Fungitac

Indications

Sertaconazole Nitrate is an antifungal medicine applied to the skin. The cream is used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), jock itch in the groin (tinea cruris), skin yeast infections (cutaneous candidiasis) and pityriasis versicolor (patchy light or dark skin caused by a yeast). Some products are made for vaginal yeast infections and are used only as directed.

How It Works

Sertaconazole belongs to the azole group of antifungals. It stops fungi from making ergosterol, a key building block of their cell membrane, so the fungus cannot grow. At higher concentrations it also damages the fungal membrane directly, helping to kill the fungus. It also has a mild soothing effect on itching.

Dosage and Administration

For skin infections in adults and children over 12 years: wash and dry the affected area well, then apply a thin layer of 2% cream to the affected skin and a small margin of healthy skin around it, usually once or twice a day as directed. Treatment commonly lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Keep using it for the full course, even if the skin looks better, to stop the infection coming back. Wash your hands after use unless the hands are being treated. For vaginal products, follow the label or your doctor's instructions.

Interactions

Very little Sertaconazole is absorbed through the skin, so interactions with medicines taken by mouth are not expected. Avoid applying other creams, ointments or cosmetics to the same area at the same time unless your doctor advises. Vaginal products may weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Sertaconazole, other azole antifungals (such as Miconazole or Clotrimazole) or any ingredient of the cream.

Side Effects

Side effects are usually mild and limited to the treated skin: burning, stinging, redness, itching, dryness or peeling. These often settle as treatment continues.

Rarely, contact dermatitis (an allergic skin rash) with swelling or blisters can occur at the application site.

Stop using it and get urgent medical help if you develop a spreading rash, blistering, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Only a very small amount is absorbed through the skin, but there is limited information in pregnancy. Use it during pregnancy only if your doctor advises. During breastfeeding it can usually be used on small areas; do not apply it to the breast or nipple area unless told to, and wash off before feeding if you do.

Precautions and Warnings

For external use only. Do not apply to the eyes, mouth or inside the nose. Do not cover with tight dressings unless advised. Keep the area clean and dry, change socks and underwear daily, and do not share towels. If there is no improvement after 2 weeks, or the infection spreads, see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Not recommended for children under 12 years unless a doctor advises.

Overdose

Using too much on the skin is unlikely to cause serious harm but may increase irritation. If the cream is accidentally swallowed, contact a doctor or poison centre.

Therapeutic Class

Topical azole (imidazole) antifungal.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, with the cap tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze.