Axxo0.05%+0.75%+2%+1%

Axxo is a fixed-dose topical combination used for short-term treatment of mixed and complicated skin infections that involve fungal, bacterial and inflammatory components together.

Established uses

• Extensive or markedly inflamed dermatophyte (fungal) infections of the skin, such as tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea faciei, when there is genuine clinical suspicion or confirmation of secondary bacterial and/or anaerobic involvement.
• Mixed dermatoses with associated itching, redness and inflammation where a combined antifungal, antibacterial, antiprotozoal/antianaerobic and anti-inflammatory effect is required for a short course.

Guideline-supported / adjunct use

• Short-term symptomatic relief of pruritus and inflammation accompanying mixed cutaneous infections, as an adjunct to, not a replacement for, confirmed diagnosis-directed therapy.

Use requiring caution / not recommended

• Axxo should not be used empirically as first-line therapy for simple, uncomplicated fungal skin infections without evidence of mixed bacterial or protozoal involvement, and should not be used for prolonged or repeated courses. Inappropriate and prolonged use of potent-steroid/antifungal combination creams is a well-recognised cause of steroid-modified ("steroid-modified tinea" or tinea incognito) and treatment-resistant fungal infections in South Asia.

Each gram of Clobetasol Propionate + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine cream typically contains Clobetasol Propionate USP 0.05% w/w (0.5 mg), Ofloxacin USP 0.75% w/w (7.5 mg), Ornidazole INN 2% w/w (20 mg) and Terbinafine Hydrochloride BP 1% w/w (10 mg), formulated in a topical cream base.

Axxo is a topical fixed-dose combination product that brings together an ultra-potent topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate), a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibacterial (ofloxacin), a nitroimidazole antiprotozoal/antianaerobic agent (ornidazole) and an allylamine antifungal (terbinafine) in a single cream.

It is intended for short, targeted courses in patients with mixed skin infections where fungal, bacterial and inflammatory elements coexist, rather than for routine or prolonged treatment of simple fungal or inflammatory skin conditions.

Axxo belongs to the topical combination therapeutic class comprising a corticosteroid, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial, a nitroimidazole antiprotozoal/antibacterial and an allylamine antifungal, used for combined anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal action on the skin.

Clobetasol Propionate + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine combines four active substances with complementary mechanisms:

• Clobetasol propionate is an ultra-high-potency synthetic corticosteroid that binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, reducing inflammation, itching and vasodilation through inhibition of phospholipase A2 and downstream inflammatory mediators.
• Ofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, providing broad-spectrum bactericidal activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms implicated in secondary skin infection.
• Ornidazole is a nitroimidazole that is reduced intracellularly in anaerobic organisms and protozoa, generating reactive intermediates that damage microbial DNA, giving activity against anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa contributing to mixed infection.
• Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal that inhibits fungal squalene epoxidase, blocking ergosterol synthesis and causing accumulation of squalene, which is fungicidal against dermatophytes.

Together these actions allow Clobetasol Propionate + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine to address inflammation, bacterial superinfection, anaerobic/protozoal contribution and dermatophyte infection concurrently for the duration of a short topical course.

To apply Axxo correctly:

• Wash and gently dry the affected area before application.
• Apply a thin layer and rub in gently until absorbed; avoid excessive amounts.
• Wash hands after application unless the hands are the treated area.
• Avoid contact with eyes, lips, mouth and other mucous membranes.
• Do not cover the treated area with airtight/occlusive dressings unless specifically advised by a physician, as this increases systemic absorption and side-effect risk.
• Avoid applying to open wounds, ulcers, or extensively broken skin unless directed by a physician.

Because Axxo is applied topically and systemic absorption is normally low, clinically significant drug interactions are uncommon with correct, limited use. Documented or theoretical concerns include:

• Other topical corticosteroids or potent topical products: concurrent use on the same site with other corticosteroid-containing preparations increases the risk of skin atrophy and systemic corticosteroid absorption; avoid combining unless directed by a physician.
• Extensive-area or occlusive use: if a large body surface is treated or an occlusive dressing is used, systemic absorption of ofloxacin, ornidazole, clobetasol and terbinafine rises, which could theoretically add to the effects of systemic corticosteroids, QT-prolonging drugs, or drugs metabolised via CYP pathways affected by these agents; such combinations should be discussed with a physician.
• Alcohol with ornidazole component: although systemic absorption from topical use is low, a disulfiram-like reaction is a recognised effect of systemic nitroimidazoles with alcohol; avoiding alcohol during treatment is a reasonable precaution with extensive use.

