sulconazole
Exelderm (sulconazole) is an antifungal medication that works well to treat adults with common fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm. It comes as a cream and topical solution that you apply to the affected area(s) once or twice a day. Side effects aren't common, but can include itching, burning, and stinging. The medication is available in brand and generic versions.
What is Exelderm (sulconazole)?
What is Exelderm (sulconazole) used for?
- Athlete's foot - cream only
- Jock itch
- Body ringworm
- Tinea versicolor (fungal skin infection that causes skin color changes)
How Exelderm (sulconazole) works
Exelderm (sulconazole) is an antifungal. It works by stopping the fungus from making a substance it needs for its protective outer covering. This prevents it from growing and spreading in the body.
Drug facts
Side effects of Exelderm (sulconazole)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Itching (1-3%)
- Burning or stinging (1-3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Redness
The following Exelderm (sulconazole) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning or stinging, itching, redness of the skin, or other signs of irritation not present before use of this medicine
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Exelderm (sulconazole)
Pros
- Generally well tolerated with few side effects
- Available as a topical cream and solution
- Can be used once or twice a day
Cons
- Can cause itching, burning, or stinging
- Can be messy to apply
- Not known whether it's safe to use for children
Pharmacist tips for Exelderm (sulconazole)
- Apply a thin layer of Exelderm (sulconazole) to the affected areas on your skin, and rub it in gently and thoroughly. Be sure to also apply this medication to the areas just around the infection to make sure you've covered everything.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using Exelderm (sulconazole) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless you're treating your hands. If the medication gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
- Don't cover the areas where Exelderm (sulconazole) is applied with bandages or dressings unless your prescriber tells you to. Usually, you want your skin to be able to breathe and stay dry if it has a fungal infection.
- Use Exelderm (sulconazole) for the full recommended time (4 weeks for athlete's foot or 3 weeks for other conditions). Don't stop using it early, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping too soon can make your condition more likely to return.
- Let your prescriber know if your symptoms don't improve after the recommended treatment time with Exelderm (sulconazole). You might need a different antifungal treatment, or your condition could be caused by something else.
- Tell your care team if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It isn't known how safe Exelderm (sulconazole) is to use in these situations.
Common questions about Exelderm (sulconazole)
Yes, you can treat the affected areas of skin on your face with Exelderm (sulconazole). But avoid applying it too close to your eyes, since it can cause irritation if the medication gets in your eyes. Speak with your prescriber to know where you can apply this medication.
Exelderm (sulconazole) isn't FDA approved to treat fungal nail infections, so its safety and effectiveness for this use are unknown. If you notice symptoms of a nail infection, such as cracking, pain, or nail color changes, contact your primary care provider. They can help you find the best treatment option to treat your infection.
Although topical antifungals like Exelderm (sulconazole) are a first-choice treatment option for seborrheic dermatitis, Exelderm (sulconazole) isn't FDA approved for this use. If you're looking for a treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, speak to your dermatologist.
Yes. Both the Exelderm (sulconazole) cream and solution come in a lower-cost generic version.
It depends on the reason you're using Exelderm (sulconazole). If you're treating jock itch, ringworm, or tinea versicolor, you'll likely apply the medication once or twice a day. But for athlete's foot, it's recommended to apply it twice a day. Follow your prescriber's instructions on how often to apply Exelderm (sulconazole) carefully.
No, Exelderm (sulconazole) isn't over the counter like some other antifungal medications. You'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional in order to use this medication.
Both Exelderm (sulconazole) and miconazole are antifungals, but they're different medications. Miconazole is available over the counter to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It's also available in vaginal forms to treat vaginal yeast infections. Exelderm (sulconazole) is only available with a prescription, and isn't approved to treat vaginal yeast infections. Follow up with your healthcare professional to learn about additional differences between these medications.
Exelderm (sulconazole) and ketoconazole are antifungal medications, but they treat different conditions. While both medications are approved to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and tinea versicolor, ketoconazole is also approved to treat seborrheic dermatitis and skin yeast infections caused by Candida. What's more, Exelderm (sulconazole) available by prescription only as a cream and solution, while ketoconazole is available by prescription in various forms (e.g., gel, cream, foam, tablet) and over the counter as a shampoo for dandruff. Discuss with your prescriber if you have questions about comparing these medications.
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Risks and warnings for Exelderm (sulconazole)
Exelderm (sulconazole) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For external use only
Only use Exelderm (sulconazole) on the skin. It shouldn't be used in the eyes, so be careful when applying it on your face. If it gets in your eye, rinse it out with water right away.
Exelderm (sulconazole) dosage
Bottle of topical solution| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30ml of 1% | 1 bottle | $339.58 | $339.58 |
Typical dosage for Exelderm (sulconazole)
- Athlete's foot (cream only): Apply to the affected area(s) twice daily for 4 weeks.
- Jock itch, body ringworm, and tinea versicolor: Apply to the affected area(s) once or twice daily for 3 weeks.
Interactions between Exelderm (sulconazole) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
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