Econazole is a prescription medication that treats various fungal infections on the skin. It causes very few side effects for most people. In addition to a cream, it's available as a foam for people 12 years and older. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to treat your infection, depending on where it's located on your body.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) - cream and foam
Jock itch (tinea cruris) - cream only
Ringworm (tinea corporis) - cream only
Skin yeast infection caused by Candida - cream only
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin) - cream only
Econazole is a topical (on the skin) antifungal medication. It stops the fungus from building a protective covering, so that it can't grow and reproduce.
Source: DailyMed
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
Burning, itching, stinging, redness, or other sign of irritation at the application site
rash
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.
Treats various common fungal skin infections
Applied once daily for most infections
Very low risk for serious side effects
The econazole cream is available as a lower-cost generic
Must be applied for 2-4 weeks
Foam is only approved for treatment of athlete's foot
Requires a prescription
Can cause skin irritation
Before applying econazole, wash the affected area(s) thoroughly and let it dry fully.
Wash your hands with soap and water after using econazole to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are the areas being treated. If econazole gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
Let your provider know if your symptoms don't improve after the recommended treatment time with econazole. You might need a different antifungal medication, or it might mean that your skin condition is due to something else.
If you're taking warfarin (Coumadin), it's possible that applying econazole can raise your risk of bleeding. This is more likely to happen if you apply econazole on large areas of the body or around the genital area, or if you cover the medicated areas with bandages or tight dressings so that more medication absorbs into the body. If you're taking both medications at the same time, your provider might monitor your econazole (INR) more often during treatment with econazole.
Tips for using the foam (Ecoza):
Store the canister at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, or flames.
Before using, shake the canister for about 5 seconds, then turn it upside down and press the actuator to release medication into the palm of your hand. You'll want a small amount of foam, about the size of a golf ball.
Use your fingers to scoop up the foam and apply it to your toes, the space between your toes, and surrounding areas, and rub it in gently and thoroughly.
Econazole can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Only use econazole on the skin. Don't use this medication in the eye or vagina because this can lead to side effects.
Skin reactions from econazole are uncommon, but can include burning, itching, stinging, redness, or signs of allergic reaction such as rash. If this happens, stop using the medication and contact your provider.
The foam version of econazole is flammable and can catch on fire. Avoid open flames and smoking while you're applying the medication. Once the medication has been rubbed in the skin and dried, this is no longer a concern. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Never puncture the can, throw it into a fire, or store it in high heat, even if you think it's empty.
Athlete's foot: Apply to the affected area(s) once daily for 4 weeks.
Jock itch, ringworm, and tinea versicolor: Apply to the affected area(s) once daily for 2 weeks.
Candida skin infections: Apply to the affected area(s) twice daily (in the morning and evening) for 2 weeks.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) - cream and foam
Jock itch (tinea cruris) - cream only
Ringworm (tinea corporis) - cream only
Skin yeast infection caused by Candida - cream only
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin) - cream only
Treatment of fungal skin infections (yeast infection)
Jock itch
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Exeltis USA Dermatology, LLC. (2022). ECOZA- econazole nitrate aerosol, foam [package insert].
Rodrigues, M. L. (2018). The multifunctional fungal ergosterol. mBio.
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