1- Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational and pharmaceutical-reference purposes only and is not a substitute for the current official package leaflet, approved prescribing information, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Locasten is available in different pharmaceutical forms, and the indication, strength, route of administration, dosage, precautions, and instructions may differ according to the specific presentation.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. Readers are responsible for independently verifying the information before relying on it.
For products marketed in Egypt, the current package labeling and information approved by the competent Egyptian regulatory authorities should take precedence over secondary databases and historical product listings.
2- Summary
Locasten is a brand associated with clotrimazole, an imidazole antifungal agent. Egyptian pharmaceutical sources identify several Locasten presentations, including 1% cream, 1% topical solution, 100 mg vaginal tablets, a single vaginal tablet listed in some Egyptian databases as “Locasten 1500 mg 1 vag. tab,” and 2% vaginal cream. Alexandria Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries is identified with the Locasten range in Egyptian pharmaceutical records.
Clotrimazole acts mainly by inhibiting fungal ergosterol synthesis, leading to structural and functional impairment of the fungal cell membrane. Depending on the concentration achieved at the site of infection, its effect may be fungistatic or fungicidal.
Topical Locasten preparations are used for susceptible superficial fungal infections, while the vaginal preparations are intended for vulvovaginal candidiasis.
3- Brand Name
Locasten
4- Category
Antifungal — Imidazole derivative
Clotrimazole belongs to the imidazole class of antifungal agents. For topical clotrimazole, the ATC classification is D01AC01.
5- Active Ingredient
Clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is a synthetic imidazole antifungal agent.
6- Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
Identified Egyptian Locasten presentations include:
-
Locasten 1% Cream — 20 g
Clotrimazole 1%, equivalent to approximately 10 mg/g. Egyptian listings identify the product as Locasten 1% cream 20 g, containing clotrimazole and associated with Alexandria. -
Locasten 1% Topical Solution — 20 mL
Clotrimazole 1%, equivalent to approximately 10 mg/mL. Alexandria's product information lists the 20 mL topical solution. -
Locasten 100 mg Vaginal Tablets — 6 tablets
Clotrimazole 100 mg per vaginal tablet. Alexandria product information identifies a six-tablet vaginal presentation containing 0.1 g clotrimazole per tablet. -
Locasten 1500 mg 1 Vaginal Tablet
This exact market designation is documented in Egyptian drug databases and is associated with clotrimazole and Alexandria.
Important composition clarification: the designation “1500 mg” should not be interpreted as 1500 mg of active clotrimazole solely from the database product name. Alexandria product information identifies the corresponding single Locasten vaginal tablet as containing 500 mg clotrimazole per vaginal tablet, supplied as one vaginal tablet with one applicator.
Therefore, the scientifically appropriate presentation is to retain Locasten 1500 mg 1 vag. tab as the documented market designation while identifying 500 mg clotrimazole as the active-ingredient strength supported by the available Alexandria product information.
- Locasten 2% Vaginal Cream — 20 g
Clotrimazole 2%, equivalent to approximately 20 mg/g. Egyptian listings identify this presentation as Locasten 2% vaginal cream containing clotrimazole and associated with Alexandria.
7- Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
Manufacturer:
Alexandria Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries, Egypt.
Egyptian pharmaceutical records and Alexandria product information identify Alexandria with the Locasten products.
Marketing Authorization Holder:
A separately identified current Marketing Authorization Holder could not be independently established from the publicly accessible sources reviewed. Accordingly, the manufacturer and MAH should not be stated as separate or identical entities unless the current Egyptian registration record or package labeling confirms this.
8- Mechanism of Action
Clotrimazole inhibits the fungal enzyme system involved in the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, an essential sterol of the fungal cell membrane.
Reduced ergosterol formation, together with accumulation of abnormal sterols, causes structural and functional impairment of the fungal cytoplasmic membrane and interferes with fungal growth. The activity of clotrimazole may be fungistatic or fungicidal depending on the concentration at the site of infection.
9- Spectrum of Activity
Clotrimazole has a broad antifungal spectrum that includes susceptible:
- Dermatophytes, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum.
- Yeasts, particularly Candida species including Candida albicans.
- Malassezia species associated with tinea versicolor.
Clotrimazole also demonstrates activity against some other microorganisms in vitro, including certain gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, but this does not make topical clotrimazole a general antibacterial treatment.
10- Pharmacokinetics
Following topical administration to the skin, clotrimazole is minimally absorbed systemically.
