Econazole is an imidazole antifungal agent available for topical use. It differs structurally from miconazole in the absence of a chlorine atom at the 2 position of the phenylmethoxy group. Econazole is used primarily to treat cutaneous candidiasis and tinea infections, including tinea versicolor. In vitro, the activity of econazole against dermatophytes and Candida albicans appears to be similar to that of clotrimazole, miconazole, or tioconazole. Although econazole has been used effectively for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, an intravaginal preparation is not commercially available in the US. This drug was approved by the FDA in 1982.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Route-Specific Administration
Topical Administration
-Wash hands before and after use.
-Applied topically to affected areas of the skin. Avoid contact with the eyes.
-Avoid heat, flame, and smoking during an immediately after applying the foam formulation.
During clinical trials, approximately 3% of patients treated with econazole cream experienced adverse events thought possibly to be due to the drug. Adverse effects consisted mainly of pruritus, skin irritation (primarily burning or stinging), and erythema. One case of pruritic rash (unspecified) has also been reported. During clinical trials with the foam formulation, application site reactions were reported in less than 1% of patients in both the econazole and vehicle treatment groups.
Econazole is for external use only; it is not for oral administration, ophthalmic administration, or vaginal administration.
Econazole foam is flammable. Avoid heat, flame, and tobacco smoking during and immediately after application. Do not puncture or burn the foam container, as the contents are under pressure.
Use econazole cream during the first trimester of pregnancy only when considered essential to the welfare of the patient and during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy only if clearly needed. No data are available on econazole use in pregnant women to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Econazole has not been shown to be teratogenic when administered orally to animals. However, fetotoxic or embryotoxic effects were observed in rats orally receiving 10 to 80 times the human dermal dose. In animal reproduction studies, econazole did not cause malformations at oral doses of 40 or 80 times the human dermal dose.
There is no information available on the presence of econazole in human milk, the effects on the breast-fed infant, or the effects on milk production after topical application of econazole to women who are breast-feeding. It is not known whether econazole is excreted in human milk. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes a clear determination of the risk of econazole to an infant during lactation. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, use caution when econazole is administered to a nursing woman. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding along with the mother's clinical need for econazole and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from econazole or from the underlying maternal condition. Fluconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole, and nystatin may be potential alternatives to consider during breast-feeding. However, assess site of infection, local susceptibility patterns, and specific microbial susceptibility before choosing an alternative agent. After oral administration of econazole to lactating rats, econazole and/or metabolites were excreted in milk and were found in nursing pups.
Per the manufacturer, this drug has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms either in vitro and/or in clinical infections: Candida albicans, Candida guilliermondii, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Malassezia furfur, Microsporum audouinii, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton verrucosum
NOTE: The safety and effectiveness in treating clinical infections due to organisms with in vitro data only have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.
For the treatment of tinea cruris, tinea corporis, or tinea versicolor caused by susceptible fungi:
Topical dosage (cream):
Adults: Apply a sufficient amount of cream to the affected areas once daily. Tinea cruris and corporis should be treated for 2 weeks to reduce the possibility of recurrence. Patients with tinea versicolor usually exhibit clinical and mycological clearing after 2 weeks of treatment.
For the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis:
Topical dosage (cream):
Adults: Apply to affected area(s) twice daily for 2 weeks.
For the treatment of tinea pedis caused by susceptible fungi:
Topical dosage (cream):
Adults: Apply a sufficient amount of cream to the affected areas once daily. Treat for 1 month to reduce the possibility of recurrence.
Topical dosage (foam):
Adults: Apply topically to affected areas once daily for 4 weeks.
Children and Adolescents 12 years and older: Apply topically to affected areas once daily for 4 weeks.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
Maximum dosage information not available.
-Geriatric
Maximum dosage information not available.
-Adolescents
Maximum dosage information for the foam is not available; safety and efficacy not established for the cream.
-Children
12 years: Maximum dosage information for the foam is not available; safety and efficacy not established for the cream.
< 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established.
-Infants
Safety and efficacy not established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Econazole is poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation through intact skin; < 1% is recovered in the urine and feces. Therefore, no dosage adjustments are necessary.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Econazole is poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation through intact skin; < 1% is recovered in the urine and feces. Therefore, no dosage adjustments are necessary.
*non-FDA-approved indication
Albuterol; Budesonide: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Azelastine; Fluticasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Beclomethasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Betamethasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Budesonide: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Budesonide; Formoterol: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Budesonide; Glycopyrrolate; Formoterol: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Ciclesonide: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Corticosteroids: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Cortisone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Deflazacort: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Dexamethasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Fludrocortisone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Flunisolide: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Fluticasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Fluticasone; Salmeterol: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Fluticasone; Umeclidinium; Vilanterol: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Fluticasone; Vilanterol: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Formoterol; Mometasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Hydrocortisone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Methylprednisolone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Mometasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Nystatin: (Moderate) The combination of econazole and nystatin represents duplication of therapy whenever the drugs are used by similar routes and are usually avoided.
Olopatadine; Mometasone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Prednisolone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Prednisone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Triamcinolone: (Minor) In vitro studies indicate that corticosteroids inhibit the antifungal activity of econazole against C. albicans in a concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of the corticosteroid was equal to or greater than that of econazole on a weight basis, the antifungal activity of econazole was substantially inhibited. When the corticosteroid concentration was one-tenth that of econazole, no inhibition of antifungal activity was observed.
Warfarin: (Moderate) Coadministation of econazole and warfarin has resulted in enhanced anticoagulant effect. In many of these cases, absorption of econazole may have been increased by applying the drug under occlusion, to the genitals, or over large body surface areas. If these drugs are used in combination, closely monitor the International Normalized Ratio (INR) and/or prothrombin time.
Like other imidazoles, econazole exerts its effect by disrupting normal fungal cell membrane permeability. Ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. Econazole may inhibit ergosterol synthesis by interacting with 14-alpha-lanosterol demethylase, a cytochrome P-450 enzyme necessary for converting lanosterol to ergosterol. Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis results in increased cellular permeability, causing leakage of cellular contents such as phosphorous-containing compounds and potassium. Econazole is usually fungistatic.
Econazole is applied topically to the skin. It is not for ophthalmic use. Less than 1% of an applied dose is recovered in urine and feces.
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Topical Route
Following topical application of econazole, systemic absorption is extremely low. Although most of the applied drug remains on the skin surface, drug concentrations found in the stratum corneum greatly exceed the MIC for dermatophytes. Inhibitory concentrations are achieved in the epidermis and as deep as the middle region of the dermis. Use of an occlusive dressing appears to only slightly increase the extent of dermal penetration of the drug.