Econazole Nitrate

• Type of Drug: Antifungal.
• Prescribed for: Fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, and many other common infections.

General Information

This drug is similar to another antifungal agent, Miconazole Nitrate. However, unlike Miconazole Nitrate, Econazole Nitrate is available only as a cream for application to the skin. Very small amounts of Econazole Nitrate are absorbed into the bloodstream, but quite a bit of the drug penetrates to the middle and inner layers of the skin, where it can kill fungal organisms that may have penetrated to deeper layers.

Cautions and Warnings

Do not use Econazole Nitrate if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any other ingredient in this product. Do not apply Econazole Nitrate cream in or near your eyes.

This product is generally safe, but it belongs to a family of drugs known to cause liver damage. Therefore, long-term application of this product to large areas of skin might produce an adverse effect on the liver.

Possible Side Effects

• Most common: burning, itching, stinging, and redness in the areas to which the cream has been applied.

Drug and Food Interactions

None known.

Usual Dose

Apply enough of the cream to cover affected areas with a thin layer once or twice a day.

Overdosage

This cream should not be swallowed. If it is swallowed, the victim may be nauseated and have an upset stomach. Other possible effects are drowsiness arid liver inflammation and damage. Little is known about Econazole Nitrate overdose; call your local poison control center for more information.

Special Information

Clean the affected areas before applying Econazole Nitrate cream, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Call your doctor if the treated area burns, stings, or becomes red.

This product is quite effective and can be expected to relieve symptoms within a day or two after you begin using it. Follow your doctor’s directions for the complete 2- to 4-week course of treatment to gain maximum benefit from the product. Stopping it too soon may not completely eliminate the fungus and can lead to a relapse.

If you forget to take a dose of Econazole Nitrate, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply a double dose.

Special Populations

Pregnancy/Breast-feeding
When given by mouth to pregnant animals in doses 10 to 40 times the amount normally applied to the skin, Econazole Nitrate was found to be toxic to the developing fetus. It should be strictly avoided during the first 3 months of pregnancy. During the last 6 months of pregnancy, it should be used only if absolutely necessary.

It is not known if Econazole Nitrate passes into human breast milk. Animal studies show passage of the drug and its breakdown products into breast milk. Nursing mothers should be cautious about using this medicine.

Seniors
Seniors may take this drug without special restriction.