Luliconazole (Luzu)

Pronunciation: loo-li-KOH-na-zole.

Generic name
luliconazole
Drug class
Topical antifungal (azole/imidazole class)
Form
Cream, 1%
Route
Topical (skin) application only
Legal status
Prescription-only

Availability and supply rules vary by country

Trade names by country: United States

Australia: · Full directory

What luliconazole is and how it works

Luliconazole is a prescription-only topical antifungal cream used on the skin to treat specific fungal infections -- athlete's foot (between the toes), jock itch, and ringworm -- caused by particular fungi (Trichophyton rubrum and Epidermophyton floccosum). (1)

Apply luliconazole cream to the affected skin exactly as your prescriber directs, for the full course even if the skin looks better sooner, since stopping early can allow the infection to return.

Mechanism of action: how luliconazole works

Luliconazole is an azole antifungal believed to inhibit fungal lanosterol demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity. Systemic absorption after topical application is low. (1)

What luliconazole is used for

Athlete's foot (interdigital tinea pedis)

Used to treat athlete's foot between the toes, caused by Trichophyton rubrum or Epidermophyton floccosum, typically applied once daily for 2 weeks. (1)

Jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis)

Used to treat jock itch and ringworm caused by the same fungi, typically applied once daily for 1 week. (1)

Before taking luliconazole

Do not take / not appropriate for

  • Do not apply luliconazole to the eyes, mouth, or inside the vagina -- it is for use on the skin only. (all countries) (1)

Tell your clinician about

  • Any other skin conditions or infections in the same area.
  • Any known allergy to luliconazole or similar antifungal medicines.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, since human safety data are limited.
  • Other medicines you take, including omeprazole, since luliconazole may mildly affect how some medicines are processed by the body.
(1)

How to take luliconazole

  • Wash and dry the affected area before applying.
  • Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the surrounding healthy-looking skin, once daily.
  • Wash your hands after applying, unless the hands are the area being treated.
  • Complete the full course your prescriber recommends, even if your skin looks or feels better before the course ends.
(1)

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Missed dose

If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed application.

Overdose

Luliconazole cream is for external use on a limited area of skin; accidental swallowing or excessive application should be discussed with your prescriber or a poison control service for guidance, though systemic absorption from normal use is low. (1)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Mild application-site reactions such as redness, burning, or irritation -- occurring in fewer than 1% of people in studies.

What to notice: Mild application-site reactions such as redness, burning, or irritation -- occurring in fewer than 1% of people in studies.

What to do: Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with the treating clinician or pharmacist. (1)

Reported adverse event

Incidence: See prescribing information

Serious warnings

Signs of a skin reaction at the application site — high caution

Symptoms: Worsening redness, swelling, blistering, or signs of skin infection (such as spreading warmth, pain, or pus) at the treated area.

Action: Tell your prescriber if this occurs -- rare postmarketing reports include contact dermatitis and cellulitis at the application site. (1)

Signs of an allergic reaction — emergency

Symptoms: Widespread rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately if these occur, although this is not a commonly reported reaction for this topical medicine. (1)

Interactions

  • Luliconazole is a weak-to-moderate inhibitor of a liver enzyme (CYP2C19) and modestly increased levels of omeprazole in one study, though clinically significant interactions are unlikely with normal topical use given its low absorption into the body. (1)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Pregnancy

Animal studies did not show harm at high doses, but there is limited human data. Discuss use during pregnancy with your prescriber. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether luliconazole passes into human breast milk. Discuss with your prescriber before using while breastfeeding. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Children

Approved from age 2 for ringworm (tinea corporis), and from age 12 for athlete's foot and jock itch, in the source reviewed. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Elderly

No specific age-related dose adjustment described in the source reviewed. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Hepatic_impairment

Not specifically addressed in the source reviewed, given the low systemic absorption of this topical medicine; mention any liver conditions to your prescriber regardless. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Renal_impairment

Not specifically addressed in the source reviewed, given the low systemic absorption of this topical medicine. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Monitoring

Before starting

  • Confirmation of the fungal infection and affected area by your prescriber

During treatment

  • Watching the treated area for improvement or worsening.
  • Reporting any new irritation, spreading redness, or signs of infection to your prescriber.
(1)

Storage

Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); brief excursions between 15-30°C are permitted. Keep out of reach of children.

Professional information

Clinician-facing context only, sourced from the current US FDA prescribing information; verify against the current full label before prescribing.

United States

Indication: Interdigital tinea pedis, tinea cruris, tinea corporis (T. rubrum, E. floccosum)

Dose summary: Apply once daily to affected area plus approximately 1 inch of surrounding skin: 2 weeks for interdigital tinea pedis; 1 week for tinea cruris or tinea corporis.

Renal context: Not specifically addressed; low systemic absorption with topical use. (1)

Mechanism of action

Hepatic guidance

Weak-to-moderate CYP2C19 inhibition observed in interaction studies (e.g., increased omeprazole exposure); clinically unlikely to be significant given low systemic absorption from topical use.

Overdose note

Not specifically described beyond general topical-use precautions; systemic toxicity from normal use is not expected given low absorption. (1)

Frequently asked questions

Is luliconazole (Luzu) available worldwide?

No -- its availability is genuinely more limited than many medicines. It is FDA-approved and available in the United States. Direct regulator searches found no authorised luliconazole product in the United Kingdom, the European Union, or Australia. Its status in Canada and New Zealand could not be conclusively confirmed. (1) (2) (3) (5)

Can I use luliconazole for any fungal skin infection?

No -- it is approved specifically for athlete's foot between the toes, jock itch, and ringworm caused by particular fungi. Your prescriber will confirm it is the right treatment for your specific infection. (1)

How long do I need to use luliconazole cream?

Apply a thin layer to the affected area (and about an inch of surrounding skin) once daily -- typically for 2 weeks for athlete's foot between the toes, or 1 week for jock itch or ringworm. It is for use on the skin only, not in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Finish the full course even if your skin looks better sooner. (1)

What is the mechanism of action of luliconazole?

Luliconazole is an azole antifungal believed to inhibit fungal lanosterol demethylase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity. Systemic absorption after topical application is low. (1)

What is the generic name of Luliconazole (Luzu)?

The generic name is luliconazole. (1)

What class of drug is luliconazole?

Luliconazole (Luzu) is classed as: Topical antifungal (azole/imidazole class). (1)

References

  1. LUZU (luliconazole) Cream, 1% -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information, Bausch Health US LLC · United States · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 1
  2. MHRA Products database search for 'luliconazole'Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Products database, United Kingdom · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 2
  3. No EPAR/marketing authorisation found for luliconazole; only a paediatric investigation plan decision on fileEuropean Medicines Agency (EMA) · European Union · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 3
  4. Unable to conclusively verify Canadian authorisation status for luliconazoleHealth Canada Drug Product Database (attempted) · Canada · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 4
  5. TGA Product and Consumer Medicine Information (PICMI) search for 'luliconazole'Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) PICMI database, Australia · Australia · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 5
  6. Unable to conclusively verify New Zealand authorisation status for luliconazoleMedsafe product database (attempted) · New Zealand · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 6

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient luliconazole names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries

United States

  • Luzu10 mg/g · bausch health us, llc
View brands in additional countries.

This page provides general reference information about luliconazole (Luzu) and is not a substitute for advice from the prescriber managing your treatment. All dosing and treatment decisions should be made with your prescriber.

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