Pharmacokinetic studies of 1% clotrimazole cream and solution demonstrated high concentrations in the superficial layers of the skin and very low systemic exposure. In a pharmacokinetic study, no measurable serum radioactivity was detected within 48 hours after application under the conditions studied.
Vaginal administration also produces relatively low systemic exposure compared with systemic antifungal therapy.
The low systemic absorption of topical and vaginal clotrimazole contributes to its predominantly local action.
11- Indications
Topical 1% Cream and Solution
Clotrimazole topical preparations are used for susceptible superficial fungal infections, including:
- Tinea pedis
- Tinea cruris
- Tinea corporis
- Cutaneous candidiasis
- Tinea versicolor
The organisms involved may include susceptible Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Microsporum, Candida, and Malassezia species.
Vaginal Preparations
Clotrimazole vaginal tablets and vaginal cream are used for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by susceptible Candida species.
The precise approved indications should be checked against the current leaflet for the individual Locasten vaginal presentation.
12- Administration
Locasten 1% Cream / Topical Solution
Apply a sufficient amount to the affected and surrounding skin twice daily, generally in the morning and evening.
The area should be cleaned and dried before application. Treatment should be continued for the period recommended for the particular infection and product.
Clinical improvement, particularly relief of itching, may occur during the first week. Lack of improvement after an appropriate treatment period should prompt reassessment of the diagnosis rather than indefinite continuation of treatment.
Vaginal Preparations
The regimen varies according to strength and pharmaceutical form.
Common clotrimazole regimens include:
- 100 mg vaginal tablet: one tablet daily for 6 consecutive days.
- 500 mg vaginal tablet: one single vaginal dose.
- 2% vaginal cream: commonly administered intravaginally once daily for 3 consecutive days.
The current Locasten package leaflet should be followed for the exact regimen, route, and duration.
13- Method of Preparation
No reconstitution or dilution is required for Locasten cream, topical solution, vaginal tablets, or vaginal cream.
For topical products:
- Clean the affected skin.
- Dry the area thoroughly.
- Apply the recommended amount to the affected and surrounding area.
- Wash the hands after application unless the hands are themselves being treated.
For vaginal preparations, use the product exactly as directed. When an applicator is supplied, follow the product instructions for its use.
During pregnancy, vaginal clotrimazole tablets/pessaries are generally inserted without an applicator when recommended by the product information.
14- Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or to any component of the particular formulation.
- Any additional formulation-specific contraindication stated in the current product leaflet.
Locasten topical preparations are not intended for ophthalmic use.
15- Warnings & Precautions
- Avoid contact with the eyes.
- Do not use topical clotrimazole ophthalmically.
- Discontinue treatment and obtain medical advice if significant irritation, sensitization, or an allergic reaction develops.
- Persistent, worsening, recurrent, or atypical lesions should be medically reassessed.
- Failure to improve within the expected treatment period may indicate an incorrect diagnosis or the need for alternative treatment.
- Vaginal clotrimazole should not be used for unsupervised self-treatment when symptoms are atypical or accompanied by findings such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal pain, fever or chills, foul-smelling discharge, genital ulceration, or significant urinary symptoms.
- Certain vaginal clotrimazole preparations may temporarily affect the integrity of latex condoms or diaphragms. The specific product leaflet should be consulted regarding alternative contraceptive precautions.
16- Drug Interactions
Because systemic absorption of topical clotrimazole is low, clinically significant systemic drug interactions are generally limited with cutaneous use.
The product information reports that synergism or antagonism between clotrimazole and nystatin, amphotericin B, or flucytosine against strains of Candida albicans has not been reported.
For vaginal clotrimazole, caution is appropriate with tacrolimus and sirolimus, because vaginal administration may increase systemic exposure to these immunosuppressive medicines.
Some vaginal formulations may also reduce the reliability of latex condoms or diaphragms through temporary effects on the latex material.
17- Side Effects
Possible local adverse effects of topical clotrimazole include:
- Erythema
- Burning
- Stinging
- Itching
- Irritation
- Blistering
- Edema
- Urticaria
- Peeling and other local skin reactions
Vaginal formulations may cause local vulvar or vaginal:
- Burning
- Irritation
- Itching
- Redness
- Discomfort
- Swelling
Hypersensitivity reactions are uncommon but may occur.
