Onabet Cream (Sertaconazole) 2%

Onabet Cream general information

What is Onabet Cream used for?

Onabet Cream 2% is used as a topical treatment for fungal infections of the skin, due to the Tinea fungus in immunocompetent individuals.  Tinea is a dermatophyte fungus also known as ringworm that causes fungal infection in different parts of the body including ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), and of the scalp (tinea capitis).  Symptoms of athlete’s foot, named because it is common in people active in sport, include red, inflamed and itchy skin and if the fungus spreads between the toes, it causes the skin to become cracked and peeling which can make the skin raw and painful.  Onabet Cream 2% relieves symptoms of fungal infection, including pain and inflammation.

How does Onabet Cream work?

Onabet Cream 2% contains sertaconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal belonging to the imidazole class of antifungals that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin¹.  Sertaconazole in Onabet Cream 2% prevents growth of dermatophyte fungi by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This results in altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane causing it to become weakened, so that the cell contents leak out, which kills the fungus.  It is also thought that sertaconazole in Onabet Cream helps form pores in the fungal cell membrane which also contributes to making the membrane leaky.  These actions of sertaconazole in Onabet Cream prevent the infection from spreading and relieve symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including pain and inflammation. 

What does Onabet Cream contain?

Onabet Cream 2% contains the active ingredient sertaconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal belonging to the imidazole class of antifungals that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.

Treating fungal infections with Onabet Cream

Onabet Cream 2% contains sertaconazole, an antifungal that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.  Tinea is a dermatophyte fungus also known as ringworm that causes fungal infection in different parts of the body including ringworm of the foot, also known as Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), of the body (tinea corporis), of the groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), and of the scalp (tinea capitis).  Symptoms of athlete’s foot, named because it is common in people active in sport, include red, inflamed and itchy skin and if the fungus spreads between the toes, it causes the skin to become cracked and peeling which can make the skin raw and painful.  Sertaconazole in Onabet Cream 2% prevents growth of dermatophyte fungi by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  This results in altering the permeability of the fungal cell membrane causing it to become weakened, so that the cell contents to leak out, which kills the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading and relieving symptoms caused by the fungal infection, including pain and inflammation. 

What are the side effects of Onabet Cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Onabet Cream include, burning sensation or irritation at the site of application, such as dry skin, redness, burning, pain and swelling;

When should Onabet Cream not be used?

You should not use Onabet Cream if you:

• are allergic to sertaconazole or other imidazole antifungal or any ingredients in Onabet Cream
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should Onabet Cream be used?

You should apply thin film of your  Onabet Cream 2% to the affected area and rub gently into the skin once or twice daily depending on what you are being treated for and the severity of the infection.  You should continue your course of treatment with Onabet Cream for up to 4 weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, until signs and symptoms of the infection have disappeared, which may be up to 6 weeks.  Wash your hands to prevent spreading the infection and do not get the cream into your eyes.

How long should you take Onabet Cream?

You should continue your course of treatment with Onabet Cream for 2-6 weeks, depending on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendation, until signs and symptoms of the infection have disappeared.

Missed dose of Onabet Cream

If you miss a dose of Onabet Cream apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Onabet Cream be stored?

You should store your Onabet Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place. 

References

1. Croxtall JD, Plosker GL. Sertaconazole: a review of its use in the management of superficial mycoses in dermatology and gynaecology. Drugs. 2009;69(3):339-59