Description
Econazole (e-KONE-a-zole) belongs to the family of
medicines called antifungals, which are used to treat
infections caused by a fungus. They work by killing the fungus
or preventing its growth.
Econazole cream is applied to the skin to treat fungus
infections. These include:
* ringworm of the body (tinea corporis);
* ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis; athlete's foot);
* ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch);
* tinea versicolor (sometimes called ``sun fungus''); and
* certain other fungus infections, such as Candida (Monilia)
infections.
Econazole is available only with your doctor's
prescription, in the following dosage form:
* Topical Cream (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the
medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is
a decision you and your doctor will make. For topical
econazole, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual
or allergic reaction to econazole. Also tell your health care
professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such
as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy—Topical econazole has not been studied in
pregnant women. Oral econazole has not been shown to cause
birth defects in animal studies; however, it has been shown to
cause other problems. Before using this medicine, make sure
your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become
pregnant.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether topical econazole
passes into the breast milk. However, econazole, when given by
mouth, does pass into the milk of rats and has caused problems
in the young. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in
small amounts, many of them may be used safely while
breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who
wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—Although there is no specific information
comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other
age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different
side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied
specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known
whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger
adults. Although there is no specific information comparing
use of econazole in the elderly with use in other age groups,
this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects
or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be
used together at all, in other cases two different medicines
may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In
these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other
precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are using any other prescription or
nonprescription (over the counter [OTC]) medicine.
Proper Use of This Medicine
Apply enough econazole to cover the affected and
surrounding skin areas, and massage in gently.
Keep this medicine away from the eyes.
When econazole is used to treat certain types of fungus
infections of the skin, an occlusive dressing (airtight
covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) should not be applied
over the medicine. To do so may cause irritation of the skin.
Do not apply an airtight covering over this medicine unless
you have been directed to do so by your doctor.
To help clear up your infection completely, it is very
important that you keep using econazole for the full time of
treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a
few days. Since fungus infections may be very slow to clear
up, you may have to continue using this medicine every day for
several weeks or more. If you stop using this medicine too
soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses .
Dosing—
The dose of topical econazole will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the
directions on the label. The following information includes
only the average dose of topical econazole. If your dose is
different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do
so.
* For topical dosage form (cream):
o For fungus infections:
+ Adults and children—Apply to the affected skin and
surrounding areas, one or two times a day, for two to four
weeks. If you have to use the cream two times a day, apply it
in the morning and evening.
Missed dose—
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as
possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
* Keep out of the reach of children.
* Store away from heat and direct light.
* Keep the medicine from freezing.
* Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of
children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
If your skin problem does not improve within 2 weeks or
more, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
To help clear up your infection completely and to help make
sure it does not return, good health habits are also required.
* For patients using econazole for ringworm of the groin (tinea
cruris; jock itch):
o Avoid wearing underwear that is tight-fitting or made from
synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead,
wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
o Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder)
or an antifungal powder (for example, tolnaftate) on the skin.
It is best not to use econazole cream or any other antifungal
cream at the same time that you use the powder.
These measures will help reduce chafing and irritation and
will also help keep the groin area cool and dry.
* For patients using econazole for ringworm of the foot (tinea
pedis; athlete's foot):
o Carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after
bathing.
o Avoid wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials
(for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear clean, cotton
socks and change them daily or more often if the feet sweat
freely.
o Wear well-ventilated shoes (for example, shoes with holes)
or sandals.
o Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder)
or an antifungal powder (for example, tolnaftate) between the
toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes freely once or twice
a day. It is best not to use econazole cream or any other
antifungal cream at the same time that you use the powder.
These measures will help keep the feet cool and dry.
If you have any questions about this, check with your
health care professional.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some
unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may
occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the
following side effects occur:
* Less common
o Burning, itching, stinging, redness, or other sign of
irritation not present before use of this medicine
* Rare
o Skin rash with itching
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some
patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your
doctor.
