About econazole for thrush

Many women have an occasional bout of vaginal thrush. It is due to an infection with a Candida yeast fungus. Most cases of thrush are caused by Candida albicans but sometimes other types of Candida are the cause. Common symptoms of thrush are itching, soreness, and redness around the outside of the vagina and a thick, creamy white, odourless vaginal discharge. Econazole works by killing the Candida fungus.

Econazole can also be used to treat fungal infections of the skin. There is a separate medicine leaflet called 'Econazole for skin infections' for this.

Before using econazole for thrush

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using econazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to use econazole for thrush

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about how to use the econazole preparation you have been given.
• Use econazole exactly as your doctor has told you. The directions will also be on the label of the pack you have been given.
• If you have been given econazole pessaries, insert one pessary high into your vagina, using an applicator at bedtime. Your doctor will have told you whether to do this on one night only or on three consecutive nights. If you have been told to use the pessaries for three nights, make sure you complete the course of treatment; otherwise, your symptoms may come back.
• If you have been given cream, use an applicator to insert 5 gram of cream high into your vagina at bedtime. Also apply a small amount of cream to the area around the outside of your vagina. Unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor, use econazole cream for at least 14 nights, even if your symptoms have disappeared. This is to prevent the infection from returning.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are using pessaries, these will dissolve in your vagina. You may notice some undissolved bits of pessary, especially if you suffer from vaginal dryness, but this is nothing to worry about.
• If you are using the cream, remember to complete the course even if your symptoms have improved. This will help to prevent your infection from coming back.
• Your sexual partner may also be treated. They may have the infection even if they have no symptoms. Men using the cream should apply a thin layer of cream once each day to the penis and the skin around the penis (including under the foreskin).
• Econazole may reduce the effectiveness of condoms and diaphragms. Consequently, you should use an alternative method of contraception while you are being treated with econazole.
• If your symptoms do not improve after using econazole, go back to see your doctor for further advice.
• Other things that may help to relieve the symptoms of thrush include avoiding wearing tight-fitting underwear and clothing, and avoiding using perfumed products such as soaps and shower gels around the vaginal area.

Can econazole for thrush cause problems?

Econazole is unlikely to cause any unwanted symptoms, although it may occasionally cause irritation. If you experience any other symptoms, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store econazole for thrush

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines