Home Drug Guide Luliconazole

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Luliconazole

Brand Names Luzu

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Imidazole antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis (athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm)

Mechanism of Action

Luliconazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450-dependent 14α-demethylase, leading to decreased ergosterol synthesis, which disrupts fungal cell membrane formation and causes cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin layer once daily to the affected area and surrounding skin for 2 weeks (tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis).

Pediatric: Not established for pediatric patients; safety and efficacy have not been studied in children.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustment required, but monitor for skin irritation.

Renal Impairment: No specific dose adjustment needed.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment needed.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when used topically.

Distribution: Primarily localized in skin tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; some evidence suggests oxidation by skin enzymes.

Excretion: Primarily eliminated via skin; negligible systemic excretion.

Half Life: Not extensively studied due to topicals' localized action.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to luliconazole or any azole antifungal agents.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of skin sensitivities. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue if signs of irritation or allergic reaction occur.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Application site burning or stinging (Less common)
  • Itching, redness, or skin irritation (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (Rare)
  • Lack of efficacy or worsening of infection (Reported occasionally)

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Evaluate affected skin areas prior to and during therapy for signs of infection and adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired skin integrity related to fungal infection or topical medication reactions.
  • Risk for skin irritation or allergic response.

Implementation: Instruct the patient to apply the medication as prescribed, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Emphasize the importance of completing the full course of therapy.

Evaluation: Assess the skin for resolution of infection and any adverse reactions at follow-up visits.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply the medication exactly as directed, usually once daily.
  • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Report any signs of irritation, increased redness, swelling, or allergic reaction.
  • Avoid sharing towels, linens, or personal items to prevent spread or reinfection.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently

Genetic Factors: None known to influence drug efficacy or safety.

Lab Test Interference: No known interference with laboratory tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local skin irritation, allergic reaction.

Treatment: Remove excess medication, wash the area with soap and water, provide symptomatic treatment for irritation or allergic reactions.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for the duration of the shelf life.

🛡️ 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.