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Overview: Sulconazole is used on the skin to treat athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and a fungal skin infection known as tinea versicolor. Itching, burning, or stinging may happen where the medicine is applied. Keep sulconazole away from your eyes.

Uses

What is sulconazole used for?

Sulconazole is commonly used to treat the following fungal infections. 

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

How does sulconazole work (mechanism of action)?

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

How is sulconazole supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Exelderm

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical cream
  • 1% topical solution

How should I store sulconazole?

Sulconazole 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 transporting it. Do not expose sulconazole to temperatures above 104 F (40 C). Protect it from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sulconazole?

The most common side effects of sulconazole are skin reactions (see below), such as itching, burning, stinging, and redness. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of sulconazole 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 sulconazole?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sulconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sulconazole 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 Reactions. Sulconazole may cause reactions such as itching, burning, stinging, and redness where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have any reaction at the treated area.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sulconazole?

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

  • Exelderm
  • Sulconazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about sulconazole before using it?

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

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

Keep sulconazole out of the reach of children.

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

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

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 sulconazole is right for you.

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

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sulconazole 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 sulconazole while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does sulconazole interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does sulconazole interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between sulconazole 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 sulconazole?

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

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

It is important to complete your treatment with sulconazole, even if your symptoms get better or go away. Follow the instructions that come with the product or direction from your health care provider. Using the medicine as directed will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to sulconazole or other similar medicines.