Most side effects of Axxo are local and mild when the product is used correctly for a short course:

• Burning, stinging, itching or irritation at the application site
• Dryness, redness, or mild contact dermatitis

With prolonged, excessive, or inappropriate use (larger areas, occlusion, sensitive sites), additional effects may occur:

• Skin atrophy, striae, telangiectasia and hypopigmentation from the corticosteroid component
• Secondary infection or steroid-modified (masked) fungal infection that becomes harder to diagnose and treat
• Rarely, systemic effects such as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with very extensive or occlusive use

Axxo should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; safety of this specific fixed-dose combination in pregnancy has not been established in controlled studies. If use is necessary, the smallest effective amount should be applied for the shortest possible duration, avoiding large areas and occlusion, and only under medical advice.

It is not known whether topically applied components of Axxo are excreted in human breast milk in clinically significant amounts. As a precaution, breastfeeding mothers should avoid applying this cream to the breast/nipple area and should consult a physician before use elsewhere on the body during lactation.

Axxo is for external use only and should be used exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip applications, or share this medicine with others without medical advice, as inappropriate use of its antimicrobial components can contribute to resistant or steroid-modified skin infections.

• Avoid prolonged or repeated courses without medical reassessment; use for the shortest duration necessary, typically 1-2 weeks.
• Avoid use under occlusive dressings, over large body surface areas, or on broken/denuded skin, as this increases systemic absorption of all four components and the risk of HPA-axis suppression, skin atrophy and other systemic corticosteroid effects.
• Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
• Discontinue and seek medical advice if signs of hypersensitivity, worsening infection, or unusual skin changes develop (see Contraindications and Side effects).
• Use with particular caution, and only under medical supervision, on the face, groin, axillae, or in infants under occlusive nappies/diapers, due to increased absorption at these sites (see Contraindications).

Topical overdose of Axxo is unlikely with correct use, but excessive or prolonged application over large areas, or under occlusion, may lead to increased systemic absorption of clobetasol, ofloxacin, ornidazole and terbinafine, with a risk of systemic corticosteroid effects (such as HPA-axis suppression) and, rarely, other systemic adverse effects.

If accidental ingestion occurs, or if signs of systemic toxicity or significant local reaction develop after excessive application, stop use immediately and seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control centre; do not attempt specific home treatment without professional guidance.

Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Children: Safety and efficacy of Axxo have not been well established in children, particularly under 12 years of age. If a physician prescribes it for a child, the smallest effective amount should be used for the shortest possible time, avoiding occlusive dressings and diaper/nappy areas, due to a proportionally greater risk of systemic absorption and HPA-axis suppression in children compared with adults.

Elderly: No specific dose adjustment is established, but elderly patients often have thinner, more fragile skin and may be more susceptible to corticosteroid-related atrophy; use the lowest effective amount for the shortest duration.

Renal/hepatic impairment: No formal studies exist for this topical combination; systemic absorption is expected to be minimal with correct, limited use, but caution is advised with extensive application in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment.

A typical course of Axxo lasts about 1-2 weeks. Treatment should be reassessed by a physician if there is no improvement within 2 weeks, and continuous use beyond 2-4 weeks should only continue under direct medical supervision, since prolonged use of the potent steroid component increases the risk of skin atrophy, systemic absorption and steroid-modified infection.

Clobetasol Propionate + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine is a fixed-dose topical combination of an ultra-high-potency corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate), a fluoroquinolone antibacterial (ofloxacin), a nitroimidazole antiprotozoal/antibacterial (ornidazole), and an allylamine antifungal (terbinafine).

Clobetasol Propionate + Ofloxacin + Ornidazole + Terbinafine acts through four simultaneous mechanisms: clobetasol propionate suppresses inflammation via glucocorticoid receptor-mediated anti-inflammatory pathways; ofloxacin kills susceptible bacteria by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV; ornidazole disrupts anaerobic bacterial and protozoal DNA through reduced nitro-radical intermediates; and terbinafine kills dermatophyte fungi by inhibiting squalene epoxidase and blocking ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell membrane.

The safety and efficacy of Axxo have not been well established in children. Because children have a greater skin-surface-area-to-body-weight ratio, they may absorb topical corticosteroids and antimicrobials more readily, increasing the risk of HPA-axis suppression and other systemic effects. If a physician determines that use in a child is necessary, the smallest effective amount should be applied for the shortest possible duration, avoiding occlusive dressings and diaper areas, with close monitoring for local and systemic effects.