Daktarin

What is Daktarin Cream?

Daktarin is an antifungal topical cream used to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm.

Other formulations of Daktarin, such as Gyno-daktarin and Daktarin Oral Gel, are intended to treat thrush (candida) infections.

What are ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot?

Ringworm (tinea corporis), Dhobie itch/jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis) are skin infections caused by fungi pathogens. These infections are contagious and should be treated as soon as possible to avoid infecting other people.

Fungal skin infections can spread to other parts of the body. This commonly occurs with athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. The fungi of athlete's food between the toes can spread to the toenail, resulting in a fungal nail infection.

Similarly, a ringworm infection which spreads to your groin area is commonly referred to as jock itch.

Symptoms of a fungal skin infection include:

• Bald spots on scalp
• Blisters
• Broken skin
• Discolouration of nails
• Itching skin
• Peeling skin
• Raised ring shaped rash
• Scaling or flaky skin

While the condition can be uncomfortable, it is important to resist the urge of scratching infected rashes, as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body.

Fungal infections can be easily treated with over-the-counter and prescription medicines, like Daktarin Cream.

How Does Daktarin Work?

Daktarin contains an antifungal called miconazole nitrate.

This compound interferes with the production of a chemical, called ergosterol, which the fungi cells need to survive. By inhibiting the cell's ability to produce ergosterol, the walls of the fungal cell become weakened and the contents of the cells spill out, thus killing the infection.

Similar to antibiotics, you must complete your course of treatment with antifungals.

How Do I Use Daktarin?

Daktarin cream is a topical cream intended for external use only.

The cream is applied directly to the affected area.

It is important to always wash your hands before and after applying Daktarin cream.

How long you use Daktarin cream for, as well as how quickly your infection will be cleared, will depend on the type of fungal infection you have and the severity of the infection.

For fungal skin infections (jock itch, ringworm, athlete's foot):

You should use Daktarin twice daily for fungal skin infections.

After the symptoms have cleared, continue using Daktarin for a further 7 days to prevent the infection from recurring.

For fungal nail infections:

The doctor will tell you whether you should apply it once or twice a day, depending on the severity of the infection.

You should continue using Daktarin for 10 days after your symptoms have cleared.

Applying Daktarin cream:

• Wash the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Pat dry the area with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the towel to prevent irritation.
• Apply enough cream to form a thin layer over the affected skin and surrounding area.
• After applying the cream, wash your hands thoroughly.

If you have any concerns about the amount of cream you should use, or how to apply the cream, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What should I do if I forget to use Daktarin cream when I should?

If you forget a dose of Daktarin, do not apply the forgotten dose.

Apply your next dose as normal and continue using Daktarin cream as directed by your doctor.

Do not apply more Daktarin to make up for your forgotten dose.

Applying more Daktarin cream will not clear your infection any faster, but can increase your risk of side effects.

What should I do if I have used too much Daktarin cream?

If you have used too much Daktarin cream, you may experience skin irritation. In this case, skip one or two applications and begin using Daktarin again afterwards, according to your instructions.

Daktarin Side Effects and Cautions

Before you start using Daktarin 2% Cream, you must read the enclosed patient information leaflet.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Daktarin 2% Cream online.

If you have any questions or concerns about anything you read within the patient information leaflet, discuss them with your doctor or a pharmacist.

Precautions

Daktarin may not be suitable for you. Speak to your doctor before using Daktarin if you are:

• pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
• breastfeeding
• taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin

Inform our doctors of all the medicines you take, including those on prescription, bought over the counter or health supplements, so they can assess the safety of this medicine for you.

Do not use Daktarin if you are allergic to miconazole or any of the following ingredients:

• PEG-6
• PEG-32
• Glycol stearate
• Oleoyl macroglycerides
• Liquid paraffin
• Benzoic acid (E210)
• Butylated hydroxyanisole

If you experience the signs of an allergic reaction, stop using Daktarin and seek immediate emergency medical attention by going straight to your nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you, as this can help doctors treating you.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Raised, lumpy rash (hives)
• Severe irritation or blistering to the skin

Side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, but not everybody gets them.

Daktarin side effects are rare and may include the following:

• Burning sensation
• Local irritation at application site
• Itching
• Redness
• Skin rash

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Daktarin cream, including a complete list of associated side effects, can be found in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you experience any side effects, whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before you start using Daktarin cream.

Inform our online prescriber of all medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed, bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Do not use Daktarin cream past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Always keep medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Daktarin cream while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Daktarin.

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid applying Daktarin cream to their breasts before breastfeeding, to prevent their child ingesting Daktarin cream accidentally.

Will Daktarin impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Daktarin is not likely to affect your ability to use any machines or tools or to drive safely.

Can Daktarin be used on the face?

Daktarin should not be used on the face. If you have a fungal infection on your face, consult your doctor or pharmacist for a suitable treatment.

What should I do if I accidentally get Daktarin cream in my eyes?

Caution should be taken to avoid the cream accidentally entering your eyes, nose and mouth. If Daktarin cream comes into contact with these areas, irritation can occur.

If you accidentally get Daktarin cream in your eyes, rinse your eyes with cold running water. If irritation persists, seek immediate medical attention.

Can I use Daktarin with moisturisers and other skin products?

Allow 30 minutes to elapse between applying Daktarin and other skincare products, such as moisturisers. This prevents either product from becoming diluted and allows the medicine time to be absorbed by the skin.

If you have any concerns about using Daktarin with other skincare products, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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