Topical antifungals: Nursing Pharmacology

Notes

TOPICAL ANTIFUNGALS
DRUG NAME	nystatin (Nystop), tavaborole (Kerydin), ciclopirox (Loprox), ketoconazole (Extina), miconazole (Fungold), econazole (Ecoza), efinaconazole (Jublia)
CLASS	Topical antifungals
MECHANISM OF ACTION	Disrupting and damaging the fungal cell membrane → fungistatic or fungicidal action
INDICATIONS	Cutaneous fungal infections (skin, hair, nail)
ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION	TOP
SIDE EFFECTS	Skin rash Itching Burning Stevens-Johnson syndrome
CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS	None
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS	Assessment and monitoring Assess the affected area Moist, red patches, papules, pustules, discharge Itching, burning, pain Laboratory results: skin scrapings Monitor for side effects Assess understanding of medication self-administration Evaluate therapeutic effect Client education Purpose of medication: treat fungal skin infection Self-administration Wash hands before and after application Clean the area with mild soap and water Gently pat dry with a clean towel Apply antifungal cream in a thin layer, exactly as directed Topical use only; not for oral, ophthalmic, or vaginal use Report skin irritation, burning, or painful rash that worsens; if infection does not resolve

Sources

"Focus on Nursing Pharmacology" LWW (2019)
"Pharmacology: A patient-centered nursing process approach (8e)" Elsevier Health Sciences (2014)
"Mosby's 2021 Nursing Drug Reference" Mosby (2021)
"Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination" Saunders (2020)
"Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (13e)" McGraw-Hill Education (2018)

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