econazole nitrate at a glance
Medicine class
Imidazole antifungal
Forms covered
Cream for external skin use and a pessary for vaginal use
Licensed roles
Fungal skin infections, pityriasis versicolor and vaginal candidiasis
Contraception
The vaginal product may damage latex condoms or diaphragms and reduce the effectiveness of spermicidal contraception
What is econazole nitrate used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for:
Skin candidiasis caused by susceptible yeasts
Dermatophyte skin infections
Pityriasis versicolor
Vaginitis caused by Candida albicans or other susceptible yeasts
How does econazole nitrate work?
Econazole disrupts fungal cell membranes, making them abnormally permeable and interfering with essential cell processes. This inhibits or kills susceptible dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds.
econazole nitrate preparations and strengths
Cream
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1%
Pessary
Route: Vaginal
Strengths: 150 mg
How to take econazole nitrate
Use only the formulation and route prescribed or supplied. Rub the skin cream gently into clean, dry affected skin and keep it away from the eyes and mouth. Wash your hands before inserting the vaginal pessary; place it high in the vagina using the supplied applicator, then dispose of the applicator safely. Neither formulation should be swallowed.
Cream: external skin use only.
Pessary: vaginal use only.
After accidental cream contact, rinse the eyes with clean water or saline and seek advice if symptoms persist.
Do not combine the pessary with other internal or external genital treatments unless advised by a clinician.
econazole nitrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Itching
- Burning at the application site
- Pain with the skin cream
Get urgent medical advice
- Facial or throat swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, or hives
- Severe irritation or marked redness
- Blistering or peeling skin
econazole nitrate in pregnancy
Seek advice from a GP, midwife, pharmacist or prescriber before treatment. The selected skin cream is not recommended during pregnancy, while the vaginal pessary should be used only when a practitioner considers it necessary.
econazole nitrate while breastfeeding
Discuss treatment with a prescriber or pharmacist. Caution is advised with the vaginal pessary. For the skin cream, the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment should be weighed together; if used, do not apply it to the nipple or surrounding area.
econazole nitrate interactions
Systemic absorption is limited, but clinically important local or anticoagulant interactions can occur.
Warfarin or acenocoumarol
Econazole may increase the anticoagulant effect, so closer monitoring and possible anticoagulant adjustment may be required during and after use.
Latex condoms or contraceptive diaphragms
The vaginal pessary may damage latex and make barrier contraception unreliable.
Spermicidal contraceptives
Local vaginal treatment may inactivate the spermicide; discuss an alternative contraceptive approach.
Common questions about econazole nitrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What infections does econazole nitrate treat?
The selected UK products treat susceptible fungal skin infections, including candidiasis, dermatophytosis and pityriasis versicolor, or vaginal candidiasis caused by yeasts.
Is econazole nitrate an antifungal?
Yes. It is an imidazole antifungal that disrupts fungal cell membranes.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.