Drug information of Econazole

Mechanism of effect

Econazole interacts with 14-α demethylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme necessary to convert lanosterol to ergosterol. As ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, inhibition of its synthesis results in increased cellular permeability causing leakage of cellular contents.

Econazole may also inhibit endogenous respiration, interact with membrane phospholipids, inhibit the transformation of yeasts to mycelial forms, inhibit purine uptake, and impair triglyceride and/or phospholipid biosynthesis.

Pharmacodynamic

Econazole prevents fungal organisms from producing vital substances required for growth and function. This medication is effective only for infections caused by fungal organisms. It will not work for bacterial or viral infections.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorbed: minimal
• Peak Plasma: <1 ng/mL (applied to intact skin)
• Metabolism: Hepatic.
• Excretion: urine & feces (<1%)

Drug indications

Cutaneous Candidiasis , treatment of tineapedis , tineacruris , tineacorporus

Dosage

Adult

Tinea Fungal Infections & Cutaneous Candidiasis

Tinea pedis, cruris, corporis, versicolor: Apply cream to affected area(s) qDay

Cutaneous candidiasis: Apply cream to affected area(s) BID

Treatment duration

• Tinea cruris, corporis, versicolor, cutaneous candidiasis: Apply x 2 weeks
• Tinea pedis: Apply x4 weeks

Pediatric

Tinea Fungal Infections & Cutaneous Candidiasis

<3 months: Safety and efficacy not established

Tinea pedis, cruris, corporis, versicolor: Apply cream to affected area(s) qDay

Cutaneous candidiasis: Apply cream to affected area(s) BID

Treatment duration

• Tinea cruris, corporis, versicolor, cutaneous candidiasis: Apply x 2 weeks
• Tinea pedis: Apply x4 weeks

Drug contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Side effects

redness

Interactions

Warfarin , Dicoumarol

Points of recommendation

• Do not take econazole cream by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
• Use as you have been told, even if your signs get better.
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) unless told to do so by the doctor.

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Pregnancy level

C

Related drugs

Clotrimazole , Terbinafine , Nystatin , Ketoconazole , miconazol , Ciclopirox , Oxiconazole , Luliconazole , Sulconazole , Tolnaftate , Butenafine