Lamisil vs. Mycelex for Nail Fungus and Yeast Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Terbinafine tablets and clotrimazole lozenges are both antifungal medications, but they treat different types of infections. Terbinafine is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails and is taken as a once-daily tablet for several weeks. In contrast, clotrimazole (former brand name: Mycelex) is used to treat and prevent oral thrush and comes as a lozenge that you dissolve in your mouth multiple times a day. Terbinafine can cause side effects like headache, rash, and upset stomach, and it may interact with other medications. Clotrimazole has fewer side effects, mainly causing nausea and an unpleasant feeling in the mouth. Terbinafine is not recommended for people with liver problems, while clotrimazole lozenges should be used with caution in those with liver issues. Both medications require a prescription for oral forms, but both also have over-the-counter topical forms available.

Terbinafine

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clotrimazole lozenge

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Summary for Lamisil

Prescription only

Terbinafine is used to treat fingernail and toenail fungus in adults. It's a type of antifungal that helps get rid of the fungus. Terbinafine is a tablet you take once a day, but treatment can take many weeks to finish. Common side effects include headache, rash, and diarrhea. Terbinafine can interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants and beta blockers.

Indications for Lamisil

Fungal infection of the toenail or fingernail

Pros and Cons for Lamisil

Pros

Works better to treat nail fungus than other treatment options
First-choice over other antifungals that are taken by mouth
Taken once a day, with or without food

Cons

Can take several weeks to work
Can cause loss of taste or smell (sometimes permanently)
Not recommended if you have liver problems

Common Side Effects for Lamisil

Headache (13%)
Rash (6%)
Diarrhea (6%)
Indigestion (4%)

Warnings for Lamisil

Liver damage
Changes to taste or smell
Symptoms of depression
Low white blood cell counts
Serious skin reactions
Lupus flare up
Clotting and bleeding problems

Summary for Mycelex

Prescription only

Clotrimazole lozenge is an antifungal that treats and prevents yeast infection in the mouth and throat known as oral thrush. Clotrimazole lozenge is a troche, or a throat lozenge, that's slowly dissolved in the mouth, and it must be used several times a day. This medication is approved for use in people over the age of 3, but it should be used with caution in people with liver problems. Side effects can include nausea and an unpleasant feeling in the mouth. It isn't available over the counter, so you must have a prescription from your provider.

Indications for Mycelex

Treatment of oral thrush of the mouth and throat caused by Candida
Prevention of oral thrush for people undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or steroid therapy for cancer or organ transplants