What is Canesten Duo and when is it used?

Canesten thrush duo is a complete and convenient treatment for vaginal or penile thrush. The active ingredients of Fluconazole & Clotrimazole belong to a group of medicines called azoles and are antifungal agents which fight the cause of infection such as thrush. This treatment is used when you have been diagnosed with thrush by your doctor. The one-use capsule and cream can treat the fungal infection usually within 7 days.

How will it treat my symptoms?

Capsule: The oral capsule contains the active ingredient fluconazole, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. Fluconazole kills the Candida fungi causing the thrush infection by making holes appear in their cell membranes.

Cream: Clotrimazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol causes holes to appear in the fungal cell membrane. Clotrimazole cream kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Can I buy Canesten Duo Over the Counter?

Yes, you can buy certain pack sizes and doses of benzoyl peroxide over the counter in the UK. You don’t need a prescription to buy this dose, but a pharmacist will need to ensure the treatment is suitable and safe for you.

What causes thrush?

Thrush is caused by an infection with the candida fungus. In women, there are several causes such as:

• Clothing – frequently wearing tight clothing, tights, or nylon pants can increase the chance of infection
• Pregnancy – hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy alter the conditions in the vagina which makes this infection growth more likely
• Oral contraceptives – the oral contraceptive pill is thought to increase the likelihood of thrush
• Personal hygiene products – certain deodorants, bathroom products etc. can irritate the vagina

Many people have a small amount of fungus in their bodies. However, it does not usually cause problems because it is kept under control by the body’s immune system and other harmless bacteria. Thrush can develop when the good bacteria in your body is destroyed. For example, if you are taking antibiotics to treat an infection, the antibiotics will not distinguish between good and bad bacteria and will fight off both types.

Does Canesten Duo cause any side effects?

Like all medicines, Canesten thrush duo can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. With the capsule, if you experience any of the following, please contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately – you may need urgent medical attention:

The severe condition with blistering and peeling of the skin, mouth, eyes or genitals

• Seizures
• Liver disorders with symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools
• Change in heart rhythm or rate

After you apply the cream you may experience itching, rash, blisters, burning, discomfort, swelling, redness, irritation or peeling of the skin.

Info Leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9076.pdf