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sulconazole

Generic Exelderm
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch, Tinea Versicolor
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch, Tinea Versicolor

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 21, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Exelderm (sulconazole)?

What is Exelderm (sulconazole) used for?

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

Common BrandsExelderm
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$417.07(save 83.07%)
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$70.63
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What are the 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • Redness

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Exelderm (sulconazole)

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Pros

Generally well tolerated with few side effects

Available as a topical cream and solution

Can be used once or twice a day

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Cons

Can cause itching, burning, or stinging

Can be messy to apply

Not known whether it's safe to use for children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Exelderm (sulconazole)

pharmacist

  • 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.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Exelderm (sulconazole)

              Can I use Exelderm (sulconazole) on my face?
              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.
              Can I use Exelderm (sulconazole) for nail fungus?
              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.
              Can I use Exelderm (sulconazole) solution for seborrheic dermatitis?
              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.
              Is there a generic for Exelderm (sulconazole)?
              Yes. Both the Exelderm (sulconazole) cream and solution come in a lower-cost generic version.
              How often do you use Exelderm (sulconazole)?
              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.
              Is Exelderm (sulconazole) available over the counter?
              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.
              What's the difference between Exelderm (sulconazole) and miconazole?
              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.
              What's the difference between Exelderm (sulconazole) and ketoconazole?
              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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              What are the 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.

              risk-warning

              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.

              dosage

              Exelderm (sulconazole) dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 bottle of 30ml of 1% of Exelderm (sulconazole) is $403.90 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 3.16% off the average retail price of $417.07.
              bottle of topical solution
              Bottle of topical solution
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              30ml of 1%1 bottle$403.90$403.90
              tube of cream
              Tube of cream
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              15g of 1%1 tube$70.63$70.63

              Typical dosing 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.

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              How much does Exelderm (sulconazole) cost?

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              Exelderm (brand)
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              $70.63

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              Exelderm (sulconazole) (generic)
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              $70.63

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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Exelderm (sulconazole)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Exelderm (sulconazole). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Exelderm (sulconazole)
              Used for:
              $70.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Ertaczo (sertaconazole)
              Used for:

              • Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) between the toes

              $910.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Luliconazole (Luzu)
              Used for:
              $97.05 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Herrick, E. J., et al. (2024). Antifungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitors. StatPearls.

              Journey Medical Corporation. (2022). Exelderm- sulconazole nitrate solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Ludmann, P. (2024). Seborrheic dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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