Ertaczo (sertaconazole) is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.
Ertaczo cream is used to treat tinea pedis (athlete"s foot) in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Ertaczo may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Use Ertaczo for the full amount of time prescribed. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely healed, however it is important to complete the full course of treatment.
Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air circulation over the affected area (occlusive dressings) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If the affected area is the feet, be sure to wear clean, cotton socks and sandals or shoes that allow air circulation.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Ertaczo if you are allergic to sertaconazole.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ertaczo will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether sertaconazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use Ertaczo on anyone under 12 years old without medical advice.
How should I use Ertaczo?
Use Ertaczo cream exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take by mouth. Ertaczo cream is for use only on the skin.
Clean and dry the affected area.
To treat athlete"s foot: Apply the cream to the affected areas between the toes and nearby skin 2 times per day for 1 month.
Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to.
Wash your hands after applying Ertaczo cream.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Ertaczo cream.
Do not use Ertaczo cream to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.
Ertaczo dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Pedis:
Apply topically twice a day for 4 weeks.
Approved indication: For the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (due to Trichophyton rubrum, T mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum) in immunocompetent patients
Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Pedis:
12 years or older: Apply topically twice a day for 4 weeks.
Approved indication: For the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (due to T rubrum, T mentagrophytes, and E floccosum) in immunocompetent patients
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Ertaczo?
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes.
Avoid getting this medicine in your nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina.
Ertaczo side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Ertaczo cream: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe burning, redness, or stinging after applying the medicine;
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itching or blistering skin; or
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swelling or oozing from the skin.
Common Ertaczo side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Ertaczo?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied sertaconazole. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
