Home Drug Guide Sulconazole Nitrate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Sulconazole Nitrate

Brand Names Exelderm

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Imidazole antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

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

Mechanism of Action

Sulconazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, impairing ergosterol synthesis. This disruption in ergosterol synthesis compromises fungal cell membrane integrity, leading to cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin layer to affected skin twice daily for 2 weeks.

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

Geriatric: Adjust dose only if renal or hepatic impairment occurs; no specific dose adjustment required.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment necessary, but monitor for toxicity.

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

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Remain largely localized in the skin.

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; primarily remains at site of application.

Excretion: Excreted primarily in the skin; systemic excretion negligible.

Half Life: Not typically applicable due to topical use; systemic half-life not well-defined.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to sulconazole or other imidazole antifungals.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with sensitive skin or known allergies to azole antifungals; avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and open wounds.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Skin irritation (redness, itching, burning) (Uncommon)
  • Dry skin (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (Rare)
  • Serious skin reactions (rare) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-documented with topical use.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess area for signs of infection and monitor for adverse reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired skin integrity related to skin irritation or allergic reaction.

Implementation: Apply as directed, ensuring skin is clean and dry before application. Educate patient on proper topical application and hygiene.

Evaluation: Monitor skin condition and patient comfort during and after treatment.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Apply medication as directed; do not overuse.
  • Report signs of skin irritation or allergic reaction.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and broken skin.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently issued.

Genetic Factors: No known genetic factors influencing its use.

Lab Test Interference: Minimal systemic absorption means unlikely to interfere with lab tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Excessive topical application may cause increased local irritation.

Treatment: Discontinue use; treat symptomatically, and seek medical attention if systemic symptoms develop.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C), away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions for specified 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.