Daktarin Tincture (miconazole nitrate) is used to eradicate fungal infections in the fingernails or toenails. It is one of the more convenient antifungal nail treatments, applied to nails as one would apply nail polish. The tincture is typically applied twice per day for a minimum of 2 months.

Getting the Most from Daktarin Tincture

Daktarin Tincture is very similar to nail polish in many ways:

• It comes in a vial with a small brush attached to the cap, which is used to paint the tincture on the nails.
• Applied tincture leaves a protective film over nails once dry, which holds the medication in place while allowing free use of hands.
• The tincture needs to be removed with an acetone-based nail polish remover before applying the next dose. Failure to remove the previous application will cause newer applications to layer, preventing fresh medication from actually reaching the nail.

Note that the nail polish remover is not included with Daktarin Tincture.

Miconazole nitrate, the active ingredient in Daktarin Tincture, destroys the integrity of fungal cells walls, ultimately leading to death of the fungus. The more the tincture is in contact with infected nails, the faster and more effectively this process will take place. For best results, treatment should be uninterrupted until all traces of the infection are gone; a new coating of the tincture should be applied as soon as the old layer is removed.

Throughout treatment nails should be trimmed as close as possible. Use designated clippers, files and other equipment on infected nails; do not use this equipment on healthy nails, as this may spread the fungus. When the infection is healed, sterilize or dispose of contaminated equipment.

Once nails are trimmed, cleaned and dried, treatment may begin:

• Apply a thin layer of the tincture on infected nails, extending a short way on to healthy surrounding areas.
• Take care to coat the entire nail---sides, front, and if not trimmed, underneath the nail.
• Allow the tincture to dry.
• Clean treated nails with acetone-based nail polish remover before applying the next dose.
• Repeat treatment twice per day, ideally in the morning and evening.
• Continue treatment as long as needed until all symptoms of the infection have cleared up, and for an additional 10 days after seeing the last of the symptoms.

Application may sting slightly if the skin around nails is broken. It should not be applied to large, open wounds as this will allow relatively large amounts of the medication to enter the bloodstream.

It will most likely take a minimum of 2 months of treatment for the infection to be fully cleared. It may take longer, particularly if treating toenails. Treatment may continue as long as needed, provided symptoms continue to improve.

In severe fungal infections nails may fall off. Treatment should continue regardless, with the tincture applied to all infected areas. It may also be applied to new nails as they grow in.

Treatment may be repeated if nail infections resurface in the future; ideally treatment should start at the earliest symptoms of infection.

Avoiding re-contamination is crucial in clearing up fungal nail infections. Any other fungal infections, such as jock itch or athlete's foot, should be treated before or along with nails. Frequently wash clothing, towels, nail clippers and other items that contact infected nails.

Adverse Effects

Adverse effects from Daktarin Tincture are very unusual, and not dangerous. A small percentage of patients are hypersensitive to one or more of the ingredients in the tincture, which may cause pain, inflammation, severe itching and other uncomfortable symptoms at the application site. These symptoms should fade once the tincture is removed; alternative treatments should be explored.

There are no known interactions with other medications, no dietary restrictions, and no contraindications associated with Daktarin Tincture. It is safe for use in pregnant or breast-feeding moms.

If the medication is consumed by children or pets seek medical attention.