Mentax (Topical)

Butenafine topical is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, including tinea (pityriasis) versicolor caused by M. furfur. It works by killing the fungus or stopping it from growing.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is important for your doctor to monitor your progress during regular visits to ensure that the medicine is effective and to check for any issues or side effects.

If your skin condition does not improve within 2 weeks, or if it worsens, consult your doctor.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a skin rash, blistering, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will need to consider the risks and benefits. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There have not been appropriate studies on how butenafine topical affects children younger than 12 years. Safety and effectiveness have not been proven for this age group.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how butenafine topical affects older adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Weakened immune system—Use with caution. This medicine has not been studied in patients with this condition.

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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin where the medicine is applied
• Itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied

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.

In the U.S.

• Mentax

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Chemical Class: Butenafine

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation. Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use:

• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
• Apply a thin layer of medicine to cover the affected skin and surrounding areas, and rub in gently.
• Do not cover the treated area with an occlusive dressing (airtight covering including plastic wrap or bandage) unless your doctor has told you to.

To help clear up your skin infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

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 topical dosage form (cream): For fungus infections of the skin: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day for 2 weeks. Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply 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.

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.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.