Daktacort hydrocortisone cream

How does it work?

Daktacort hydrocortisone cream contains two active ingredients, miconazole nitrate and hydrocortisone acetate. Miconazole nitrate is a type of antifungal medicine. It kills fungi, yeasts and some bacteria (Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species). 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. Hydrocortisone acetate 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 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 irritation. They cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the affected area of skin becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and relieves itch. This combination of medicines is used to treat athlete's foot, and another fungal infection of the skin called Candidal intertrigo. This is inflammation that occurs between folds of skin, eg between the buttocks or beneath the breasts, and is due to overgrowth of Candida species of fungi in these warm, moist areas. The hydrocortisone in this medicine reduces the inflammation associated with athlete's foot and candidal intertrigo, while the miconazole kills the fungi causing the infection. Once the inflammation has cleared up, treatment can be continued with a medicine containing just an antifungal, eg Daktarin cream or powder.

What is it used for?

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

Inflammation between folds of skin, eg buttocks, due to infection with Candida fungi (Candidal intertrigo)

Warning!

Do not apply this medicine to the face.

This preparation is for external use only.

Avoid use of this product on large areas of skin, as this may result in absorption of sufficient quantities to cause adverse effects.

If this medicine is applied to the skin underneath a nappy, the absorption of this medicine through the skin and into the blood may be increased, leading to an increased risk of adverse effects.

Do not use this medicine for longer than seven days.

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).

Do not use this medicine on broken areas of skin.

Not to be used in

Acne

Children under the age of ten years, except on medical advice

Cold sores (herpes simplex virus)

Genital or anal areas, unless prescribed by a doctor

Ringworm infections, unless prescribed by a doctor

Skin conditions that have become secondarily infected, unless prescribed by a doctor

Skin infections caused by Gram-negative types of bacteria

Tuberculosis infection of the skin

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.

The medicine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice.

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.

Local sensitivity reactions

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?

There are no known interactions with this medicine.

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