Econazole Nitrate is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts. This medication is intended for people with fungal skin infections such as:

Tinea pedis

This usually begins between the toes and commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tightfitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of this condition include a scaly rash that usually causes stinging, itching, and burning. Tinea pedis is contagious and can spread via contaminated towels, floors, or clothing. Tinea pedis is also known as athlete’s foot and is closely related to other fungal infections such as jock itch and ringworm.

Ringworm infection

The lesion caused by this infection resembles a worm in the shape of a ring. Ringworm is usually used to describe tinea corporis. It can sometimes use to describe tinea infections in other locations such as tinea cruris. Ringworm infection can affect both humans and animals. At first, the infection looks like red patches on affected parts and may spread to other parts of the body later. 

Candida infection 

This is a common condition. But, when the balance of bacteria and yeast changes, the yeast cells can multiply and causes intense swelling, itching, and irritation. This infection has a common set of symptoms such as:

• Swelling around the vagina
• Vaginal itching
• Pain during sex
• Burning during urination or sex
• Redness
• Soreness
• Rash 

This medication may as well be used in fungal nail infections. This condition begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. You might not need treatment if your illness is minor and not troubling you. If your nail fungus has caused thickened nails and pain, medications and self-care steps may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back. Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis. When fungus infects the skin of your feet or at the areas between your toes, it is called athlete’s foot. Signs and symptoms of this condition may include:

• Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
• Thickened
• Distorted in shape
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
• Smelling slightly foul 
• A dark color caused by debris building up under your nail

Econazole Nitrate is a prescription approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This comes as a cream that contains an antifungal agent. This product helps prevent the growth of the fungus. 

How does Econazole Nitrate Cream work?

Econazole Nitrate kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol. It is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disturbance in the creation of ergosterol interrupts the fungal cell membrane. In which, it may cause holes to appear in it.

For their survival, the cell membranes of fungi are vital. They have an unwanted substance from incoming cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As Econazole Nitrate reasons holes to look as if it’s in the cell membranes, vital parts of the fungal cells can outflow. This destroys the fungi and gives medication to the infection. 

How to use Econazole Nitrate Cream?

Use Econazole Nitrate on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply the medication on and around the affected areas as directed by your doctor. Econazole Nitrate is usually applied once or twice a day. The dosage and length of the treatment will depend on the type of infection being treated. You should not apply this cream more often or use it for longer than it is prescribed. Wash your hands after using unless the area being treated includes the hands. Don’t cover, warp, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. 

Do not apply Econazole Nitrate in the nose, eyes, or mouth, or even inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water right away. Use Econazole Nitrate regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. After a few days even if symptoms disappear, continue to use Econazole Nitrate until the full prescribed amount is finished. Not taking the medication may result in a return of the infection. Let your doctor know if your condition lasts after 2 weeks of treatment or if it gets worse. 

What are the side effects of Econazole Nitrate Cream?

Common side effects:

• Stinging
• Burning
• Swelling
• Redness
• Irritation
• Pimple-like bumps
• Tenderness
• Flaking of the treated skin 

Call your doctor right if you experience these side effects

• Itching
• Peeling
• Redness
• Unusual or severe blistering
• Swelling
• Dryness
• Oozing
• Irritation of the skin
• Open sores after using this Cream 

Warnings and Precautions 

• Econazole Nitrate is to be used with caution in people with eczema. 
• People with known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient, should not be used. Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reaction to this medicine or if you have any allergies. 
• Certain medicines should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Nevertheless, other medications may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Before using any medicine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Econazole Nitrate is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream from the skin. It is highly unlikely that any of the medicine will pass into breastmilk. 
• Inform your doctor if you have any medical history or if you are taking any other medications including vitamins or herbal supplements. 
• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction or overdose, call your doctor or call for medical assistance right away. 
• If you missed a dose, apply right away as long as you remember it. But, if it’s almost time for your next dose, continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. 
• You should not share this drug with others.
• Keep this medication far from the direct heat, light, or the reach of children or pets.