bifonazole at a glance
Medicine class
Topical imidazole antifungal
Licensed use
Athlete’s foot
Availability
The selected product is a General Sales List medicine
What is bifonazole used for?
The selected UK product is licensed only for:
Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin of the feet
How does bifonazole work?
Bifonazole blocks fungal production of ergosterol at two stages. This disrupts the fungal cell membrane and prevents the fungi from functioning normally.
bifonazole preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1% w/w
How to take bifonazole
This cream is for external skin use only.
Wash and thoroughly dry the affected feet, especially between the toes.
Spread a thin layer over the affected skin and rub it in gently.
Wash your hands afterwards to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Keep it away from the eyes and mouth. Do not use it vaginally.
bifonazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reported local reactions include burning, itching, redness, pain, irritation, dryness, rash or soft and soggy skin; their frequency cannot be estimated.
- Other reported effects include swelling, contact dermatitis, eczema, hives, blisters or peeling skin.
Get urgent medical advice
- Very rarely, a systemic hypersensitivity reaction may occur. Breathing difficulty or substantial facial, mouth or throat swelling requires emergency help.
bifonazole in pregnancy
Clinical pregnancy data are unavailable. Topical absorption is low, but the UK product information advises use only after a doctor has assessed the expected benefit and possible fetal risk.
bifonazole while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether topically applied bifonazole enters human milk. A clinician should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment. Do not apply it to the chest while breastfeeding.
bifonazole interactions
Few interactions are documented for topical bifonazole, but one clinically relevant possibility is recognised.
Warfarin
Topical bifonazole may increase the INR. Closer monitoring may be needed, particularly with occlusion or use over large, broken or inflamed areas.
Common questions about bifonazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is bifonazole a steroid?
No. It is an imidazole antifungal and does not contain a corticosteroid.
What is bifonazole licensed to treat in the UK?
The selected UK cream is licensed for athlete’s foot.
Can it treat fungal nail infection or vaginal thrush?
No. The selected cream is not for nail infections or vaginal use.
Does bifonazole interact with warfarin?
It may increase the INR, so closer monitoring may be needed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.