Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac) and Tavaborole (Kerydin) are both topical antifungals used to treat fungal infections, but they have some key differences. Ciclopirox is available in various forms, including cream, gel, shampoo, suspension, and nail lacquer, and it treats a wide range of fungal infections like jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm. Tavaborole, on the other hand, is specifically used for fungal toenail infections and is applied once daily for 48 weeks. Ciclopirox can take several months to show improvement for nail infections, while tavaborole also requires long-term use but is noted for being less effective overall. Tavaborole is available as a generic but can still be expensive, whereas ciclopirox is generally lower-cost. Both medications have few side effects, but tavaborole is flammable and should be kept away from heat and flames.
Ciclopirox works well for various types of fungal skin and nail infections. It's available as a cream, gel, shampoo, suspension, and topical solution. Different formulations of ciclopirox can treat different medical conditions. This medication applied directly to the affected area(s), anywhere from twice daily to twice weekly, depending on what medical condition you have and what formulation of ciclopirox you're prescribed. It typically takes a week to a month before you notice improvements to your condition. But it can take 6 months or longer to see improvements for certain nail infections.
Tavaborole is a topical antifungal used to treat fungal toenail infections in people ages 6 and older. It comes as a 5% solution applied directly to the entire toenail once a day for almost a year. Side effects aren't common, but can include redness and peeling at the application site. Though the brand-name medication Kerydin is no longer available, the generic version is.
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