DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Sertaconazole

March 21, 2017

Sertaconazole Nitrate Topical cream

What is this medicine?

SERTACONAZOLE (ser ta KON na zole) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • immune system problems (such as recent chemotherapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or organ transplant)

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to sertaconazole, other azole antifungals such as fluconazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin layer of cream to cover the affected skin and surrounding area. Do not use a bandage to cover the treated area unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or health care professional. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using this medicine except on your the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 7 to 14 days. Athlete's foot takes about 4 weeks to clear completely. If your skin condition has not gotten better after 4 weeks, or if it returns when you stop using this medicine, see your doctor or health care professional. You may have a skin infection that does not respond to this medicine.

To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, it is important to have good health habits. If you are using this medicine for the treatment of athlete's foot, carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear clean cotton socks and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat frequently. Also, try to wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • skin rash

  • severe skin irritation, redness, burning, blistering, or itching

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry skin

  • itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert