Candid Lotion-20ml

Description

Candid Lotion 20ml is a topical antifungal medication. There are actually two common formulations under the “Candid Lotion” name:

1. Candid Lotion (containing only Clotrimazole)
2. Candid B Lotion (containing Clotrimazole and Beclometasone)

Since you just specified “Candid Lotion,” let’s focus on the one primarily containing Clotrimazole. However, it’s very common to encounter “Candid B Lotion,” so I’ll also provide information for that, as they are often confused.

Candid Lotion 20ml (primarily Clotrimazole 1% w/v)

This formulation contains Clotrimazole as the sole active antifungal ingredient.

What is Clotrimazole and How it Works: Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication belonging to the azole class. It works by:

• Damaging fungal cell membranes: It inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes. This disruption leads to increased permeability and leakage of cellular contents, ultimately stopping the growth and killing the fungi.

Uses of Candid Lotion (Clotrimazole only): It is used to treat various fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and other fungi, including:

• Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis): Fungal infection of the feet, especially between the toes.
• Jock itch (Tinea cruris): Fungal infection of the groin area.
• Ringworm (Tinea corporis): Fungal infection that causes a red, scaly rash on various parts of the body.
• Fungal nappy rash: Fungal infection in the diaper area.
• Fungal sweat rash: Rashes in skin folds due to sweat and fungal overgrowth.
• Candidiasis: Infections caused by Candida species, such as vaginal thrush (external irritation of the vulva) and irritation at the end of the penis associated with thrush.
• Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor): A fungal infection that causes small, discolored patches on the skin.
• Fungal infections of the outer and middle ear.

How to Use Candid Lotion (Clotrimazole only):

• External use only.
• Clean and dry: Wash and thoroughly dry the affected skin area, especially between the toes for athlete’s foot.
• Thin layer: Apply a thin and even layer of the lotion to the affected area and gently rub it in.
• Frequency: Usually applied two or three times daily, or as directed by your doctor.
• Duration: Continue using for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve, typically for 2 weeks to 1 month depending on the infection, to ensure complete eradication of the fungus and prevent recurrence.
• Hygiene: Keep the affected area clean and dry. Avoid scratching. Do not share towels, socks, etc., to prevent spreading the infection. For athlete’s foot, wear clean, dry socks daily and breathable shoes.

Common Side Effects: Side effects are usually mild and local:

• Irritation at the application site
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Redness
• Itching
• Skin peeling or blistering (less common)

Candid B Lotion 20ml (Clotrimazole + Beclometasone)

This is a very common combination that adds a corticosteroid to the antifungal.

Active Ingredients:

• Clotrimazole (1% w/v): The antifungal component, as described above.
• Beclometasone Dipropionate (0.025% w/v): A potent corticosteroid. It reduces inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching by suppressing the immune response and inhibiting the release of inflammatory chemicals in the skin.

Uses of Candid B Lotion: This combination is particularly useful when a fungal infection is accompanied by significant inflammation, itching, and redness. It is used for:

• Fungal skin infections with inflammatory symptoms: Such as inflamed athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, or other dermatoses where there is both a fungal component and a pronounced inflammatory reaction (e.g., specific types of inflamed eczema or dermatitis that are secondarily infected with fungus).
• It provides faster relief from itching and redness due to the steroid, while the antifungal tackles the infection.

How to Use Candid B Lotion:

• Similar to Candid Lotion, but use with more caution due to the steroid component.
• External use only.
• Clean and dry: Apply to clean, dry skin.
• Thin layer: Apply a thin layer to the affected area.
• Frequency: Usually applied twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
• Duration: Typically used for a shorter duration (e.g., 1-2 weeks) compared to plain antifungal creams, to minimize the risks associated with long-term steroid use. After the inflammation subsides, your doctor might recommend continuing with a plain antifungal (like Candid Lotion or cream) if the fungal infection hasn’t fully cleared.
• Do not cover: Do not use airtight dressings (like bandages or plastic wrap) over the treated area unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as this can increase steroid absorption.
• Avoid certain areas: Generally avoid using on the face, groin, or armpits unless specifically advised by a doctor, due to the steroid.
• Medical supervision: It is strongly recommended to use Candid B Lotion under the guidance of a doctor, as the steroid component requires careful management.

Common Side Effects of Candid B Lotion: These can include side effects from both ingredients, plus steroid-specific effects with prolonged use:

• Burning, stinging, itching, redness at the application site.
• Dryness.
• Steroid-specific effects (especially with prolonged/excessive use): Skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), changes in skin color, increased hair growth, acne-like eruptions, increased risk of secondary bacterial or viral infections.
• Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation).

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these):

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, severe swelling, difficulty breathing).
• Worsening of the skin condition or signs of severe irritation.
• Systemic effects of steroid absorption (rare with proper topical use, but possible with prolonged, extensive, or occluded application, especially in children) such as adrenal suppression, Cushing’s syndrome symptoms.

General Important Considerations for both Candid Lotions:

• Do not use on open wounds or severely broken skin.
• Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and internal mucous membranes.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor. While topical absorption is generally low, caution is advised.
• Children: Use in children should be under medical supervision, especially for Candid B Lotion, as children are more susceptible to systemic absorption of corticosteroids.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about any other topical or systemic medications you are using. Clotrimazole can reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives (condoms, diaphragms) if applied to the genital area.
• Manufacturer: Candid Lotions are commonly manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Always use Candid Lotion or Candid B Lotion as prescribed by your healthcare professional. This information is for general knowledge and does not substitute professional medical advice.