Sulconazole

The Basics

What is Sulconazole?

Used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot (cream only), jock itch, and ringworm.

Brand names for Sulconazole

Exelderm

How Sulconazole is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Antifungal Agents, Dermatologic Agents

Sulconazole During Pregnancy

Sulconazole pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Sulconazole while pregnant

There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Sulconazole nitrate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Sulconazole nitrate has been shown to be embryotoxic in rats when given in doses of 125 times the adult human dose (in mg/kg). The drug was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at oral doses of 50 mg/kg/day. Sulconazole nitrate given orally to rats at a dose 125 times the human dose resulted in prolonged gestation and dystocia. Several females died during the prenatal period, most likely due to labor complications.

Taking Sulconazole While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Sulconazole?

Topical sulconazole has not been studied during breastfeeding. About 11% of a dose is absorbed after topical application. It is considered a low risk to the nursing infant;[1] however, other antifungal agents with less absorption may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Avoid application to the nipple area and ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Topical sulconazole has not been studied during breastfeeding. About 11% of a dose is absorbed after topical application. It is considered a low risk to the nursing infant;[1] however, other antifungal agents with less absorption may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Avoid application to the nipple area and ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

Possible effects of Sulconazole on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Sulconazole

Clotrimazole, Miconazole.