Sertaconazole Topical

Sertaconazole is used to treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot; fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes). Sertaconazole is in a class of medications called imidazoles. It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection.

Sertaconazole comes as a cream to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day for 4 weeks. Use sertaconazole cream at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use sertaconazole exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your symptoms should improve in the first two weeks of your treatment. Continue to use sertaconazole cream even if your condition improves. If you stop using sertaconazole cream too soon, your infection may not be completely cured and your symptoms may return. If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Sertaconazole cream is only for use on the skin. Keep sertaconazole cream away from your eyes, nostils, mouth, lips, vagina, and rectal area and do not swallow the medication.

If you clean the affected area, allow it to dry, and then gently rub the cream into the skin. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying sertaconazole cream. Do not use any bandages, dressings, or wraps unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Sertaconazole cream may be used to treat tinea corporis (ringworm; fungal skin infection that causes a red scaly rash on different parts of the body), tinea cruris (jock itch; fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks), tinea versicolor (fungal infection that causes brown or light colored spots on the chest, back, arms, legs, or neck), and tinea manuum (fungal infection on the hands). Sertaconazole cream may also be used to treat yeast infections of the skin. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using sertaconazole cream,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sertaconazole, any other antifungal medications such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), or miconazole (Desenex, Lotrimin AF); any of its ingredients, or any other medications.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical condition.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using sertaconazole cream, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.

• Sertaconazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • irritation, itching, burning or stinging in the place where you applied the medication

  • dry skin

• Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • redness, tenderness, swelling, pain, or warmth in the place where you applied the medication

  • blistering or oozing in the place where you applied the medication

• Sertaconazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish sertaconazole cream, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.