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Econazole

Author: Alexey Portnov, family doctor
Date created: 19.01.2017
Last reviewed: 18.09.2025

Econazole is an antifungal agent used for external skin treatment.

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ATC classification

D01AC03 Econazole

Indications Econazole

It is indicated for the treatment of dermatomycosis on the feet, as well as smooth skin, as well as versicolor lichen, cutaneous candidiasis, nail infections and mycoses.

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Release form

It is produced in gel form in 15 g tubes. One pack contains 1 tube of gel.

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Pharmacodynamics

Econazole is an antifungal agent belonging to the group of imidazole derivatives. It has a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal effects.

The drug acts by inhibiting the processes of ergosterol biosynthesis, as well as changing the lipid structure of fungal membranes. It has a bactericidal and fungicidal effect. It actively affects dermatophytes (such as Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum), yeast (Candida, Pityrosporum spp., Malassezia furfur, and Rhodotorula spp.), mold fungi (Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Cladosporium spp.), and at the same time, individual gram-positive microbes (Strepto- and Staphylococci, as well as Nocardia minutissima).

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Pharmacokinetics

After application to the skin, the absorption of the substance is quite weak. The active ingredient accumulates in the skin and epidermal layer. The medicinal effect develops after 3 days of therapy.

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Dosing and administration

The gel is used externally - the skin should be treated 1-2 times a day - a thin layer in the affected area, rubbing the medicine in a little. The duration of therapy is usually about 2-4 weeks.

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Use Econazole during pregnancy

There have been no tests regarding the use of the gel during pregnancy. Since systemic absorption of the drug is observed, it is not recommended to prescribe it to pregnant women.

There is no information on whether econazole nitrate passes into breast milk, so it is allowed to use it during lactation only if the possible benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of side effects to the fetus. Applying the gel to areas around the nipples and the nipples themselves is prohibited.

Contraindications

Contraindications include: age under 16 years, and in addition, intolerance to imidazole derivatives, as well as other components of the drug.

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Side effects Econazole

The use of the gel may cause the following side effects: hypersensitivity, urticaria, contact dermatitis, skin rashes, as well as blisters, dryness, hyperemia and irritation of the skin. Also itching and burning, as well as tingling and pain, Quincke's edema, skin atrophy, hypopigmentation and exfoliative changes in the skin.

Interactions with other drugs

Systemic exposure to econazole inhibits the CYP3A/2C29 enzyme, but since the drug is poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation, the potential for significant clinical interactions is extremely low.

Patients taking oral anticoagulants (acenocoumarol or warfarin) need to closely monitor their blood clotting parameters.

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Storage conditions

Store in the original tube under standard conditions for medicinal products, in a place inaccessible to small children. Temperature – no more than 25 0 C.

Shelf life

Econazole is suitable for use for 2 years from the date of manufacture of the gel.

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