A P P E N D I X C
Topical agents
951
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TABLE C Topical agents (continued)
Drug
Brand name
Dosage
Usual indications/special considerations
Antibiotics
ciprofloxacin/
hydrocortisone
Ciloxan, Ciproxin HC
Ear Drops
Apply drops to ears or
outer ear canal
Treatment of acute otitis media
mupirocin
Bactroban
Apply small amount to
affected area t.d.s.
Used to treat impetigo caused
by Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus pathogens; may be
covered with a gauze pad; monitor for
signs of superinfection, re-evaluate if
no clinical response in 3–5 days
mupirocin calcium Bactroban Nasal
Apply small amount
inside each nostril
b.d.
Eradication of nasal colonisation of
staphylococci
Antivirals
aciclovir
Acivir, Blistex Antiviral
Cold Sore Cream,
Zovirax
Apply to affected area
six times per day for
5–14 days
Treatment of herpes simplex cold
sores and fever blisters
imiquimod
Aldara
Apply thin layer to
warts and rub in three
times per week at
bedtime for 16 weeks
For treatment of genital warts and
perianal warts; remove with soap and
water after 6–10 hours
Antipsoriatics
calcipotriol
Daivobet, Daivonex
Apply thin layer twice
a day
Monitor serum calcium levels with
extended use; use only for disorder
prescribed; may cause local irritation;
is a synthetic vitamin D
3
dithranol
Micanol
Apply daily only to
psoriatic lesions
May stain fabrics, skin, hair,
fingernails; use protective dressing
Antiseborrheics
selenium sulfide
Selsun Blue
Massage 5–10 mL
into scalp; rest
2–3 minutes, rinse
May damage jewellery, remove before
use; discontinue if local irritation
occurs
Antifungals
butoconazole nitrate
Gynazole 1
Apply intravaginally
Treatment of vaginal yeast infections;
culture fungus—if no response,
reculture; ensure full course of
therapy
ciclopirox
Stieprox Liquid
Apply directly to
affected fingernails or
toenails
Treatment of onychomycosis of the
fingernails and toenails
clotrimazole
Canesten, Clonea,
Clozole
Gently massage into
affected area b.d. to
t.d.s.
Cleanse area before applying; use for
up to 4 weeks; discontinue if irritation
or worsening of condition occurs
econozole nitrate
Pevaryl
Apply locally daily to
b.d.
Treatment of athlete’s foot (intradigital
pedia), tinea corporis, ringworm,
tinea cruris; cleanse area before
applying; treat for 2–4 weeks; for
athlete’s foot, change socks and
shoes at least once a day
ketoconazole
DaktaGOLD, Nizoral,
Sebizole
Apply shampoo daily
Apply cream daily or
b.d.
Reduction of scaling due to dandruff;
burning may occur
Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea
manus, tinea pedis, cutaneous
candidiasis
Continued on following page
