Zole Skin Ointment (Miconazole 2%)

Zole Ointment 15 gm contains miconazole that belongs to the class of antifungals. It is used in the treatment of fungal or yeast infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot (affects toes), jock itch (affects the groin area), candidiasis (affects mouth, throat, gut, and vagina), and ringworm (affects skin or the scalp) ­­­­. Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are fungal infections closely related to each other, whereas candidiasis is a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. These infections are usually seen in people with a weak immune system. They can spread by skin-to-skin contact.

Zole Ointment 15 gm can inhibit fungal growth and reduce the infection. In general, Zole Ointment 15 gm may take 4 to 7 days to reduce the symptoms. It is available in the form of cream, ointment, powder, spray, gel, or buccal tablets. Your doctor will decide what dose should be taken based on your health condition. Continue using Zole Ointment 15 gm even if the symptoms improve. Abrupt stopping of the medication may result in a relapse of the infection (reappearance of the symptoms). So, continue treatment as recommended by your doctor to eradicate the infection.

The most common side-effects of Zole Ointment 15 gm are redness, rash, itching, or blister formation at the site of application, impaired sense of taste (dysgeusia), headache, itching or burning, tummy/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Inform your doctor if the side-effects don’t disappear or get worse within a few days. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any other abnormal symptoms.

Before taking Zole Ointment 15 gm, inform your doctor if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to miconazole or any other antifungal agents. Inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, other antifungals, antibiotics, other prescription drugs, or non-prescription drugs. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, HIV or AIDS, or undergoing chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine in children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Fungal skin infections

Zole Ointment 15 gm is used to treat fungal or yeast infections. It can inhibit the growth of fungi by targeting fungal cell membranes. It can be used in the treatment of candidiasis, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. It improves the symptoms within 3 to 4 days of the initial treatment.

Topical use: Clean and dry the affected area. Then, apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Wash your hands before and after use. Use the medicine as recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose or do not abruptly stop the medication without the doctor’s advice. Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds. Do not apply this medication in the eyes. If the medication gets accidentally into the eyes, rinse with water thoroughly. Buccal tablets: Place the buccal tablet in between the inside of the upper lip and upper gum above the right or left incisor tooth. Push the tablet up as high as possible into the gum. In general, a buccal tablet is flat on one side and round on another side. The round side should face the upper gum, whereas the flat side should face the inside of the upper lip.

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Zole Ointment 15 gm may cause side-effects rashes, redness, itching, burning sensation, or blistering at the site of application. Other side-effects that can be seen are diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, altered taste, and headache. Bleeding or abdominal cramps may also be seen when used inside the vagina. These side-effects usually don’t require medical attention. However, if the side-effects worsen, contact your doctor immediately. Occasionally, antifungal medicines may cause a more severe reaction, such as an allergic reaction on your face, neck or tongue may swell, difficulty breathing, and a severe skin reaction such as peeling or blistering skin. STOP using Zole Ointment 15 gm if you have these severe side effects, and consult a health professional immediately.