.

Some people should not use nonprescription clotrimazole products without the oversight of a healthcare professional. People with immunosuppression, people undergoing chemotherapy, and people with diabetes mellitus or HIV infection should discuss using Lotrimin AF with their healthcare provider prior to starting it.

What Other Medications May Interact With Lotrimin AF?

Lotrimin Af is used topically and usually does not interact with other medicines. However, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider if you are taking other medications while using this product.

For more detailed information about medication interactions with Lotrimin AF, talk with your healthcare provider.

What Medications Are Similar?

Other products that contain the key ingredient, clotrimazole, include:

  • Cruex spray powder
  • Desenex
  • Fungoid
  • Lotrisone cream (containing betamethasone and clotrimazole)
  • Lotrisone lotion (containing betamethasone and clotrimazole)

How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Lotrimin AF?

Fungal infections are very discomforting and may usually take a few weeks to heal properly. Lotrimin AF is quite effective at easing the symptoms of redness, itching, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Lotrimin AF used for?
  • Lotrimin AF is an antifungal medication available without a prescription to treat infections such as ringworm infection, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.
  • How does Lotrimin AF work?
  • Lotrimin AF contains the active drug clotrimazole, which belongs to the class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by preventing the growth of infection-causing fungi.
  • Is Lotrimin AF available over the counter?
  • Yes, Lotrimin AF is available without a prescription for various fungal infections of the skin. Always read the patient information pamphlet before using this product.
  • Can breastfeeding and pregnant people use Lotrimin AF?
  • It is not known how Lotrimin AF affects pregnant or breastfeeding people. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider regarding risk factors before using this product.

Lotrimin AF is an antifungal medication available without a prescription to treat infections such as ringworm infection, jock itch, and athlete’s foot.

Lotrimin AF contains the active drug clotrimazole, which belongs to the class of antifungal medications called imidazoles. It works by preventing the growth of infection-causing fungi.

Yes, Lotrimin AF is available without a prescription for various fungal infections of the skin. Always read the patient information pamphlet before using this product.

It is not known how Lotrimin AF affects pregnant or breastfeeding people. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider regarding risk factors before using this product.

There are a few points you can consider to improve your condition while you are using this product, which are:

  • Use the cream on the affected areas as directed.Try to use the cream regularly without missing doses.Avoid any known triggers that increase itchiness in you.Avoid transmission of infection by adopting a healthy lifestyle.Consider wearing shoes that allow air circulation and changing your shoes and socks daily to avoid further infection.Do not use it on the scalp and nails.Always consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this product.

Medical Disclaimer

Verywell Health’s drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.