tioconazole at a glance
Medicine class
Topical imidazole antifungal
Main use
Susceptible fungal and bacterial nail infections
Application
Brush a thin film over the affected nail and immediately surrounding skin, following the product instructions.
Important precaution
Keep away from the eyes, heat and flames.
What is tioconazole used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for topical treatment of nail infections caused by susceptible organisms.
Nail infection caused by dermatophyte fungi.
Nail infection caused by susceptible yeasts.
Susceptible bacterial nail infection.
How does tioconazole work?
Tioconazole interferes with fungal sterol production, disrupting the fungal cell membrane and inhibiting or killing susceptible fungi. It also acts against some Gram-positive bacteria.
How to take tioconazole
This product is for use on nails and nearby skin, not in the eyes or mouth.
Use the supplied brush to spread a thin film over the whole affected nail and immediately surrounding skin.
Allow the film to dry and leave it intact for as long as practical.
Avoid soapy water or detergent immediately afterwards because these can remove the film. Gloves can protect treated fingernails during washing.
Close the bottle securely and keep it away from heat or flames.
tioconazole side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local irritation, which is often mild and short-lived early in treatment.
- Swelling of the hands or feet.
- Rash or dermatitis may occur less commonly.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop treatment and seek medical advice for hives, marked itching, blistering, peeling or swelling around the eyes.
- Call 999 for facial, mouth or throat swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing.
tioconazole in pregnancy
Selected UK nail products are contraindicated throughout pregnancy because human safety evidence is insufficient and treatment may be prolonged, despite negligible absorption after topical use. Stop using the product and contact a prescriber if pregnancy occurs.
tioconazole while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether tioconazole passes into human milk. The selected product information advises temporarily stopping breastfeeding during treatment. Discuss alternatives and feeding plans with a prescriber before use.
tioconazole interactions
No medicine interactions are known for the selected topical nail products. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other products used on the same nail because local compatibility has not been established.
Common questions about tioconazole
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is tioconazole used for on nails?
Selected UK products treat nail infections caused by susceptible dermatophytes, yeasts and bacteria.
Can children use tioconazole nail treatment?
Selected product information permits use in children, but fungal nail infection is uncommon in younger people. A pharmacist or clinician should confirm the diagnosis and suitability.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.