Home Drug Guide Tioconazole

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tioconazole

Brand Names Vagistat-1, Tz-3

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Imidazole antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)

Mechanism of Action

Tioconazole inhibits fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes, disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane, leading to increased membrane permeability and cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: One applicator (estradiol 6.5 g of ointment) intravaginally at bedtime for 1 day.

Pediatric: Not generally used in pediatric patients.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustments; consider renal and hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution, as data are limited.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dosage guidelines available.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when used vaginally.

Distribution: Localized in vaginal tissues; minimal systemic distribution.

Metabolism: Largely unabsorbed; if systemic, metabolized in the liver.

Excretion: Mostly unchanged in vaginal secretions and feces.

Half Life: Not well defined due to minimal systemic absorption.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to imidazole antifungals.

Precautions

  • Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed; consult healthcare provider. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Vaginal burning or itching (Common)
  • Vaginal irritation or redness (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling) (Rare)
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Potential interactions with other CYP450 substrates or inhibitors; consult current resources.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions reported.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; caution advised with herbal products affecting CYP450 enzymes.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for allergy to azole antifungals and any signs of vaginal infection.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for allergic reaction
  • Altered comfort r/t medication side effects

Implementation: Administer intravaginally as prescribed; instruct patient in proper application technique.

Evaluation: Monitor symptom relief and any adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Use as directed for single-dose therapy.
  • Report any unusual or severe reactions.
  • Maintain vaginal hygiene and avoid irritants during treatment.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None for tioconazole.

Genetic Factors: None known.

Lab Test Interference: Minimal systemic absorption; unlikely to affect lab tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local irritation or systemic allergic reactions.

Treatment: Discontinue medication; provide symptomatic relief; seek emergency care if severe reactions occur.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Stability: Stable in original packaging for up to the expiration date.

🛡️ 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.