Acosta 1% Gel

Composition Itraconazole (1% w/w)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack tube of 15 gm Gel
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical Class Azoles {Triazoles}
Action Class Fungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitor
Habbit Forming No
Manufacturer Sonika Life Sciences Ltd
Manufacturer address plot no. 97, industrial area phase 1, panchkula, haryana 134113

Acosta 1% Gel is for external use only. You should use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. The affected area should be clean and dry before application of the medicine. You must wash your hands thoroughly before and after the medicine application. Do not use the medicine for longer than your doctor has told you to and let him or her know if your condition does not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.  If you have athlete’s foot, wash your socks or tights thoroughly and change your shoes daily if possible.

Some of the common side effects of this medicine include skin irritation, redness, or itching at the site of application. Please consult your doctor if these side effects persist for a longer duration. Avoid direct contact with your eyes. In case of direct contact, wash your eyes with water and seek immediate medical attention. You should stop taking it straight away if you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling of the lips, throat, or face, swallowing or breathing problems, dizziness, and nausea.

It is not likely that other medicines you take by mouth or injection will affect the way this medicine works, but talk to your doctor before using it if you have recently used another medicine that contains a steroid or had an allergic reaction to another antifungal medicine. This medicine should only be used if it is clearly needed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if it is safe.

Fungal skin infections
Treatment of Fungal infections

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

Acosta 1% Gel is an antifungal medication which treats skin infections. It works by killing the fungi on the skin by destroying their cell membrane.

If you miss a dose of Acosta 1% Gel, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Acosta 1% Gel helps treat skin infections caused by many different types of fungi.

Finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.

It can take a few weeks for the infection to clear and a few months before the skin returns to its normal color.

Apply an amount sufficient to cover the affected area and 1 inch of the immediate surrounding skin.

Avoid getting in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Inform your doctor if the infection has not cleared up after four weeks of treatment.

Q. What is Acosta 1% Gel used for?

Acosta 1% Gel is used to treat fungal infections caused by Trichophyton spp., Microsporum spp., and Epidermophyton floccosum. The infections caused could be ringworm infection, infection of feet, or infection in groin and buttocks. This medicine also treats persistent infection of fingernails and toenails, persistent candida (yeast) infections of vagina or candida (yeast) infections of the mouth or throat in patients with lower resistance to disease. It is also used in the treatment of cryptococcal infection and infections caused by histoplasma, aspergillus and blastomyces.

Q. Acosta 1% Gel is effective against which fungi?

Acosta 1% Gel is effective against Trichophyton species which cause ringworm infection, athlete’s foot, and jock itch (fungal infection of the skin in the groin or buttocks). It is also effective against yeast known as Candida which commonly causes vaginal thrush (infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast called Candida albicans).

Q. How to use Acosta 1% Gel?

Before using Acosta 1% Gel, clean and dry the affected area. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes or mouth. If Acosta 1% Gel gets in your eyes accidentally, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.

Q. For how long do I need to take Acosta 1% Gel?

The dose and length of treatment will depend on the type and site of infection and your response to the treatment. For example, if you are taking Acosta 1% Gel for athlete’s foot (fungal infection of the skin on the feet and between the toes), the dose may need to be taken for 30 days. While, on the other hand, if you are taking it for candidal infection of vagina, the dose may take about 1 to 3 3 days depending on the dosage advised by the doctor.

Q. I am taking Acosta 1% Gel for nail infection but there does not seem to be any improvement. Can I stop taking it?

No, you should not stop taking Acosta 1% Gel without completing the entire course. This is because if you stop the medication then your fungal infection may not get completely cured. It usually takes about 6-9 months for the nail lesions to get cured and after that the new nail also takes several months to grow. Therefore, do not worry if you do not see any improvement during the treatment.

Q. What precautions do I need to take while using Acosta 1% Gel?

Be careful not to get Acosta 1% Gel into your eyes or mouth. If you happen to get it in your eyes, rinse off with plenty of water immediately and contact your doctor. You must not use Acosta 1% Gel if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Let your doctor know if you notice any allergic reaction while using it for the first time. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines regularly to prevent any allergic reaction with other medicines. Do not cover the area being treated with Acosta 1% Gel with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and increase the side effects. Do not use more than what is recommended to relieve your symptoms faster. Using more than what is advised will only increase the side effects. Also, it is advised to inform your doctor if you are planning to conceive. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use Acosta 1% Gel only if prescribed by the doctor.

Q. For how long should I apply Acosta 1% Gel? Can I stop if the symptoms have completely disappeared?

The duration of treatment with Acosta 1% Gel depends on the type of infection. In general, the treatment for tinea infection is advised for 1 month and candida infection for at least 15 days. Do not stop the treatment on your own even if you feel better because the infection may come back as it takes some time to kill the fungus.

Q. Is Acosta 1% Gel safe to use in children?

Acosta 1% Gel is safe for children only if taken as directed by the doctor. It should be given to children in the correct dose only for the prescribed length of time. Minor side effects may occur but usually, they are not bothersome. However, if you develop a burning sensation, redness, and itching (which is severe in nature), stop the medicine and contact your doctor.

Q. Are there any measures that should be taken to help a faster recovery?

Keep the affected skin areas clean and dry but avoid excessive rubbing. You may have the urge to scratch because of itchiness but avoid scratching as it will damage the surface of the skin and cause the infection to spread further. Do not share towels, bath mats, etc. with other people as you could spread the infection to them.

Q. Does Acosta 1% Gel affect contraception?

Acosta 1% Gel may reduce the effectiveness of rubber contraceptives, like diaphragms and condoms. If you are using the cream on the vulva or penis, it is advised to use alternative methods of contraception for at least 5 days after using Acosta 1% Gel.

Q. By when can I expect to start seeing the improvements?

The symptoms of skin infection, such as itching or soreness, should improve within a few days of treatment. However, other signs such as redness and scaling may take longer to disappear. Do not stop applying this medicine before the duration advised by your doctor, even if you feel better.

Q. What should I do if I forget to use Acosta 1% Gel?

If you forget to use Acosta 1% Gel, do not worry and continue using Acosta 1% Gel as soon as you remember. However, if you are not sure and have any other doubts, please consult your doctor.

In Fungal skin infections

Acosta 1% Gel is an antifungal medicine. It kills and prevents the growth of fungus. This relieves the symptoms caused by the infection. It may be used to treat infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, fungal nappy rash, and fungal sweat rash. You should keep using it for as long as it is prescribed even if your symptoms have gone. This will prevent the infection from coming back. Using this medicine as prescribed will relieve pain and itching and may help you feel more comfortable with your skin.

In Treatment of Fungal infections

Acosta 1% Gel is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by fungi. It works by killing and stopping the growth of fungi. This provides relief from various symptoms caused by the infection and speeds up the healing process. You should keep taking the medicine until you complete the dose even if you get better. This will prevent the infection from returning.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Menstrual disorder

Blurred vision

Cough

Common cold

Nausea

Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)

Alcohol:

No interaction found/established

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Acosta 1% Gel may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Acosta 1% Gel is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving:

No interaction found/established

Kidney:

No interaction found/established

Liver:

No interaction found/established

Bennett JE. Antifungal Agents. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1576-79.

Sheppard D, Lampiris HW. Antifungal Agents. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 839-40.

Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 749-51.