Canesten 3 vaginal cream 20 mg/g – treatment of vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis)

Canesten 3 is a vaginal cream containing 20 mg of clotrimazole per 1 g of cream. Clotrimazole is an imidazole antifungal – it acts on fungi by blocking the production of ergosterol, an essential component of their cell membrane.

According to the approved leaflet, the medicine is used to treat vaginal candidiasis – a vaginal infection caused by Candida yeasts. Treatment lasts three consecutive evenings, using the applicators supplied.

How is Canesten 3 vaginal cream used for a vaginal yeast infection?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Canesten 3 vaginal cream used for?

Canesten 3 vaginal cream is used to treat vaginal candidiasis, a vaginal infection caused by Candida yeasts.

If the labia and surrounding skin are infected at the same time, treatment with a cream for external use is needed in addition to the vaginal treatment (combined treatment).

How is it used and dosed?

On three consecutive evenings, before going to bed, one full applicator (about 5 g of cream) is inserted as deep into the vagina as possible.

• First pull the applicator plunger out as far as it goes, open the tube and attach the applicator.
• Squeeze the tube gently to fill the applicator until the plunger stops, then remove it from the tube.
• Insert the applicator as deep into the vagina as possible – most easily lying on your back with your legs bent – and press the plunger to empty it.
• Use a new applicator each time and discard the used one.
• Do not stop treatment as soon as the symptoms disappear – the cream is used on all three evenings.
• Use during menstruation is not recommended; treatment should be completed before your period starts.
• During treatment do not use tampons, vaginal douches, spermicides or other vaginal products.
• If signs of infection have not cleared completely after 7 days, if your condition worsens or if symptoms return within 2 months, see a doctor.

Special patient groups

• The medicine is intended for adults and children over 12 years; for use between 12 and 16 years of age, a doctor should be consulted.
• Sexual partner: if he has symptoms (e.g. itching or inflammation), he should also start local treatment.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• hypersensitivity (allergy) to clotrimazole, benzyl alcohol or any of the excipients

Precautions and warnings

• See a doctor before use if you have a temperature of 38 °C or higher, lower abdominal pain, back pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, nausea, vaginal bleeding and/or shoulder pain.
• Clotrimazole may reduce the effectiveness and safety of latex condoms and diaphragms.
• Avoiding sexual intercourse during the infection is recommended, as the infection can be passed to your partner.
• Avoid contact with the eyes; do not swallow.
• The medicine contains benzyl alcohol (20 mg/g), which may cause mild local irritation and allergic reactions, and cetostearyl alcohol (100 mg/g), which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).

Interactions with other medicines, alcohol and food

Using vaginal clotrimazole together with oral tacrolimus or sirolimus (medicines that prevent organ transplant rejection) may increase their blood levels. If you take one of these medicines, tell your doctor – monitoring of drug levels may be needed.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Canesten 3 vaginal cream can be used during pregnancy, but only under medical supervision. In pregnancy, clotrimazole vaginal tablets are recommended because they can be inserted without an applicator.

During breastfeeding the cream may also be used only under medical supervision; only a small amount is absorbed after vaginal use. No studies on the effect of clotrimazole on human fertility have been carried out.

Driving and using machines

Canesten 3 has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

Possible side effects

Side effects have been reported after clotrimazole was placed on the market; their frequency cannot be reliably determined:

• local: itching, burning, redness, peeling, discomfort or pain in the vaginal and vulval area, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge; irritated skin at the application site, swelling, pain
• abdominal pain, nausea
• allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the face, tongue or throat (angioedema), anaphylactic reaction
• low blood pressure, fainting, difficulty breathing

Suspected side effects can be reported to your doctor, pharmacist or the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia (ALIMS).

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: according to the summary of product characteristics, there is no risk of acute poisoning after vaginal use.
• Missed dose: if you forgot to use the cream in the evening, you can use it the next morning or as soon as you remember. Do not use a double dose.
• Stopping treatment: do not stop as soon as symptoms disappear – the cream is used on 3 consecutive evenings to reduce the risk of the infection coming back.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• 1 g of vaginal cream contains 20 mg of clotrimazole.
• Excipients: benzyl alcohol; cetostearyl alcohol; cetyl palmitate; octyldodecanol; polysorbate 60; sorbitan stearate; purified water.
• Pack: aluminium tube with 20 g of vaginal cream, three PE applicators and a patient leaflet.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Bayer d.o.o. Beograd (licence 515-01-03961-21-001 of 22 November 2022).
• Manufacturer: GP Grenzach Produktions GmbH, Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany.

Storage

• The medicine does not require any special storage conditions.
• Shelf life unopened: 4 years; after first opening of the tube: 3 months.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
• Return unused medicine to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Canesten 3 vaginal cream used?

According to the leaflet, the cream is used on three consecutive evenings, one applicator (about 5 g) each time. Treatment should not be stopped as soon as the symptoms disappear.

Can I use Canesten 3 cream during my period?

It is not recommended. The leaflet advises completing treatment before your period starts, because menstrual bleeding can wash out the cream.

Does my partner need treatment?

If your partner has symptoms such as itching or inflammation, he should also start local treatment. Avoiding sexual intercourse during treatment is recommended.

What if the symptoms do not go away?

If signs of infection have not cleared completely after 7 days, if your condition worsens or if symptoms return within 2 months, you should see a doctor.

Related information

For additional care and support with vaginal yeast infections, see also the Products for fungal discomfort – support for candida, itching and vaginal imbalance category – products in this category do not replace the medicine you have been prescribed.

Sources

• ALIMS – Patient leaflet Canesten® 3, 20 mg/g, vaginal cream (licence 515-01-03961-21-001, 22 November 2022)
• ALIMS – Summary of product characteristics Canesten® 3, 20 mg/g, vaginal cream
• ALIMS – List of medicines dispensed without a prescription (dispensing status)

Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.