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butenafine

Generic Lotrimin Ultra
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch

Butenafine hydrochloride (Lotrimin Ultra) is an antifungal cream. It treats certain fungal infections on the skin, such as jock itch, ringworm, and athlete's foot. You typically apply a dose to the affected area once to twice daily for a couple of weeks. Common side effects of butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) include burning, stinging, and itching at the application site.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 16, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)?

What is Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) used for?

How Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) works

Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is a topical (used on the skin) antifungal cream that kills fungus by preventing it from building its normal protective covering.

When does Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLotrimin Ultra
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$15.57(save 40.22%)
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$9.31
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What are the side effects of Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Eczema (contact dermatitis)
  • Redness
  • Irritation

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: skin rash, swelling, severe itching, blistered skin

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Blistering, burning, itching, oozing, stinging, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

rash

redness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)

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Pros

Treats various common fungal skin infections

Applied directly to the affected area(s)

Available over-the-counter

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Cons

Might need to use for a month for certain infections

Can cause some skin irritation

Might not be recommended for children younger than 12 years old

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)

pharmacist

  • Before applying butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), wash the affected area(s) thoroughly and let it dry fully.

    • Apply a thin layer of butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) to the skin and rub it in gently and completely. Also apply this medication to the areas just around the visible fungal infection.

      • Wash your hands with soap and water after using butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are the areas being treated. If butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water. Washing your hands afterwards also helps prevent spread of fungal infection.

        • Use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) on your face only if your HCP specifically tells you to do so, since the skin on your face tends to be more sensitive and is more likely to get unwanted side effects. Make sure not to let any of the medication get in your mouth, nose, or eyes.

          • Use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) for the recommended amount of time to treat your condition. Don't stop using it earlier, even if the symptoms have gotten a lot better. Stopping treatment too early can make your condition more likely to come back again.

            • Let your HCP know if your symptoms don't improve after the recommended treatment time. You might need a different antifungal medication, or it might mean that your skin condition is due to something else.

              • Don't cover the medicated area(s) with bandages or dressings unless your HCP tells you to do so. Usually, you want your skin to be able to breathe and stay dry if there is a fungal infection present.

                • If you notice any skin reaction, including signs of allergy or irritation, stop using butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and call your healthcare team.

                  • Some fungal infections can spread to other parts of the body or to other people. Ask your HCP for recommendations on how to prevent this from happening.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)

                    Is butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) better than clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)?
                    Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) are topical antifungal medications that can treat some of the same types of fungal infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The American Family Physician recommends butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) over clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) for these infections because butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) might work better. In addition, butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) might work more quickly than clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) in treating certain infections, such as athlete’s foot (1 week compare to 1 month). Ask your healthcare team if you have more questions about either medications.
                    Can I use clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) together?
                    Current guidelines don't recommending using both clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) at the same time. Your HCP might recommend butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) over clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) because it might work better at treating certain infections, such as athlete's foot and jock itch. If you've been using butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and aren't sure whether this medication is work for you, talk with your healthcare team. They can examine your skin and let you know if you need more medical attention.
                    Can butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) be used for yeast infection?
                    No, butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) isn't recommended for skin yeast infections caused by Candida. Ask your healthcare professional (HCP) for recommendations if you're needing a yeast infection treatment.
                    Does butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) kill ringworm?
                    Yes, butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is able to kill the fungus that causes ringworm. If you have ringworm, your HCP will likely ask you to apply butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) to the affected area daily for about 2 weeks to treat the infection.
                    Can I use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) more than once or twice a day?
                    Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is usually recommended for use once a day for most types of infection, but it can be used twice a day for athlete's foot. Use this medication only as prescribed or as instructed on the packaging. Applying it more often than recommended can raise your risk of having side effects such as skin irritation. Let your HCP know if your symptoms haven't improved after you've used butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) for the recommended amount of time.
                    Does butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) burn?
                    You might feel some burning where you apply butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra). Let your HCP know, however, if the burning is severe or develops into a skin rash, as this can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
                    Is butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) a steroid?
                    Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) isn't a steroid (or corticosteroid). It's an antifungal, and it doesn't affect the immune system or treat inflammation the way steroids do.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)?

                    Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Use only on the skin

                    Only use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) on the skin. Don't use this medication in the eye, nose, mouth, or vagina. If it gets into those areas, rinse it out with water. Check with your healthcare professional (HCP) before using it on your nails or scalp.

                    risk-warning

                    Skin reaction or irritation

                    • Risk factors: History of allergy to other antifungals

                      Skin reactions from butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) are uncommon, but can include burning, itching, stinging, redness, or signs of allergic reaction such as rash. If this happens, stop using the medication and contact your HCP. Let your HCP know ahead of time if you've ever had an allergic reaction to an antifungal medication before.

                      dosage

                      Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 1 tube of 30g of 1% of Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is $9.31 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 40.22% off the average retail price of $15.57.
                      tube of cream
                      Tube of cream
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      30g of 1%1 tube$9.31$9.31

                      Typical dosing for Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)

                      Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) contains butenafine hydrochloride 1%.

                      For adults and children ages 12 years and older:

                      • Athlete's foot between the toes: The typical dose it to apply to the areas between and around the toes twice a day for 1 week, or once a day for 4 weeks, or as instructed by your healthcare professional (HCP).

                      • Jock itch and ringworm: The typical dose is to apply to affected area(s) once a day for 2 weeks, or as instructed by your HCP.

                      If your child is younger than 12 years old, check with your child's pediatrician before using this medication.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and other drugs

                      Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                      How much does Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) cost?

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                      Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) (generic)
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                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
                      Used for:
                      $9.31 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Ketoconazole cream
                      Used for:
                      $23.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Ciclopirox
                      Used for:

                      • Jock itch

                      • Athlete's foot

                      • Ringworm

                      • Tinea versicolor (fungal infection that causes discolored spots on the skin)

                      • Yeast infections of the skin

                      • Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp - shampoo and gel only

                      • Fungal nail infection - nail lacquer only

                      $20.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Bayer Healthcare LLC. (2023). Lotrimin Ultra Athletes Foot- butenafine hydrochloride cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Bertek Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2002). Mentax®-TC (butenafine HCl) cream, 1% [package insert]. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

                      Ely, J. W., et al. (2014). Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. American Family Physician.

                      View All References (2)

                      PubChem. (n.d.). Butenafine. National Library of Medicine.

                      Thaker, S. J., et al. (2013). A comparative randomized open label study to evaluate efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness between topical 2% sertaconazole and topical 1% butenafine in tinea infections of skin. Indian Journal of Dermatology.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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