Undecylenic Acid and Undecylenate Salts (Monograph)

Drug class: Astringents, Anti-infective

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 10, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Undecylenic acid and undecylenate salts are antifungal agents.

Uses for Undecylenic Acid and Undecylenate Salts

Undecylenic acid and undecylenate salts (e.g., calcium undecylenate, copper undecylenate, zinc undecylenate) are topical antifungal agents. The drugs usually are used in combination, with the combined potency labeled in terms of total undecylenate, although they also can be used individually as antifungal agents. The combination containing zinc undecylenate and undecylenic acid is sometimes referred to as zincundecate. The drugs are used topically in the treatment of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and other skin infections caused by dermatophytic fungi (ringworm).

Undecylenic Acid and Undecylenate Salts Dosage and Administration

Undecylenic acid and undecylenate salts are used individually or in combination in total concentrations of 10–25%. Preparations containing the drugs are applied topically twice daily after cleansing the affected area. The ointment should be used at night. Treatment should usually be continued for 4 weeks when treating athlete’s foot or ringworm and for 2 weeks when treating jock itch. Preparations containing the drugs are not effective in the treatment of fungal infections of the scalp or nails.

Additional Information

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Frequently asked questions

• How do I get rid of nail fungus?

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