Canesten Dermatological Spray
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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 Dermatological Spray 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 Dermatological Spray and what is it used for?
2. Before you use Canesten Dermatological Spray
3. How to use Canesten Dermatological Spray
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Canesten Dermatological Spray
6. Further information
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 sweat rash.
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 of Canesten Dermatological Spray.
Important information about some of the ingredients:
This product contains propylene glycol which may cause skin irritation (e.g. rash, itching or redness) in some people.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding 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.
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.
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 is for external use only:
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' 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.
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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.
Remember: If you have any doubts about using ®
Dermatological Spray correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist
Further information about fungal infections:
Fungal infections are very common and affect many people. Some of the most common fungal skin infections include athlete’s foot, nappy rash, sweat rash and ringworm. There are two main types of fungal infection:
• The tinea group, also known as dermatophytes.
• The candida group, also known as yeasts.
After you apply the spray you might experience:
• Itching, rash, blisters, burning, discomfort, swelling, irritation, 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. 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 reach and sight 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.
The tinea group includes athlete’s foot and ringworm, both of which are easily spread by contact. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot usually lives harmlessly on our skin and in our environment. The natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as damp moist conditions. This could happen, for example, through regularly wearing training shoes that keep the feet hot and sweaty. Since this fungus is contagious, it can also often be picked up in changing rooms. Ringworm is usually passed on from animals to children. Ringworm is not actually a worm, its name comes from the circular worm-like shape that it forms on the skin. The main symptom for both is an itchy, scaly and irritating rash.
The candida group can be responsible for conditions such as sweat rash and thrush. Sweat rash can appear anywhere on the body, but is more likely to occur where folds of skin rub against each other, such as: under the breasts, under arms, around the groin and on the back. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that usually lives harmlessly on our skin. However, the natural balance that normally keeps it under control can be upset by factors such as sweating, tight or synthetic clothing and cosmetic preparations such as bath additives. When levels of the yeast increase, the skin can develop the following symptoms: persistent burning and itching, soreness and a variety of patches or blemishes as well as a softened and soggy appearance.
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 May 2015
Canesten is a registered trademark of Bayer AG, Germany.
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, Consumer Care Division, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1JA, UK
Manufacturer:
KVP Pharma + Veterinar Produkte GmbH,
Projensdorfer Str 324, 24106 Kiel, Germany
Bayer
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