Fenticonazole

Key facts

• Fenticonazole is an imidazole antifungal, sold as a cream or vaginal pessary (Lomexin among other brands), used for skin fungal infections and vaginal thrush.
• A single vaginal pessary or a short cream course usually clears an infection; symptoms typically ease within a few days.
• If you don't improve within the time stated on the pack, see a doctor rather than repeating treatment, since the symptoms may not be fungal.
• Seek urgent care for a widespread rash, fever, or severe swelling after use.

What fenticonazole treats

Fenticonazole treats vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal thrush) and fungal skin infections including athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and cutaneous candidiasis. It works only against fungi, so it will not help bacterial or viral causes of similar symptoms.

How fenticonazole works

Fungal cells build their outer membrane from a substance called ergosterol. Fenticonazole blocks an enzyme the fungus needs to make ergosterol, so the membrane becomes leaky and unstable. Without an intact membrane, the fungal cell cannot survive, and the infection clears as new, healthy skin or tissue replaces it.

Before you take it

• Avoid fenticonazole if you have a known allergy to imidazole antifungals.
• If you are pregnant, use the vaginal form only if a doctor recommends it, particularly in the first trimester.
• Tell your doctor if this is your first ever episode of vaginal symptoms, or if symptoms recur frequently, so the diagnosis can be confirmed.
• Vaginal pessaries and creams can weaken latex condoms and diaphragms; use an alternative form of contraceptive protection during and shortly after treatment.

Side effects

Common effects are local: mild burning, itching or redness at the site of application, which usually settles within a few days.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

• Widespread hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Blistering or painful skin breakdown that spreads beyond the treated area.
• Fever or chills alongside skin changes.

Safety essentials

• Finish the full course even if symptoms ease early, since stopping too soon lets the infection return.
• Treatment failure after a full course needs medical review. Recurring vaginal thrush can have another cause, and diabetes or antibiotic use are common triggers worth checking.
• Keep fenticonazole away from the eyes, and wash your hands after applying it unless you're treating your hands.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.