Efinaconazole

Efinaconazole is a prescription medication used to treat fungal infections of the toenails.

Efinaconazole Overview

Reviewed: November 10, 2014
Updated: 

Efinaconazole is a prescription medication used to treat fungal infections of the toenails.

Efinaconazole belongs to a group of drugs called azole antifungals. These work by stopping the growth of fungi that cause infections.

This medication comes in a topical solution that is applied to the affected toenail once daily for 48 weeks.

Common side effects of efinaconazole include ingrown toenails and application site redness, pain, and irritation.

How was your experience with ?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking ?

What are you taking for?

Choose one
  • Other

How long have you been taking it?

Choose one
  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend to a friend?

Uses of Efinaconazole

Efinaconazole is a prescription medication used to treat fungal infections of the toenails caused by Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Efinaconazole Brand Names

Efinaconazole may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Side Effects of Efinaconazole

Serious side effects have been reported with efinaconazole. See the “Efinaconazole Precautions” section.

Common side effects of efinaconazole include the following:

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Application site redness or swelling
  • Application site blisters
  • Application site pain

This is not a complete list of efinaconazole side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Efinaconazole Interactions

No drug interactions have been efinaconazole identified by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Efinaconazole Precautions

Serious side effects have been reported with efinaconazole including the following:

  • Ingrown toenails
  • Application site redness or swelling
  • Application site blisters
  • Application site pain

Do not take if you:

  • are allergic to efinaconazole or to any of its ingredients

Efinaconazole Food Interactions

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of efinaconazole, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Inform MD

Before taking efinaconazole, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

  • are allergic to efinaconazole or to any of its ingredients
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Efinaconazole and Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Efinaconazole falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Efinaconazole and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

It is not known if efinaconazole crosses into human milk. Because many medications can cross into human milk and because of the possibility for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants with use of this medication, a choice should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the use of this medication. Your doctor and you will decide if the benefits outweigh the risk of using efinaconazole.

Efinaconazole Usage

Take efinaconazole exactly as prescribed.

Efinaconazole comes in a topical solution and is applied to the affected toenail once daily for 48 weeks.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of efinaconazole at the same time.

Do not use nail polish or cosmetic nail products while using efinaconazole.

Efinaconazole Dosage

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The dose your doctor recommends may be based on the following:

  • the condition being treated

The recommended dose of efinaconazole for the treatment of fungal infections of the toenail is one application daily for 48 weeks. When applying the solution, make sure to completely cover the toenail, the toenail folds, the toenail bed, and the undersurface of the toenail plate. 

Efinaconazole Overdose

If you take too much efinaconazole, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

Other Requirements

Store efinaconazole at room temperature.

Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Solution is flammable; keep away from heat or flame.

Keep bottle tightly closed and store it in an upright position.