Sulconazole (Topical)

Sulconazole is used to treat infections caused by a fungus. It works by killing the fungus or stopping its growth.

Sulconazole is applied to the skin to treat the following:

• ringworm of the body (tinea corporis);
• ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis; athlete's foot);
• ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch);
• "sun fungus" (tinea versicolor; pityriasis versicolor).

Sulconazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Topical sulconazole is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your skin problem does not improve within 4 to 6 weeks or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, good health habits are also required. The following measures will help reduce chaffing and irritation and will also help keep the area cool and dry:

• For patients using sulconazole for ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch): Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear or underwear made from synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
• For patients using sulconazole for ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis; athlete's foot): Carefully dry your feet, especially between the toes, after bathing. Avoid wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials (for example, 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.
• For patients using sulconazole for ringworm of the body (tinea corporis): Carefully dry yourself after bathing. Avoid excessive heat and humidity if possible. Wear well-ventilated, loose-fitting clothing.

If you have any questions about these measures, check with your health care professional.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of taking the medicine compared to the benefits it will provide. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care 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

Studies on this medicine have only been conducted in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of sulconazole in children to its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. While there is no specific information comparing the use of topical sulconazole in elderly patients to other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In such situations, your doctor may adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Burning or stinging, itching, redness of the skin, or other signs of irritation not present before use of this medicine

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.

• Exelderm

In Canada

• Sulcosyn

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution
• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Chemical Class: Imidazole

Apply enough sulconazole to cover the affected and surrounding skin areas, and rub in gently.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes.

When sulconazole is used to treat certain types of fungus infections of the skin, occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) should not be applied over the medicine. To do so may irritate the skin. Do not apply an airtight covering over this medicine unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using sulconazole 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 topical cream dosage form: For ringworm of the body or ringworm of the groin or ``sun fungus'': Adults—Use one or two times a day for at least three weeks. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For athlete's foot: Adults—Use two times a day for at least four weeks. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For topical solution dosage form: For ringworm of the body or ringworm of the groin or ``sun fungus'': Adults—Use one or two times a day for at least three weeks. Children—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.