Undecylenic Acid, Compound, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antifungal

Generic and brand names: calcium undecylenate, topical; undecylenic acid, compound, topical; Caldesene; Decylenes

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat fungus infections.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines. Also tell your provider if you have diabetes or poor circulation. You may have greater risk for a severe bacterial infection of the foot and leg if you get athlete's foot.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This medicine should not be used by pregnant women who are close to delivery of the infant. This medicine should not be used while breast-feeding.

How do I use it?

Keep this medicine away from your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, flush them well with water. Before using the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and water, then rinse and dry.

If you are using the cream, put a generous amount on your skin and rub it in gently. If the fungus is on your feet, be sure to put the cream between your toes. Do not use the cream on badly irritated or broken skin unless your healthcare provider approves.

Dust the powder on your skin. If the fungus is on your feet, sprinkle it between your toes and in your socks and shoes. Keep your feet dry and well ventilated.

Use the aerosol powder as directed on the can. Do not spray it near your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not inhale the spray. Do not use the aerosol near heat, open flame, or cigarettes. Shake the can before spraying.

Wash your hands after using this medicine.

The powder is usually used daily after the infection is healed to keep it from returning.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve in a month or if they get worse.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious: (Report these to your health care provider right away); Blistering, burning, itching, peeling, swelling, or reddening of your skin not present before you started using the medicine.

Others: Mild stinging.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.