mye-KON-a-zole

Therapeutic Classification: antifungals (topical)

• Treatment of a variety of cutaneous fungal infections, including tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm).

• Affects the synthesis of the fungal cell wall, allowing leakage of cellular contents.

• Decrease in symptoms of fungal infection.

Absorption: Absorption through intact skin is minimal.

Distribution: Distribution after topical administration is primarily local.

Metabolism/Excretion: Systemic metabolism and excretion not known following local application.

Half-life: Not applicable.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity to active ingredients, additives, preservatives, or bases
• Some products contain alcohol or bisulfites and should be avoided in patients with known intolerance.

Use Cautiously in:

• Nail and scalp infections (may require additional systemic therapy)
• OB: Lactation: Safety not established.

Local: burning, itching, local hypersensitivity reactions, redness, stinging.

Drug-Drug:

• Not known.

• Topical (Adults and Children > 2 yr): Apply twice daily. Treat patients with tinea cruris for 2 wk and patients with tinea pedis or tinea corporis for 4 wk.

(Generic available)

• Cream: 2%^{Rx, OTC};
• Lotion powder: 2%^OTC;
• Ointment: 2%^OTC;
• Powder: 2%^OTC;
• Solution: 2%^OTC;
• Spray liquid: 2%^OTC;
• Spray powder: 2%^OTC;
• Tincture: 2%^OTC;
• In combination with: zinc oxide (Vusion)^RxAppendix [not included in this PDA edition].

• Inspect involved areas of skin and mucous membranes before and frequently during therapy. Increased skin irritation may indicate need to discontinue medication.

• Consult health care professional for proper cleansing technique before applying medication.
  • Ointments, creams, and liquids are used as primary therapy. Lotion is usually preferred in intertriginous areas; if cream is used, apply sparingly to avoid maceration. Powders are usually used as adjunctive therapy but may be used as primary therapy for mild conditions.
• Topical: Apply small amount to cover affected area completely. Avoid the use of occlusive wrappings or dressings unless directed by health care professional.

• Instruct patient to apply medication as directed for full course of therapy, even if feeling better. Emphasize the importance of avoiding the eyes.
• Caution patient that some products may stain fabric, skin, or hair. Check label information. Fabrics stained from cream or lotion can usually be cleaned by handwashing with soap and warm water; stains from ointments can usually be removed with standard cleaning fluids.
• Patients with athlete’s foot should be taught to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes, to wash affected areas thoroughly, and to change shoes and socks at least once a day.
• Advise patient to report increased skin irritation or lack of response to therapy to health care professional.

• Decrease in skin irritation and resolution of infection. Early relief of symptoms may be seen in 2–3 days. For tinea cruris and tinea corporis, 2 wk are needed, and for tinea pedis, therapeutic response may take 3–4 wk. Recurrent fungal infections may be a sign of systemic illness.

Fungoid, Lotrimin AF, Micatin, Zeasorb-AF

Micozole