Ecostatin cream (econazole)

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How does it work?

Ecostatin cream contains the active ingredient econazole. Econazole is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections with fungi and yeasts.

Econazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.

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. As econazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Econazole cream is used to treat a wide range of skin infections caused by fungi. These include infections with dermatophytes such as tinea, eg ringworm (tinea corporis) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis), and infections with yeasts such as candida, eg fungal nappy rash, and thrush affecting the vulva (vulvitis) or the end of the penis (balanitis).

If you are using econazole cream to treat vaginal thrush it will only relieve the external symptoms of the infection, such as itching, inflammation and soreness. It won't treat infection inside your vagina, and so should be used in combination with a thrush treatment that does, for example econazole pessaries that are inserted into the vagina, or antifungal medicine taken by mouth. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you about which products to use.

What is it used for?

- Skin infections due to yeasts (eg Candida), dermatophytes (eg trichophyton), moulds and other fungi
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
- Ringworm
- Pityriasis versicolor
- Fungal infection of the nails
- Nappy rash caused by a fungal infection
- Inflammation of the vulva caused by infection with Candida albicans or other yeasts or fungi (also known as vaginal thrush).
- Inflammation of the end of the penis and/or foreskin caused by infection with Candida albicans or other yeasts or fungi (also known as thrush).

Warning!

- Ecostatin cream is for external use only and must not be taken by mouth.
- Avoid getting the cream in contact with the eyes.
- Ecostatin cream may damage latex (rubber) condoms and diaphragms (caps) and so make them ineffective at preventing pregnancy and STIs. You should use an alternative method of contraception while using this medicine to treat genital thrush, or preferably avoid having sex until after the infection has cleared up. Remember that having sex while you still have the infection is likely to transmit the infection to your partner, who could then transfer it back to you.

- If your sexual partner also has symptoms of thrush it is important that they are treated at the same time as you to prevent you being re-infected. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- It is important to finish the prescribed course of this medicine, even if the symptoms have got better and it seems the infection has cleared up. This is to ensure that the infection is fully treated and thus reduce the chance of it coming back.
- You should consult your doctor if your symptoms persist or come back after treatment.

Not to be used in

.

- Allergy to any ingredient.

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.

- Very little of this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the skin or vagina and it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, you should check with your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.
- Since very little of this medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the skin or vagina it is unlikely that any of the medicine will pass into breast milk. As a result it is generally considered safe for use by mothers who are breastfeeding. However, you should not apply the cream to the breasts before breastfeeding to avoid it being ingested by the nursing infant. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Burning sensation
- Skin redness
- Itching (pruritis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines.

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