Home Drug Guide Sertaconazole Nitrate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Sertaconazole Nitrate

Brand Names Ertaczo

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Azole antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Vaginal fungal infections (vaginal candidiasis)

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits fungal cytochrome P450-dependent enzymes, leading to increased fungal cell membrane permeability and cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Vaginal cream, 100 mg once daily for 7 days.

Pediatric: Not FDA approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustments, use with caution.

Renal Impairment: Use cautiously; no specific dosage adjustment recommended.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage adjustment recommended.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Poor systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily local in the vaginal mucosa.

Metabolism: Minimal systemic metabolism due to limited absorption.

Excretion: Negligible systemic excretion; mostly local.

Half Life: Not applicable due to minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to sertaconazole or other azoles.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in women with known hypersensitivity to azole antifungals.
  • Monitor for allergic reactions.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Vaginal burning, itching, or irritation (Common)
  • Vaginal discharge or itching (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Hypersensitivity reactions like rash, angioedema (Rare)
  • Contact dermatitis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-documented due to topical use

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Caution with herbal products that could cause hypersensitivity.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for symptoms of fungal infection before and during treatment.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection related to impaired tissue integrity.
  • Knowledge deficit regarding new medication.

Implementation: Instruct on proper application of vaginal cream; ensure correct dosage and duration.

Evaluation: Monitor for improvement of infection symptoms and adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Complete full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve.
  • Report any signs of allergic reactions or worsening symptoms.
  • Maintain vaginal hygiene, avoid harsh soaps or irritants.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specific for sertaconazole.

Genetic Factors: None established.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local irritation or allergic reactions if accidentally ingested or absorbed systemically.

Treatment: Supportive care; unlikely to require specific intervention due to limited systemic absorption.

Storage and Handling

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

Stability: Stable under recommended conditions for the shelf life specified.

🛡️ 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.