What is Clotrimazole Topical used for?

Clotrimazole Topical is indicated for: Localized dermatophytosis, Malassezia.

Which species have cited Clotrimazole Topical dosing data?

Clotrimazole Topical dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 2 species: Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic).

Is Clotrimazole Topical a controlled substance?

Clotrimazole Topical is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Clotrimazole Topical

US brand names:Lotrimin, Mycelex

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Dermatologic

Routes

Topical

Indications

Localized dermatophytosisMalassezia

Mechanism of Action

Imidazole antifungal that inhibits ergosterol synthesis by blocking lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase (CYP51), disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity.

Side effects & warnings

For localized dermatophytosis and Malassezia dermatitis. Apply twice daily. Low systemic absorption. May cause local irritation. Systemic therapy needed for widespread infection.

Species with Clotrimazole Topical dosing data (2 dose rules)

Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)

Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Strong×1Moderate×1

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by a published source

· Gupta AK, et al: Antifungal agents: An overview: Part II. J Am Acad Dermatol 30:911, 1994. / 40. Grooters AM, Taboada J: Update on antifungal therapy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 33:749-758, 2003. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.237 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.237' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.225; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.225. — SOURCE EDITION: Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 2 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	Topical	Monitor for clinical improvement at 2 weeks	Apply to affected area q12h	Strong	Gupta AK, et al: Antifungal agents: An overview: Part II. J Am Acad Dermatol 30:911, 1994. / 40. Grooters AM, Taboada J: Update on antifungal therapy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 33:749-758, 2003. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.237 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.237' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.225; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.225. — SOURCE EDITION: Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280
Cat (Domestic)	Topical	Cream formulation preferred over solution	Apply to affected area q12h	Moderate

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Gupta AK, et al: Antifungal agents: An overview: Part II. J Am Acad Dermatol 30:911, 1994. / 40. Grooters AM, Taboada J: Update on antifungal therapy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 33:749-758, 2003. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.237 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.237' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.225; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.225. — SOURCE EDITION: Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280