Econazole Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Econazole Cream (econazole nitrate) is a prescription topical antifungal applied to the skin to treat infections caused by fungus or yeast. It is not used for bacterial or viral infections. It works by damaging fungal and yeast cell membranes, and most patients see clinical improvement when the full prescribed course is completed.

What is Econazole Cream

Econazole Cream is a prescription antifungal cream applied to the skin. It treats infections caused by fungus or yeast and is not used for bacterial or viral infections.

Econazole Cream uses

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
• Jock itch (tinea cruris)
• Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)
• Cutaneous candidiasis (a skin yeast infection)
• Tinea versicolor (a yeast infection causing discolored skin patches)

Benefits of Econazole Cream

• Most patients experience early relief of symptoms, and clinical improvement may be seen fairly soon after treatment is begun
• Clinical studies show high clearance rates (around 90%) when used for the full prescribed course
• Acts directly against fungal organisms
• Provides localized treatment
• Usually has low systemic absorption

How Econazole Cream works

Econazole stops fungi and yeast from growing by damaging their cell membranes and blocking the production of a substance (ergosterol) the cell membrane needs, which changes how the membrane works.

Econazole Cream dosage

Apply to the skin only; do not use in or near the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina, and do not swallow it. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream (if treating your hands, wash only before use). Thoroughly clean the infected area and let it dry, then gently rub in the cream until most of it disappears, covering just the affected area.

For most infections the cream is applied once a day; for cutaneous candidiasis it is applied twice a day, morning and evening. Continue using the cream for the full course of treatment even if your symptoms improve; do not stop early without talking to your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and do not double up.

Do not apply cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the treated area unless your doctor tells you to. Treatment is usually continued for about two weeks for candidiasis, jock itch, and ringworm, and about one month (up to six weeks in some cases) for athlete's foot. Children: use and dosing for the cream must be determined by a doctor, since safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (1%)
• Foam (1%, for athlete's foot)

Side effects of Econazole Cream

Common

• Burning
• Itching
• Stinging
• Redness
• Rash
• Skin irritation
• Dryness, peeling, or crusting of treated skin

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as breathing problems or wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, hives, dizziness, or fainting
• Significant blistering or oozing at the application site

Warnings and precautions

• This cream is for use on the skin only and should not be used in or near the eyes.
• If you have a reaction that suggests sensitivity or chemical irritation, stop using the cream.
• Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that hasn't been checked by your doctor, and let your doctor know if the problem doesn't improve or gets worse.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (a blood thinner), as this medicine may interact with it.
• It isn't fully known how this medicine affects pregnancy. It should only be used in the first trimester if your doctor feels it's truly necessary, and only if clearly needed in the second and third trimesters. Tell your doctor if you are or might become pregnant.
• It isn't known if this medicine passes into breast milk in humans, so caution is advised if you are breastfeeding.
• No routine kidney adjustment is generally required because systemic absorption is minimal. No routine liver-specific adjustment is generally required.
• It isn't known whether drinking alcohol affects this medicine. Econazole cream does not normally affect driving.

Storage

• Store Econazole Nitrate 1% Cream below 86°F (30°C)
• Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children
• Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom)
• Dispose of unneeded medication through a medicine take-back program rather than flushing it down the toilet

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the medicine and get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, wheezing, a racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat, trouble swallowing, hives, dizziness, or fainting.
• Check with your doctor right away if you develop a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, redness, or irritation on the skin.
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or go to an emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• Clotrimazole cream
• Miconazole cream
• Ketoconazole cream