What Is Ertaczo? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

March 12, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Ertaczo (Sertaconazole Nitrate) is a prescription antifungal cream for athlete's foot. Learn about its uses, dosage, cost, side effects, and what to know in 2026.

Ertaczo Is a Prescription Antifungal Cream Used to Treat Athlete's Foot

Ertaczo (Sertaconazole Nitrate 2% cream) is a prescription topical antifungal medication used to treat interdigital tinea pedis — the form of athlete's foot that occurs between the toes. It was approved by the FDA and is manufactured by DPT Laboratories and distributed by Coral Way Pharma, LLC. The Ertaczo trademark is owned by Lacer Pharma, LLC.

If your doctor has prescribed Ertaczo or you're wondering whether it might be right for you, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it treats and how to use it, to what it costs and where to find it.

What Is Ertaczo?

Here are the key facts about Ertaczo:

  • Brand name: Ertaczo
  • Generic name: Sertaconazole Nitrate
  • Drug class: Topical azole antifungal (imidazole)
  • Form: Topical cream, 2% (each gram contains 17.5 mg of Sertaconazole as Sertaconazole Nitrate 20 mg)
  • Manufacturer: DPT Laboratories, Ltd. (manufactured by); Coral Way Pharma, LLC (distributed by)
  • Controlled substance: No — Ertaczo is not a controlled substance
  • Generic available: No — there is currently no generic version of Ertaczo available in the United States

Ertaczo belongs to the imidazole class of antifungal medications, the same family as Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and Ketoconazole. However, Ertaczo has a unique dual mechanism of action that sets it apart. Learn more about how Ertaczo works.

What Is Ertaczo Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

Ertaczo is FDA-approved for the topical treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (athlete's foot between the toes) in immunocompetent patients 12 years of age and older. It is effective against the following fungi:

  • Trichophyton rubrum
  • Trichophyton mentagrophytes
  • Epidermophyton floccosum

Off-Label Uses

While Ertaczo is only FDA-approved for interdigital tinea pedis, doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for other fungal skin infections, including:

  • Tinea corporis (ringworm)
  • Tinea cruris (jock itch)
  • Tinea manuum (hand ringworm)
  • Tinea versicolor
  • Cutaneous candidiasis

Off-label use means the medication is being used in a way not specifically approved by the FDA, but your doctor may recommend it based on clinical evidence and their medical judgment.

How Is Ertaczo Taken?

Using Ertaczo correctly is important for getting the best results. Here's how to apply it:

Application Instructions

  1. Clean the affected area — Wash your feet with mild soap and water
  2. Dry thoroughly — Make sure the skin between your toes is completely dry before applying. This is especially important after bathing or showering.
  3. Apply a thin layer — Apply enough cream to cover the affected areas between the toes and the immediately surrounding healthy skin
  4. Wash your hands — After applying, wash your hands to avoid spreading the infection or transferring the medication to your eyes or mouth

Dosing Schedule

  • Frequency: Apply twice daily (morning and evening)
  • Duration: Continue for the full 4 weeks, even if symptoms improve sooner
  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule.

Important Usage Notes

  • Ertaczo is for external use only — do not use it in the eyes, mouth, or vagina
  • Do not cover the treated area with bandages or occlusive dressings unless directed by your doctor
  • Continue the full 4-week course even if your symptoms clear up early — stopping too soon can allow the fungal infection to return

Who Should Not Take Ertaczo?

Ertaczo has no specific contraindications listed in its prescribing information, but certain people should use caution or discuss with their doctor first:

  • Children under 12 — Ertaczo's safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than 12
  • People allergic to azole antifungals — If you've had reactions to Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, or similar medications, tell your doctor due to possible cross-reactivity
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women — No adequate human studies exist. Animal studies did not show birth defects, but reduced live births were seen at high doses. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.

For more information on side effects, read our detailed guide on Ertaczo side effects.

How Much Does Ertaczo Cost?

Ertaczo is a brand-name medication with no generic alternative, which makes it one of the more expensive topical antifungals on the market.

  • Cash price: $897 to $1,070 per tube
  • With discount coupons: Approximately $447 to $897 through GoodRx, SingleCare, or InsideRx
  • With insurance: Coverage varies. Many plans cover Ertaczo but may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying cheaper alternatives like OTC Clotrimazole or Terbinafine first)

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Ertaczo.

Why Is It So Expensive?

Ertaczo's high price is largely due to its brand-only status. Without generic competition, there's no downward price pressure. Many patients and doctors explore alternative antifungal treatments when cost is a barrier.

Finding Ertaczo

Because Ertaczo is a brand-only product with limited demand, not every pharmacy keeps it in stock. If your pharmacy doesn't have it:

Ertaczo Compared to Alternatives

How does Ertaczo stack up against other antifungal treatments?

  • Lamisil (Terbinafine) — Available OTC for under $15. Applied once or twice daily for 1–4 weeks. Very effective and much more affordable.
  • Lotrimin (Clotrimazole) — Available OTC for $8–$15. Applied twice daily for 2–4 weeks. Another affordable first-line option.
  • Naftin (Naftifine) — Prescription antifungal. Brand cost $400–$700, but generic is available. Applied once or twice daily for 2–4 weeks.
  • Luzu (Luliconazole) — Prescription azole antifungal cream. Applied once daily for 2 weeks. Brand cost $500–$800.

Ertaczo's main advantage is its dual mechanism of action, which includes both antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its high cost and brand-only status mean it's usually prescribed after OTC options have failed.

Final Thoughts

Ertaczo is an effective prescription antifungal cream for treating athlete's foot, particularly for patients who haven't responded to over-the-counter treatments. Its dual mechanism of action — combining antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects — makes it a unique option in its class.

The biggest challenges with Ertaczo are its cost (up to $1,070 without discounts) and availability (not stocked at every pharmacy). If your doctor prescribes it, use savings tools and Medfinder to get the best price and find it in stock near you.

Is there a generic version of Ertaczo?

No, there is currently no generic version of Ertaczo (Sertaconazole Nitrate) available in the United States. This is one reason the medication is expensive, with cash prices ranging from $897 to $1,070 per tube.

What is Ertaczo used to treat?

Ertaczo is FDA-approved for treating interdigital tinea pedis (athlete's foot between the toes) in patients 12 years and older. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for other fungal skin infections like ringworm, jock itch, and cutaneous candidiasis.

How long do you use Ertaczo?

Ertaczo should be applied twice daily for 4 weeks. It's important to complete the full treatment course even if symptoms improve before 4 weeks, as stopping early can allow the fungal infection to return.

Is Ertaczo a controlled substance?

No, Ertaczo is not a controlled substance. It's a topical antifungal cream that requires a prescription but does not have any DEA scheduling restrictions. There are no concerns about addiction or abuse with this medication.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

Try Medfinder Concierge Free

Medfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.

25,000+ have already found their meds with Medfinder.

Start your search today.
      What med are you looking for?
⊙  Find Your Meds
99% success rate
Fast-turnaround time
Never call another pharmacy