Clotrimazole Pessary

The Clotrimazole 500mg Pessary is a single-dose vaginal thrush treatment – the same antifungal as the leading brand, at a lower price.

  • Clotrimazole 500mg – single pessary with applicator
  • Treats vaginal thrush (itching, soreness, discharge)
  • Insert at night; one dose is usually enough
  • Same active as Canesten, lower cost
  • From a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy

£12.00

Clotrimazole 500mg pessary with applicator - vaginal thrush treatment

The Clotrimazole 500mg Pessary is a simple, single-dose treatment for vaginal thrush. It contains clotrimazole 500mg, the same antifungal as the leading brand, inserted at night to clear the yeast infection – a lower-cost, effective alternative.

What is the clotrimazole pessary?

This is a single clotrimazole 500mg vaginal pessary supplied with an applicator, used to treat vaginal thrush (candidal vaginitis). It is a pharmacy thrush treatment from our GPhC-registered UK pharmacy and works in exactly the same way as branded pessaries.

How to use the pessary

  • Insert one pessary at night, as high as comfortable into the vagina, using the applicator.
  • Lie back with your knees bent to make insertion easier.
  • It is a single-dose treatment – one pessary is usually enough.

Please read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.

Generic vs Canesten – what is the difference?

Nothing clinically. This pessary contains the same active, clotrimazole 500mg, as the Canesten thrush pessary, and works identically – it is simply a more affordable generic. If you prefer an oral option, a single fluconazole capsule is an alternative, and an external cream can soothe outside itching.

How does it work?

Clotrimazole is an antifungal that disrupts the membrane of the Candida yeast causing thrush, stopping it from growing so the infection clears. Very little is absorbed into the body – it works locally where it is needed.

Things to know

Avoid using it during your period, and do not use tampons, douches or spermicides while treating. Clotrimazole can damage latex condoms and diaphragms for up to 5 days, so use extra precautions. Browse the full thrush treatment range to compare options.

When to get advice

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor first if it is your first episode, you are pregnant, under 16 or over 60, get thrush often, or have unusual bleeding, pain or discharge. If you are not better within 7 days, seek advice.

Buy the clotrimazole pessary online

Order the Clotrimazole 500mg Pessary from Bury Healthcare Online, a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. As a pharmacy thrush treatment, your order includes a short suitability check so our team can confirm it is right for you.

Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms do not settle within a week or keep returning, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.

Clotrimazole Pessary FAQs

What is a clotrimazole 500mg pessary used for?
It treats vaginal thrush (candidiasis) – the common yeast infection that causes vaginal itching, soreness and a thick white discharge. The single 500mg pessary of clotrimazole, an antifungal, is inserted into the vagina to clear the infection.
How do you use the pessary?
Insert one pessary high into the vagina at night, using the applicator provided, lying back with your knees bent. Bedtime is best so it stays in place overnight. It is a single-dose treatment – one pessary is usually enough.
Is the clotrimazole pessary the same as Canesten?
Yes – it contains the same active ingredient, clotrimazole 500mg, and works in exactly the same way as the Canesten thrush pessary. The generic version is simply a lower-cost alternative to the brand.
Should I use a cream as well?
The pessary treats the infection inside; an external antifungal cream can be added to soothe itching and soreness around the vulva. A combi pack pairs both. You can also take an oral fluconazole capsule instead of a pessary if you prefer an oral option.
How long does the pessary take to work?
Symptoms usually start to ease within a day or two, and clear over a few days. If you are no better within 7 days, or symptoms come back, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Can you use the pessary during your period?
It is best not to use it during menstruation – wait until your period has finished, as the bleeding can wash the pessary out. Do not use tampons, spermicides or douches while treating thrush.
Does the pessary affect condoms?
Yes – clotrimazole can damage latex condoms and diaphragms and make them less reliable, for up to 5 days after use. Use another form of contraception during this time.
Who should get advice before using it?
Check with your pharmacist or doctor first if it is your first episode of thrush, you are pregnant, you are under 16 or over 60, you get thrush often (more than twice in 6 months), or you have any unusual bleeding, pain or a change in discharge.
Can you use the pessary in pregnancy?
Thrush is common in pregnancy, but you should check with your pharmacist or doctor before treating it, and use the pessary without the applicator (inserting by hand) if advised.
What if the thrush keeps coming back?
If thrush returns more than twice in six months, do not just keep re-treating – see your pharmacist or doctor, as recurrent thrush may need a longer course or checking for another cause.

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