— Product
CARIDERM OINT 15GM
ITRACONAZOLE + OFLOXACIN + ORNIDAZOLE + CLOBETASOL
CARIDERM OINT 15GM is a topical combination ointment containing itraconazole, ofloxacin, ornidazole and clobetasol. It is used for mixed or infected inflammatory skin conditions where fungal, bacterial and anaerobic organisms may all be present, most often in the intertriginous areas — groin, under the breasts and between the toes.
01
Benefits
- Itraconazole covers dermatophytes and Candida, the fungal organisms of skin-fold and web-space infection.
- Ofloxacin adds cover against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in secondarily infected lesions.
- Ornidazole covers anaerobic organisms, which contribute to the odour and maceration of infected skin folds.
- Clobetasol, a potent corticosteroid, rapidly suppresses the itching and inflammation that make these conditions distressing.
- A single preparation for a mixed infection avoids layering three separate topicals on inflamed skin.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Burning or stinging on application
- Local redness or itching
- Dryness or peeling of the treated skin
- Greasy residue on skin and clothing
Less common
- Skin thinning, visible small blood vessels and stretch marks from the potent steroid
- Increased hair growth in the treated area
- Acneiform eruption or folliculitis
- Contact dermatitis, or worsening of the underlying fungal infection
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Rapid spread of the rash after starting treatment — a potent steroid can mask and worsen an untreated fungal infection
- Severe blistering, crusting or ulceration
- Spreading redness, warmth, pus or fever
- Marked skin thinning, or the appearance of stretch marks
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
03
Precautions
- Contains a potent corticosteroid. Use for short defined courses only — typically no more than two weeks — and never as an ongoing skin cream.
- Do not use on the face, the genitals, or in skin folds under occlusion for prolonged periods; steroid atrophy occurs fastest at these sites.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes.
- Potent steroids applied to an undiagnosed fungal rash suppress the inflammation while the infection spreads — tinea incognito. Confirm the diagnosis before using this in place of a plain antifungal.
- Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to any component, in viral skin infection such as herpes, and in tuberculous or syphilitic skin lesions.
- Prolonged use over large areas can cause systemic steroid absorption and adrenal suppression, particularly in children.
- Keep the area clean and dry, and treat the predisposing moisture as well as the infection.
- Use in pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children only on medical advice.