Daktacort cream/ointment

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, hydrocortisone and miconazole nitrate. Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid (or steroid). Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands, and have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Hydrocortisone is the same as the natural corticosteroid, cortisol, and is used to decrease inflammation in the skin. When applied to the skin it is absorbed into the skin cells. Here it works by preventing the release of certain chemicals from the cells. These chemicals are important in the immune system, and are released as a result of allergy or irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful, such as is seen in dermatitis or eczema. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and relieves itch. There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids applied to the skin. Hydrocortisone is classed as a mild corticosteroid. It is used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and dermatitis. Miconazole is a type of antifungal medicine known as an imidazole. It kills fungi, yeasts and some bacteria. Miconazole works by preventing fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is a component of fungal cell membranes. The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. Without ergosterol as part of the cell membrane, the membrane is weakened and damaged, and essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi. Miconazole is used to treat infections with fungi and certain types of bacteria (Staphyllococcus and Streptococcus species). The combination of hydrocortisone and miconazole in this medicine is used to treat inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema, that have become infected. The hydrocortisone reduces the inflammation while the miconazole treats the infection. Once the inflammation is reduced (usually after about seven days) your doctor may prescribe miconazole cream alone to treat any further infection (see the Daktarin factsheet for more information).

What is it used for?

Inflammatory skin disorders, eg eczema/dermatitis, with associated fungal or bacterial infection

Warning!

If corticosteroids are used long-term, on large areas of skin, raw skin, skin folds, or under airtight dressings (including nappies) they are absorbed into the body more. This increases the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning, and those on other parts of the body, such as a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands. For this reason, continuous, long-term use of this medicine should be avoided wherever possible, particularly in children and on large areas of skin. You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed by your doctor.

This preparation is for external use only.

This medicine should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area(s).

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.

Avoid use on the face in children.

Wash your hands thoroughly after applying this medicine, unless the hands are the area being treated.

Consult your doctor if any infection spreads, or if after seven days of treatment with this medicine there is little or no improvement in your symptoms, as you may need to stop using this medicine or take a course of antibiotics by mouth.

Daktacort cream should be stored in a refrigerator at 2-8ºC. Daktacort ointment can be kept at room temperature (at or below 25ºC). Both should kept safely out of the reach of children.

Use with caution in

Children

Elderly people

Not to be used in

Acne rosacea

Acne vulgaris

Inflammatory rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)

Skin infections caused by bacteria unsusceptible to this antibiotic (gram negative)

Skin sores caused by tuberculosis

Viral skin infections such as chickenpox or herpes simplex

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.

This medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Label warnings

This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

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