Daktacort Cream

How does Daktacort cream work?

• Daktacort hydrocortisone cream contains two active ingredients, miconazole and hydrocortisone.
• Miconazole kills fungi, yeasts and some bacteria (Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species). Miconazole  works by causing holes to appear in fungal cell membranes. This allows essential constituents of the fungal cells to leak out, which kills the fungi and clears up the infection.
• Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation in the skin by stopping skin cells from producing inflammatory substances such as prostaglandins. These are normally released when the skin reacts to irritation or infection. They cause blood vessels to widen and other inflammatory substances to arrive, making the affected area of skin become red, swollen and itchy. By preventing them being released in the skin, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and relieves redness and itchiness.
• When the initial inflammation has cleared up, treatment of the infection should be continued with a medicine containing just an antifungal.

How do I use Daktacort cream?

• Wash and dry the affected areas of skin thoroughly before applying the cream.
• For adults and children aged 10 years and over, Daktacort hydrocortisone cream should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected areas of skin and rubbed in gently twice a day.
• Wash your hands after applying the cream to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the body, or to other people.
• The cream can be used for a maximum of seven days. If the infection is still present after this time, treatment should be continued with steroid-free Daktarin cream or Daktarin powder. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

What should I know before using Daktacort cream?

• This cream is for external use on the affected area(s) of skin only.
• Do not apply Daktacort cream to broken areas of skin. The cream should not be used to treat large areas of skin.
• Do not apply Daktacort cream to the face, and avoid getting it in contact with your eyes, mouth and nose.
• The treated area(s) of skin should not be covered with airtight dressings, as this will increase the absorption of hydrocortisone into the body, which could increase the risk of local side effects such as skin thinning (see below). You should only use airtight dressings over the affected area if instructed to by your doctor.
• Daktacort cream should not be used to treat anal or genital areas, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Daktacort cream should not be used on areas of skin affected by

• Viral skin infections such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or genital herpes.
• Acne.
• Ringworm (tinea corporis) infections, unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Other skin infections, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Daktacort hydrocortisone cream should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Daktacort hydrocortisone cream and inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I use Daktacort cream while pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Daktacort hydrocortisone cream should not be used during pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. Consult your doctor for further information.
• Daktacort hydrocortisone cream should not be used during breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. If it is prescribed by your doctor it should not be used on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings or for prolonged periods of time. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

What are the possible side effects of Daktacort cream?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Daktacort hydrocortisone cream. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irritation in area of use, for example burning, stinging, itching, redness, rash. Stop using the cream and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a severe reaction to it.
Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Daktacort hydrocortisone cream. 

Can I use Daktacort hydrocortisone cream with other medicines?

Hydrocortisone and miconazole are unlikely to be absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to affect other medicines that you are taking by mouth.

• However, if you are taking warfarin to prevent blood clots, there is a very small chance that miconazole applied to the skin may enhance the effect of the warfarin. If you are taking warfarin your doctor may want to monitor your blood-clotting time (INR) during and after a course of this medicine.
• If you are using other topical medicines or moisturisers on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave about 30 minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing or diluting on the skin.

References:

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a8325/daktacort-hydrocortisone-cream-miconazole-hydrocortisone/

http://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Daktarin-Cream.aspx

http://www.medicines.ie/medicine/1952/SPC/Daktarin+2++w+w+Cream/

https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2166546.PA0823_059_001.e7f468f0-d44d-4c6f-8bc5-9273dffadc86.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved%20Cream.151029.pdf