How Does Canesten Solution Work? The active ingredient Clotrimazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles, which is an anti-fungal agent that destroys dermatophytes, yeasts & moulds that are responsible for many common fungal skin infections. How To Use Canesten Solution Ear infections; Put 2-3 drops of Canesten Solution into the ear two or three times a day. Skin infections; Apply a thin layer to the affected areas two to three times a day. Treatment should be continued for two weeks after symptoms have disappeared to prevent reinfection.