Tioconazole for fungal nail infections

About tioconazole

Tioconazole is used to treat fungal infections in fingernails or toenails. A fungal nail infection can often spread from a fungal skin infection. The infection causes your nail(s) to become thickened and discoloured, and can become painful. Although it is often necessary to take a course of antifungal tablets to treat a nail infection, some can be treated by applying an antifungal solution directly to the nail. This option may be suitable if the infection is just at the tip of your fingernail or toenail.

Tioconazole nail solution can be prescribed for children as well as for adults, but it has to be put on exactly as prescribed for the best chance of success. You may need six months of treatment for fingernails, and up to a year for toenails.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using tioconazole nail solution it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take/use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If you are taking any other medicines or using any other medicated skin preparations. This includes any which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or skin preparation.

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about tioconazole and how to apply the nail solution.

• Using the brush provided in the pack, apply a thin layer of the nail solution every 12 hours. This is best done in the morning and evening. As you put the solution on, make sure that you apply it to the whole of the affected nail and also to the area of skin immediately surrounding the nail.

• Leave the solution to dry for 10-15 minutes. The solution will coat your nail with a thin film. Try to leave this film in contact with your nail for as long as possible.

• If you are using tioconazole on a fingernail, try to avoid putting your hands in soapy water straight after applying the solution. Soaps and detergents will remove the film and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Water on its own will not remove the film, so you can wash your hands in water.

• Try to remember to apply the nail solution regularly, as this will improve the outcome of your treatment.

• Try to keep your nails cut short, and gently file down any thickened nail(s). Use a separate pair of scissors to cut the infected nail, and do not share nail scissors with anyone else.

• Try to avoid any irritation or damage to your nails. If your fingernails are affected, have some rubber or vinyl gloves handy for when you need to have your hands in water. If your toenails are affected, wear properly fitted shoes with plenty of room for your toes, and keep your feet as cool and dry as possible.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below lists some of the most common ones associated with tioconazole nail solution. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any severe skin reactions or other symptoms which you think may be due to this treatment, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

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