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Compare Lamisil vs. Sporanox

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

Key takeaways

Terbinafine (Lamisil) and Sporanox (itraconazole) are both antifungal medications, but they are used to treat different types of fungal infections. Terbinafine is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails, while Sporanox is used to treat oral fungal infections like thrush. Terbinafine is taken once a day and can be taken with or without food, whereas Sporanox must be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. Terbinafine can cause side effects like headache, rash, and upset stomach, and it can also lead to changes in taste or smell. On the other hand, Sporanox can cause nausea, diarrhea, and serious heart problems, including congestive heart failure. Both are available with a prescription, but terbinafine also has over-the-counter topical forms available. Additionally, Sporanox interacts with many other medications, which can be dangerous, while terbinafine has fewer interactions but can still affect other medications you might be taking.

  • Terbinafine
    itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution
  • Terbinafine
    itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution

  • Summary of Lamisil vs. Sporanox

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Terbinafine is a first-choice treatment option for fingernail and toenail fungus. It's available as once-daily tablets, but treatment can take many weeks. Common side effects of terbinafine include headache, rash, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Terbinafine can have interactions with other medications, including certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, and some medications that treat an irregular heart rhythm.

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Itraconazole oral solution, also known by its brand name Sporanox, is an azole antifungal used to treat adults with fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush) and esophagus. You typically swish and swallow the dose once or twice a day on an empty stomach. Itraconazole (Sporanox) oral solution isn't a first-choice treatment option because it can interact with many other medications. It also has rare but serious side effects like heart failure, liver problems, and hearing loss.

  • Indications of Lamisil vs. Sporanox

    Indications for
    •Fungal infection of toenail or fingernail
    Indications for
    •Fungal infections in the mouth and throat (oral thrush)
    •Fungal infections in the esophagus

  • Pros and Cons of Lamisil vs. Sporanox

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works better to treat nail fungus than other treatment options
    •First-choice over other antifungal medications that are taken by mouth (e.g., versus itraconazole (Sporanox))
    •Only taken once a day, with or without food
    •Lower-cost generic available
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks to work
    •Can cause loss of taste or smell (sometimes permanently)
    •Not recommended if you have long-term or current liver problems
    •Not studied in children
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Taken once to twice per day
    •Directly treats the infected areas
    •Good option for people who can't swallow pills
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice treatment option
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Interacts with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Lamisil vs. Sporanox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Upset stomach (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Vomiting (7%)
    •Fever (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)

  • Warnings of Lamisil vs. Sporanox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Changes to taste and smell
    •Depression
    •Low white blood cell levels
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Lupus flare up
    •Clotting and bleeding problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Abnormal heart rhythm
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Liver damage
    •Hearing loss
    •Nerve damage

  • Prices with our coupons for Lamisil vs. Sporanox

    Learn more about Terbinafine
    Learn more about itraconazole

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