Home Drug Guide Econazole Nitrate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Econazole Nitrate

Brand Names Spectazole, Ecoza

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Imidazole antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Topical treatment of dermatophyte infections, candidiasis, tinea infections

Mechanism of Action

Econazole inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, by blocking the enzyme lanosterol 14α-demethylase, leading to increased membrane permeability and cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin film to the affected area once or twice daily, depending on the infection.

Pediatric: Use as directed by a healthcare provider; safety and efficacy in children under 2 years have not been established.

Geriatric: Adjust as needed based on response; no specific alterations, but monitor for unusual reactions.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments recommended.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustments; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily local; systemic levels are usually negligible.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally in the skin.

Excretion: Excreted mainly in skin and hair; minimal systemic excretion.

Half Life: Not well established due to limited systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to econazole or other imidazole antifungals.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with hypersensitivity to other azole antifungals; avoid contact with eyes; not for use on large areas or broken skin unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Local skin irritation (redness, burning, itching) (Common)
  • Contact dermatitis (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (Rare)
  • Systemic reactions (extremely rare with topical use) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Potential interaction with other systemic azoles increasing the risk of toxicity

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of local irritation or allergic reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Ineffective tissue perfusion related to topical irritation.
  • Risk for allergic reaction.

Implementation: Apply as prescribed; educate patient on application technique and duration.

Evaluation: Assess skin condition regularly for improvement or adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use exactly as prescribed.
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected area.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes.
  • Report any excessive redness, swelling, or signs of allergic reaction.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • No black box warnings for topical econazole.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations known.

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: No systemic toxicity expected; local irritation may occur.

Treatment: Wash affected area; symptomatic treatment as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Stability: Stable until the expiration date on the package.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.