Topical antifungal preparations

Topical antifungal preparations

Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland

If you are prescribed a topical antifungal it may be one of the following (list not complete):

Cream / Ointments

• Ciclopiroxolamine
• Econazole
• Miconazole
• Clotrimazole
• Ketoconazole
• Nystatin
• Terbinafine

Liquids

• Amorolfine
• Ciclopiroxolamine
• Econazole
• Tolciclate
• Castellani’s
• Clotrimazole
• Selenium Sulphide

Powders

• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Econazole
• Tolciclate

Pessaries / Vaginal tablets

• Clotrimazole
• Isoconazole
• Tioconazole
• Econazole
• Nystatin

Shampoos

• Ketoconazole

What are antifungals used for?

Antifungals are used to treat infections caused by fungus. These organisms can infect the skin, scalp, fingernails, toenails, vagina and the intestinal tract. This medicine has been prescribed for your current skin condition only and should not be given to other people or used for other problems.

How should I use topical antifungals?

• Topical antifungals are available as creams, ointments, powders, liquids, shampoos and pessaries. Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
• For effective treatment, complete the full course of treatment. Except for vaginal tablets, continue the treatment for at least one week after the symptoms disappear. Failure to do so could cause the infection to return.
• Drugs for fungal infections of the vagina are usually vaginal creams, vaginal tablets or pessaries.

Creams and Ointments

These are used to treat fungal infections of the skin. Clean the skin before applying this medicine. Apply a thin layer to completely cover the affected area and rub it gently in a circular motion until the medication disappears. Apply once or twice daily unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Powders

• Powders are meant for dusting between toes or the groin. Dust the affected areas with the antifungal powder once or twice daily. Use the powder in between the times you use the antifungal cream.
• If you have fungal infection of the feet, it is important to dry the feet (especially between the toes) well after washing.

Liquids

Paint the affected areas and allow to dry completely. Use once or twice daily.

• Nail LacquerPaint on affected finger or toe nails once or twice weekly. Apply the medicine as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist
• For body treatmentFor treatment, apply undiluted to affected areas. Leave for 15 minutes or as instructed by the doctor. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat daily for 1 week or as directed by your doctor. For prevention, use once a week.
• Shampoos for scalp treatmentApply shampoo to wet hair, lather and leave on scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat. Use twice weekly at first, then as necessary or as directed by your doctor.
• Selenium Sulphide:It is important to rinse hair thoroughly after shampooing. Incomplete rinsing may cause grey/white hair to become discolored yellow / orange. Allow at least 48 hours between tinting hair and treatment with this medication.

Pessaries / Vaginal Tablets

• This is not meant to be taken by mouth.
• Refer to the prescription label for the correct instructions

Vaginal Creams

• Use this medicine as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Apply as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed dose. Do not apply more of it to make up for the missed dose.

What other effects may topical antifungals cause?

• Inform your doctor if your skin condition gets worse or if there is redness, itch, stinging or irritation at the site of application.
• Burning & irritation (with vaginal tablets and creams). If these effects are severe, contact your doctor.

What precautions should I take?

• Avoid contact with your eyes
• Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to any topical preparations
• Women who are pregnant or intending to conceive should inform the doctor before using vaginal creams or pessaries.
• Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve.

When in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Contributors

Dr Christophe Hsu – dermatologist. Geneva, Switzerland

National Skin Centre. Singapore

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