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Overview: Econazole is used to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and certain other fungal skin infections. Econazole is an antifungal medicine that disrupts the fungi’s cell structure. The most common side effects are skin reactions where the product is applied, including burning, itching, stinging, and redness.

Uses

What is econazole used for?

Econazole topical cream is commonly used to treat the following fungal infections. 

Econazole topical foam is commonly used to treat athlete’s foot.

Econazole may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does econazole work (mechanism of action)?

Econazole is an antifungal medicine that stops certain types of fungi from growing by disrupting their cell structure.

How is econazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ecoza
  • Spectazole

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical cream
  • 1% topical foam

How should I store econazole?

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

Topical Foam. Do not refrigerate or freeze econazole topical foam. Do not expose it to heat. Do not store it at temperatures above 120 F (49 C) (even when it is empty), store it in direct sunlight, or puncture or incinerate the container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of econazole?

The most common side effects of econazole are skin reactions where the product is applied, including burning, itching, stinging, and redness. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of econazole that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 econazole?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Econazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using econazole 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

Irritation and Other Skin Reactions. Econazole may cause irritation and other skin reactions, such as redness, swelling, or itching. Stop using econazole and contact your healthcare provider if you have any bothersome skin reactions.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use econazole?

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

  • Econazole
  • Ecoza
  • Spectazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about econazole before using it?

Do not use econazole unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

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

Keep econazole out of the reach of children.

Econazole is for use on the skin only. Keep it away from your eyes. 

Before using econazole topical foam, shake the canister for about five seconds. Avoid fire or flame, including smoking, shortly after applying econazole topical foam. The contents are flammable.

Wash your hands after applying the medicine.

Econazole should be used for the full prescribed course. Do not stop using it earlier than instructed, even if your symptoms get better.

If you are using econazole topical cream for jock itch, ringworm, or another fungal skin infection, stop using the product and tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better after two weeks. For athlete’s foot, stop using the product and tell your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not get better after four weeks.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using econazole?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if econazole is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Econazole may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using econazole, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if econazole passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use econazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does econazole interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect econazole.

Does econazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with econazole. Always check with your healthcare provider.

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 econazole?

If you or someone else has used too much econazole, 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 econazole?

If you miss your scheduled dose of econazole, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply econazole more often than prescribed.