Description
Oxiconazole is used to treat infections caused by a fungus. It works by killing the fungus or preventing its growth.
Oxiconazole is applied to the skin to treat:
- ringworm of the body (tinea corporis);
- ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis; athlete's foot); and
- ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch).
- ringworm of the trunk (tinea [pityriasis] versicolor)
Oxiconazole is available only with your doctor's prescription.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Cream
- Lotion
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Oxiconazole cream has been tested in children and, in effective doses, has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults. However, ringworm rarely occurs in children below the age of 12.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of topical oxiconazole in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Proper Use
Apply enough oxiconazole to cover the affected and surrounding skin areas and rub in gently.
Keep this medicine away from the eyes, nose, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Also, do not use it in the vagina. Wash hands after application to affected areas.
To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using oxiconazole for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Since fungus infections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using this medicine every day for several weeks or more. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses .
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For cream or lotion dosage form:
- For ringworm of the body or groin:
- Adults and children—Use 1 or 2 times a day for at least 2 weeks.
- For athlete's foot:
- Adults and children—Use 1 or 2 times a day for at least 4 weeks.
- For ringworm of the trunk:
- Adults and children—Use once a day for at least 2 weeks.
- For ringworm of the body or groin:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Precautions
If your skin problem does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, good health habits are also required. The following measures will help reduce chafing and irritation and will also help keep the area cool and dry.
- For patient using oxiconazole for ringworm of the groin:
- Avoid wearing underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
- Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or an antifungal powder on the skin. It is best to use the powder between the times you use oxiconazole.
- For patients using oxiconazole for ringworm of the 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 or more often if the feet sweat a lot.
- Wear sandals or other well-ventilated shoes.
- Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or an antifungal powder between the toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes 1 or 2 times a day. It is best to use the powder between the times you use oxiconazole.
If you have any questions about these measures, check with your health care professional.
Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
- Burning
- itching
Rare
- Blistering, crusting, dryness, or flaking of skin
- scaling
- severe redness, soreness, or swelling of skin
- burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas
- pus at root of hair
- skin irritation
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common or rare
- Pain
- skin rash
- tingling
- stinging
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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