Canesten Extra

Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% is available in a screw-cap tube containing white opaque cream.
The active substance is bifonazole at a strength of 1% w/w.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: The other ingredients are sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl palmitate, cetostearyl alcohol, Octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and purified water.

The active substance in Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% is bifonazole. Bifonazole belongs to a group of medicines called imidazoles and is an antifungal agent which fights the cause of fungal skin infections.

Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% is a topical antifungal cream used to treat skin infections such as tinea, athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm of the body and other skin infections caused by fungi and yeasts.
If patient is unsure whether he/she has athlete's foot, he/she should seek the advice of doctor or pharmacist.

If Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% has been prescribed by the doctor, advise patient to follow any instructions given to the patient. If the patient purchased this product without a prescription, advise patient to follow these directions closely: Apply Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% once a day, preferably before going to bed.
Clean and dry the affected area thoroughly. Apply cream thinly to the affected area and rub in gently. A small amount (about the size of a pea) is sufficient for the treatment of an area about the size of the palm.
The length of treatment is between 2 to 4 weeks and depends on the type of infection and site involved.
To achieve a lasting cure, continue applying the cream once daily for the full duration of treatment as shown in the following, even if the infection seems to have cleared.
Athlete's foot or tinea of the foot: 3 weeks.
Yeast infections of the skin (including Candida infection): 2-4 weeks.
Jock itch: 2-3 weeks.
Ringworm or tinea of the body (tinea versicolor): 2 weeks.
Continue treatment for the recommended length of time even if the infection seems to have cleared.
The symptoms such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment although signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, advise patient to consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% is for external use only: Do not put the cream in the mouth or swallow it.
If the cream is swallowed accidentally, patient should tell the doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
If patient accidentally gets cream in the eyes or mouth, wash immediately with water and contact the doctor.
If patient forgets to use Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1%: Apply the cream as soon as possible and then continue the rest of the treatment as usual.

Do not use Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1%: If patient is allergic (hypersensitive) to bifonazole or any of the other ingredients of Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% (see Description).
To treat nappy rash. If the baby has nappy rash, advise patient to seek doctor's advice for a suitable treatment.
To treat nail and scalp infections.
To treat vaginal infections.

Before using Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1%, the patient should seek the advice of the doctor or pharmacist if: unsure whether he/she has athlete's foot or skin infections caused by fungi and yeasts; the patient has ever had an allergic reaction to any antifungal product.
Important information about some of the ingredients: This product contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
The medicine also contains 20mg benzyl alcohol in each gram of cream. Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions and mild local irritation.

Advise patient to not use Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% if she is pregnant or breast-feeding, unless on the advice of a doctor.

Like all medicines, Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
As with all medicines, some people may be allergic to the cream. If patient is allergic, a reaction will occur soon after he/she starts using it. In case of an allergic reaction, patient should stop using Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% and tell the doctor straight away or contact the Accident and Emergency Department of the nearest hospital. Signs of an allergic reaction may include: Rash; Swallowing or breathing problems; Swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue; Weakness, feeling dizzy or faint; Nausea.
After applying the cream, the patient might experience the following symptoms: Slight irritation or burning; Reddening of the skin; Peeling.
If this is intolerable, patient should stop treatment and see the doctor as soon as possible. Canesten Extra Bifonazole Cream 1% may cause a local skin irritation which can be very similar to the symptoms of the infection. If any of the symptoms gets worse, patient should stop treatment and see the doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may include: Burning, pain or itching; Rash, redness, dryness; Soft or soggy appearance to the skin; Swelling, hives, blisters.
Reporting of side effects: If the patient gets any side effects, advise him/her to talk to the doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed.

Advise patient to tell the doctor or pharmacist if he/she is taking or has recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, especially warfarin (an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots).

This product should be stored in the original carton.
Store at or below 25°C.

You can help the treatment to work if you follow these simple self-help tips: Although the infected area will itch, try not to scratch. Scratching will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further.
Keep the affected skin areas clean.
Pay particular attention to drying the skin, including between the toes, but avoid excessive rubbing.
Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.
Always wash your hands after treating the infection to prevent it from spreading.
Wash your socks, stockings and tights thoroughly in hot water to remove any shed skin or fungal spores.
Change your footwear daily if possible.
It is also recommended to use an antiseptic/antifungal laundry rinse to wash your clothes and socks.

Topical Antifungals & Antiparasites

D01AC10 - bifonazole ; Belongs to the class of imidazole and triazole derivatives. Used in the topical treatment of fungal infection.

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