Oxiconazole (Topical)

Oxiconazole is used to treat infections caused by a fungus. It works by killing the fungus or stopping it from growing.

Oxiconazole is applied to the skin to treat:

• ringworm of the body (tinea corporis);
• ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis; athlete's foot);
• ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch);
• ringworm of the trunk (tinea [pityriasis] versicolor).

Oxiconazole is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your skin problem does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or if it gets worse, check with your doctor.

To fully clear up your infection and help prevent it from coming back, you also need to follow good health habits. The following steps will help reduce chafing and irritation and keep the area cool and dry.

• For patients using oxiconazole for ringworm of the groin: Avoid tight-fitting underwear or underwear made from synthetic materials (like rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Use a bland, absorbent powder (like 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: Make sure to dry your feet well, especially between the toes, after bathing. Avoid socks made from wool or synthetic materials (like rayon or nylon). Instead, wear clean, cotton socks and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat a lot. Wear sandals or other well-ventilated shoes. Use a bland, absorbent powder (like 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 steps, check with your health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. This is a choice you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

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 if you have any other 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, at effective doses, has not shown different side effects or issues compared to adults. However, ringworm rarely occurs in children under the age of 12.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older people. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way in older adults as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the 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.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want 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 at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, you may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects happen:

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 the root of hair
• skin irritation

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, 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 happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care 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.

• Oxistat

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Lotion

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Chemical Class: Imidazole

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.

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.