ECONAZOLE (Topical)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Spectazole

In Canada?

• Ecostatin

Category

• Antifungal, topical

Description

Econazole (e-KONE-a-zole) belongs to the familyof medicines called antifungals, which are used to treat infections causedby a fungus. They work by killing the fungus or preventing its growth.

Econazole cream is applied to the skin to treat fungus infections. Theseinclude:

• 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 followingdosage 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, thefollowing should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to econazole. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy?Topical econazole has not been studied in pregnantwomen. Oral econazole has not been shown to cause birth defects in animalstudies; however, it has been shown to cause other problems. Before usingthis medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you maybecome pregnant.

Breast-feeding?It is not known whether topical econazole passesinto the breast milk. However, econazole, when given by mouth, does pass intothe milk of rats and has caused problems in the young. Although most medicinespass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely whilebreast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feedshould discuss this with their doctor.

Children?Although there is no specific information comparinguse of this medicine in children with use in other age groups, this medicineis not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children thanit does in adults.

Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of econazole in the elderly with use in other age groups, thismedicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in olderpeople than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (overthe counter [OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Apply enougheconazole to cover the affected and surrounding skin areas, and massage ingently.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes.

When econazole is used to treat certain types of fungus infections of theskin, an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap)should not be applied over the medicine. To doso may cause irritation of the skin. Do not apply anairtight covering over this medicine unless you have been directed to do soby your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, it isvery 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 fungusinfections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using thismedicine every day for several weeks or more. If you stop using this medicinetoo soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing?The dose of topical econazole will be differentfor different patients. Follow your doctor's orders orthe directions on the label. The following information includes onlythe average dose of topical econazole. If your dose isdifferent, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical dosage form (cream):
  • For fungus infections:
    • Adults and children?Apply to the affected skin and surroundingareas, one or two times a day, for two to four weeks. If you have to use thecream two times a day, apply it in the morning and evening.

Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it assoon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip themissed 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 surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If yourskin 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 helpmake sure it does not return, good health habits are also required.

• For patients using econazole for ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris;jock itch):
  • Avoid wearing underwear that is tight-fitting or made from syntheticmaterials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cottonunderwear.
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or anantifungal powder (for example, tolnaftate) on the skin. It is best not touse econazole cream or any other antifungal cream at the same time that youuse the powder.

These measures will help reduce chafing and irritation and will also helpkeep the groin area cool and dry.

• For patients using econazole for ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis;athlete's foot):
  • Carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing.
  • Avoid wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials (for example,rayon or nylon). Instead, wear clean, cotton socks and change them daily ormore often if the feet sweat freely.
  • Wear well-ventilated shoes (for example, shoes with holes) or sandals.
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or anantifungal 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 econazolecream 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 sideeffects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:

Less common

Rare

Otherside effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you noticeany other effects, check with your doctor.