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ECONAZOLE NITRATE

Medical Diagnosis and Drugs, Medications
ECONAZOLE NITRATE
(e-kone'a-zole)
Ecostatin , Spectazole
Classifications: antibiotic; azole antifungal;
Therapeutic: azole antifungal
Prototype: Fluconazole
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

1% cream

Action

Azole antifungal antibiotic with broad spectrum of activity similar to that of miconazole. It disrupts normal fungal cell membrane permeability.

Therapeutic Effect

Active against dermatophytes, yeasts, and many other fungi. Also appears to be active against some gram-positive bacteria.

Uses

Topically for treatment of tinea pedis (athlete's foot or ringworm of foot), tinea cruris ("jock itch" or ringworm of groin), tinea corporis (ringworm of body), tinea versicolor, and cutaneous candidiasis (moniliasis).

Unlabeled Uses

Has been used for topical treatment of erythrasma and with corticosteroids for fungal or bacterial dermatoses associated with inflammation.

Contraindications

Pregnancy (category C), infants <3 mo old.

Cautious Use

Lactation

Route & Dosage

Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Pedis, Cutaneous Candidiasis
Adult/Child: Topical Apply sufficient amount to affected areas twice daily, morning and evening

Tinea Versicolor
Adult: Topical Apply sufficient amount to affected areas once daily

Administration

Topical
  • Cleanse skin with soap and water and dry thoroughly before applying medication (unless otherwise directed by physician). Wash hands thoroughly before and after treatments.
  • Do not use occlusive dressings unless prescribed by physician.
  • Store at less than 30° C (86° F) unless otherwise directed.

Adverse Effects (≥1%)

Skin: Burning, stinging sensation, pruritus, erythema.

Interactions

Drug: No clinically significant interactions established.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal percutaneous absorption through intact skin; increased absorption from denuded skin. Peak: 0.5–5 h. Elimination: <1% of applied dose is eliminated in urine and feces.

Nursing Implications

Patient & Family Education

  • Use medication for the prescribed time even if symptoms improve and report to physician skin reactions suggestive of irritation or sensitization.
  • Notify physician if full course of therapy does not result in improvement. Diagnosis should be reevaluated.
  • Do not to apply the topical cream in or near the eyes or intravaginally.

Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug

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