A topical antifungal
Econazole
A topical antifungal used for fungal skin infections and vaginal thrush.
What is Econazole?
Econazole is an antifungal used on the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, and as a vaginal preparation for thrush. It works by stopping fungi and yeasts from growing. The vaginal preparation can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so extra care with contraception is needed.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Econazole — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Econazole is an azole antifungal that is applied to the skin or used as a vaginal preparation rather than taken by mouth. As a cream it treats fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and other yeast or fungal rashes. As a vaginal cream or pessary it is used to treat vaginal thrush. It acts directly where it is applied, so little enters the rest of the body.
How it works
Econazole damages the cell membrane of fungi and yeasts by blocking an enzyme they need to build it. Without an intact membrane the fungus cannot survive, so the infection clears. Because it is applied directly to the skin or used vaginally, the antifungal effect is concentrated where it is needed with little absorbed into the body.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Originally developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica..
Econazole is an azole antifungal used on the skin. In the UK it is used as a cream for fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, and as a vaginal preparation for thrush.
Practical use
How to take Econazole
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- For skin infections, apply a thin layer to the affected area and a little way around it, as directed.
- Continue the full course, and often for a short time after the skin looks better, to prevent the infection returning.
- For vaginal thrush, use the cream or pessary at night as directed.
- Remember that vaginal preparations can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, so use extra contraceptive care.
- Wash your hands after applying it, and avoid getting it in your eyes.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Econazole
Advantages
- It is effective against a wide range of fungal and yeast skin infections.
- Applied directly, very little is absorbed into the body.
- It treats both skin infections and vaginal thrush in their respective forms.
Disadvantages
- The vaginal preparations can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms.
- It only treats the area it is applied to, not deeper or widespread infections.
- Fungal infections can return if the full course is not completed.
Practical use
Good to know
It is important to complete the full course of econazole even if the rash or symptoms settle quickly, because fungal infections can return if treatment is stopped too early. An important practical point: the vaginal cream and pessaries can damage latex, so they can weaken condoms and diaphragms and make them less reliable; use extra precautions if you need contraception during treatment. Wash your hands after applying the cream, and continue for as long as directed.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to econazole or other azole antifungals.
- People relying on latex condoms or diaphragms should be aware the vaginal forms can weaken them.
- Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Monitoring
- No routine monitoring is needed for topical or vaginal courses.
- The infection should improve over the course — seek advice if it does not.
Side effects
- Mild stinging, itching, burning or redness where it is applied.
- Local irritation with the vaginal preparations in some people.
- Rarely, an allergic skin reaction.
Key interactions
- Few interactions, as very little is absorbed into the body.
- The vaginal forms can damage latex, weakening condoms and diaphragms.
- Tell your pharmacist about other skin or vaginal products you are using.
Available as: cream, vaginal cream and pessaries
Answers
Econazole: frequently asked questions
What is econazole used for?
It is a topical antifungal used for fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, and as a vaginal preparation for thrush.
Can it affect condoms?
Yes. The vaginal cream and pessaries can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms, making them less reliable. Use extra contraceptive precautions during treatment.
How long should I use it for?
Use it for the full course you have been given, and often for a short time after the skin looks better, so the infection does not return.
Where can I apply the skin cream?
Apply a thin layer to the affected area and a little way around it. Wash your hands afterwards and avoid getting it in your eyes.
What if it does not work?
If the infection has not improved by the end of the course, or gets worse, go back to your GP or pharmacist for advice.
The wider class
About Topical antifungals
Econazole belongs to the topical antifungals class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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