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Compare Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

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

Key takeaways

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and triamcinolone (Triderm) are both topical medications used to treat skin conditions, but they belong to different medication classes. Clotrimazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It is available over-the-counter and is applied twice daily. Triamcinolone, on the other hand, is a prescription-only corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is available in various forms, including creams and sprays, and is typically applied 2 to 4 times a day. While clotrimazole is generally well-tolerated with mild skin irritation as a possible side effect, triamcinolone can cause more serious side effects like skin thinning and adrenal suppression if used improperly. Clotrimazole is safe for use in children over 2 years old, while triamcinolone requires careful monitoring in children due to the risk of side effects. Additionally, triamcinolone should not be used on fungal infections, as it can worsen them, whereas clotrimazole is specifically designed to treat such infections.

  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
    Triamcinolone
  • Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
    Triamcinolone

  • Summary of Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Summary for Antifungal

    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal cream that's applied to the skin to treat certain infections, such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Sometimes, a provider might also recommend this medication for diaper rash. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is for adults and children 2 years and older, unless otherwise directed by a provider. Most people experience few to no side effects while using clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), though mild skin irritations have been reported.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Triamcinolone is a topical corticosteroid used to treat different inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema psoriasis, or skin allergies, in adults and children. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and irritation. The medication is available in various formulations, such as cream, ointment, lotion, and topical spray. Depending on the formulation, it's typically applied between 2 to 4 times a day. Side effects are rare, but can include burning, itching, and dryness at the application site.

  • Indications of Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Indications for

    Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:

    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch
    •Ringworm
    Indications for
    •Inflammatory skin conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Available as a generic, over-the-counter medication
    •Side effects are typically minor or mild
    •Can treat multiple fungal infections, including athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch
    Cons
    •Need to apply twice daily
    •Can take up to a month to treat athlete's foot
    •Need to speak with provider before using it on children under 2 years old
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Symptoms typically start to improve within a few days
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, lotion, and spray
    •Might have less side effects compared to oral steroids that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •For short-term use only
    •Children might absorb more of this medication, raising the risk of side effects
    •Needs to be applied multiple times a day

  • Common Side Effects of Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Skin irritation
    •Dry skin

  • Warnings of Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Skin infection
    •Skin problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Clotrimazole vs. Triamcinolone

    Learn more about Clotrimazole
    Learn more about Triamcinolone

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