18- Use in Special Populations
Pregnancy
Topical clotrimazole has minimal systemic absorption and is generally considered suitable for use during pregnancy when clinically indicated.
For vaginal clotrimazole, treatment during pregnancy should follow professional advice and the specific product information. Vaginal tablets/pessaries are commonly preferred when they can be inserted without an applicator.
The use of clotrimazole during pregnancy should therefore be considered according to the pharmaceutical form, indication, and current approved product information rather than applying one pregnancy statement to every Locasten presentation.
Breastfeeding
Clotrimazole is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because systemic absorption after topical use is minimal.
When applying the medicine to skin that may come into contact with the infant, direct contact between the infant and recently treated skin should be avoided.
Pediatric Use
Use in children depends on the formulation, age, and indication. The current product labeling and medical advice should be followed, particularly in very young children.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is generally required solely because of age when topical clotrimazole is used appropriately.
19- Storage Conditions
For Locasten 1% cream, Egyptian product information has listed storage at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
For other Locasten presentations, the exact storage requirements should be taken from the current package label because one verified storage condition cannot safely be assumed to apply identically to every formulation.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
20- Additional Sections
Identified Locasten Presentations in the Egyptian Market
Egyptian pharmaceutical records identify the following Locasten presentations:
- Locasten 1% cream 20 g
- Locasten 1% topical solution 20 mL
- Locasten 100 mg 6 vaginal tablets
- Locasten 1500 mg 1 vaginal tablet
- Locasten 2% vaginal cream 20 g.
Important Note on the 1500 mg Product Designation
The exact designation “Locasten 1500 mg 1 vag. tab” is documented in Egyptian medicine databases. However, the available Alexandria product overview identifies the corresponding single vaginal tablet as containing 500 mg clotrimazole.
Consequently, the 1500 mg figure should not be described as 1500 mg of clotrimazole unless the current official package or Egyptian registration documentation specifically confirms that interpretation.
For pharmaceutical composition purposes, 500 mg clotrimazole per single vaginal tablet is the strength supported by the available Alexandria product information.
21- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Locasten?
Locasten is a brand associated with clotrimazole-containing antifungal preparations.
What is the active ingredient in Locasten?
Clotrimazole.
What class of medicine is clotrimazole?
It is an imidazole antifungal agent.
What is Locasten 1% cream used for?
It is used for susceptible superficial fungal infections such as tinea infections, cutaneous candidiasis, and tinea versicolor.
How is Locasten 1% cream usually applied?
The topical regimen is generally twice daily, applied to the affected and surrounding skin.
Does Locasten come in vaginal formulations?
Yes. Egyptian records identify 100 mg vaginal tablets, a single vaginal tablet designated in some databases as Locasten 1500 mg 1 vag. tab, and 2% vaginal cream.
Does Locasten 1500 mg contain 1500 mg of clotrimazole?
The market designation contains “1500 mg,” but this should not automatically be interpreted as 1500 mg of active clotrimazole. Alexandria product information identifies the single vaginal tablet as containing 500 mg clotrimazole.
Can clotrimazole be used during pregnancy?
Topical clotrimazole has very low systemic absorption and is generally considered suitable when clinically indicated. Vaginal treatment should follow professional advice and formulation-specific instructions.
Can clotrimazole be used during breastfeeding?
It is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding because systemic exposure after topical use is minimal.
What should be done if symptoms do not improve?
The diagnosis should be reassessed rather than simply continuing antifungal treatment indefinitely.
22- References
- Alexandria Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries — Product Overview, documenting Locasten vaginal and topical presentations, including the single vaginal tablet containing 500 mg clotrimazole and the six-tablet vaginal presentation containing 100 mg/tablet.
- Egyptian pharmaceutical pricing records, documenting Locasten 1% cream, 1% solution, 100 mg vaginal tablets, and the single Locasten vaginal tablet marketed by Alexandria.
- DwaPrices — Locasten 1% cream 20 g, Egyptian market listing identifying clotrimazole and Alexandria.
- Masr Doctors — Locasten 2% vaginal cream 20 g, identifying clotrimazole and Alexandria.
- DailyMed — Clotrimazole cream, including topical pharmacokinetic data demonstrating minimal systemic absorption.
- Clotrimazole product information / Summary of Product Characteristics, including pharmacological classification, mechanism of action and antifungal spectrum.
- FDA prescribing information containing clotrimazole pharmacology, describing inhibition of fungal lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylation and reduction of ergosterol.