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Overview: Oxiconazole is used on the skin to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and a fungal skin infection known as tinea versicolor. The most common side effects are skin itching, burning, or stinging. Do not bandage or wrap the area where oxiconazole is applied, unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

Uses

What is oxiconazole used for?

Oxiconazole topical cream and lotion are commonly used to treat the following fungal skin infections.

Oxiconazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does oxiconazole work (mechanism of action)?

Oxiconazole is an antifungal medicine. It stops fungi from growing by preventing the formation of a needed part of their cell membranes. 

How is oxiconazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Oxistat

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical cream
  • 1% topical lotion

How should I store oxiconazole?

Oxiconazole should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of oxiconazole?

The most common side effects of oxiconazole are skin itching, burning, or stinging. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of oxiconazole that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of oxiconazole?

While less common, the most serious side effects of oxiconazole are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oxiconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using oxiconazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Oxiconazole may cause skin itching, burning, stinging, blistering, weeping, and a rash where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have skin irritation that is getting worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use oxiconazole?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use oxiconazole.

  • Oxiconazole
  • Oxistat
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific oxiconazole products they stock.

What should I know about oxiconazole before using it?

Do not use oxiconazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share oxiconazole with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep oxiconazole out of the reach of children.

Oxiconazole is for use on the skin only. Keep oxiconazole away from your eyes, mouth, and vagina.

Shake oxiconazole topical lotion well before using.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where oxiconazole is applied, unless your health care provider told you to do so.

What should I tell my health care provider before using oxiconazole?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if oxiconazole is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how oxiconazole could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Oxiconazole passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use oxiconazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does oxiconazole interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between oxiconazole and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect oxiconazole, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does oxiconazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between oxiconazole and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much oxiconazole?

If you or someone else has used too much oxiconazole, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of oxiconazole?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

It is important to complete your prescribed course of oxiconazole, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to oxiconazole or other similar medicines.