Fenticonazole

Context

Pharmacy First

This codelist is intended for use in Pharmacy First analyses to capture prescribing of antifungal treatments for vulvovaginal candidiasis infections where both capsule and topical cream formulations may be used in routine care. It may also be applicable more broadly to antifungal prescribing studies depending on the analytical objective. Fenticonazole was discontinued in 2022, however the scope of Pharmacy first evaluations includes prescribing for prior to the introduction of this new service in 2024.

Inclusion/exclusion criteria

We included antifungal capsule formulations and topical cream preparations. These represent the main routes of administration used in primary care for systemic and superficial fungal infections.

Capsules were included to capture systemic treatment of fungal infections, while cream formulations were included to capture topical management, particularly where systemic therapy may not be appropriate or may be supplemented with local treatment.

Borderline cases

Topical cream formulations were considered borderline in the context of systemic antifungal treatment but were included because some patients may have swallowing difficulties or other limitations that make capsule administration unsuitable. In these cases, cream formulations may be used as an alternative or adjunct in clinical practice, particularly for superficial infections.

Sensitivity vs specificity

This codelist is sensitive, aiming to capture both systemic (capsule) and topical (cream) antifungal prescribing. The inclusion of both formulations ensures comprehensive capture of treatment approaches used in routine clinical practice.

Additional information

This codelist reflects prescribing flexibility where both oral and topical antifungal treatments may be used depending on patient factors and infection site. The dm+d hierarchy (VTM → VMP) is used to ensure consistent identification of relevant formulations within prescribing data.