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Compare Loprox vs. Kerydin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

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
    Tavaborole
  • Ciclopirox
    Tavaborole

  • Summary of Loprox vs. Kerydin

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ciclopirox is an antifungal medication that treats different fungal infections on your skin, scalp, or nails. It comes in several forms, like a cream, gel, shampoo, suspension, or solution (nail lacquer). You apply it directly to the infected area, and the dose depends on what you’re treating. Side effects include skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Tavaborole is a topical antifungal used to treat toenail fungus in people 6 years 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.

  • Indications of Loprox vs. Kerydin

    Indications for
    •Jock itch
    •Athlete's foot
    •Ringworm
    •Tinea versicolor (patchy skin rash)
    •Yeast infections of the skin
    •Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp - shampoo and gel only
    •Fungal nail infection - nail lacquer only
    Indications for
    •Toenail fungus in people 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Loprox vs. Kerydin

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Available in several forms for different areas of the body
    •Treats a variety of fungal infections
    •Easy to use and can be applied right where you need it
    Cons
    •Not for use in young children
    •Can take weeks to months to fully clear the infection
    •Not a good choice for serious or complicated fungal infections
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Used just once a day
    •Applied directly to the toenail(s)
    •Fewer side effects compared to oral antifungals
    Cons
    •Doesn't work as well as other antifungals
    •Can be messy to apply
    •Must be used for almost a year

  • Common Side Effects of Loprox vs. Kerydin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Redness or irritation at the site of application
    •Burning or itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling (3%)
    •Ingrown toenail (3%)
    •Redness (2%)

  • Warnings of Loprox vs. Kerydin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for

  • Prices with our coupons for Loprox vs. Kerydin

    Learn more about Ciclopirox
    Learn more about Tavaborole

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