What is Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Undecylenic acid topical (for the skin) is a fatty acid that works by preventing fungus from growing on the skin.
Undecylenic acid topical is used to treat skin infections that are caused by fungus, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, diaper rash, prickly heat, excessive sweating in the groin area, itching, burning, and chafing.
Undecylenic acid topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Do not use undecylenic acid topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Do not use undecylenic acid topical on a child without a doctor’s advice.
Do not cover treated skin areas with adhesive bandages or dressings that do not allow air to get through. You may use a light cotton-gauze dressing to protect your clothing from the medicine.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as nylon) that doesn’t allow air circulation. Wear clothing made of loose cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Do not use undecylenic acid topical if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
It is not known whether undecylenic acid topical could be harmful to an unborn baby if you use the medication during pregnancy. Do not use undecylenic acid topical without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether undecylenic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use undecylenic acid topical on a child without a doctor’s advice.
Undecylenic Acid Topical Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe burning or stinging of treated skin, or if you have any new skin symptoms.
Less serious side effects may include unusual blistering, peeling, itching, redness, dryness, or irritation of treated skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Undecylenic Acid Topical Interactions
What other drugs affect Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Avoid using other skin products or medications on the same area unless your doctor has told you to.
There may be other drugs that can interact with undecylenic acid. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose, eyes, or vagina. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use undecylenic acid topical on broken skin or pus-filled lesions (such as acne).
Undecylenic Acid Topical Dosage
How should I take Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Undecylenic acid topical is usually applied twice a day. How long you need to use this medication will depend on the type of infection you are treating. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the medicine label.
Wash your hands before and after using this medication.
Clean and dry the skin area to be treated. Apply enough of the medicine to cover the affected area and some of the skin around it.
If you are using undecylenic acid powder on your feet, sprinkle it onto all areas of the feet, between the toes, and into your socks and shoes. Avoid inhaling the powder.
Do not cover treated skin areas with adhesive bandages or dressings that do not allow air to get through. You may use a light cotton-gauze dressing to protect your clothing from the medicine.
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing (such as nylon) that doesn’t allow air circulation. Wear clothing made of loose cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.
Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.
Store undecylenic acid topical at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the aerosol forms of this medicine away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The medicine canister may explode if it gets too hot.
Do not use the aerosol powder or foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking.
What happens if I overdose on Undecylenic Acid Topical?
An overdose of undecylenic acid applied to the skin is not likely to occur.
What happens if I miss a dose of Undecylenic Acid Topical?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com