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Compare Nizoral vs. Lamisil

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

Key takeaways

Ketoconazole (Nizoral) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are both oral antifungal medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Ketoconazole tablet may be used for severe systemic fungal infections but is not a first-choice treatment due to its potential for serious side effects like liver damage and heart rhythm problems. It must taken for about six months. On the other hand, terbinafine tablet is a first-choice treatment for fingernail and toenail fungus. It is taken once daily for 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the infection. Terbinafine can cause side effects like headache, rash, and changes in taste or smell, which can sometimes be permanent. Both medications require a prescription and have interactions with other medications, but ketoconazole has more severe and numerous interactions. Additionally, while both can cause liver damage, terbinafine is not recommended for those with long-term or active liver problems.

  • Ketoconazole tablet
    Terbinafine
  • Ketoconazole tablet
    Terbinafine

  • Summary of Nizoral vs. Lamisil

    Summary for Antifungal
    Prescription only

    Ketoconazole tablet is taken by mouth to treat certain serious fungal infections, including ones caused by blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis (also known as "valley fever"). Ketoconazole tablet isn't a first-choice option, but it's only for people who haven't responded well to or can't take safer alternative antifungals. This is because ketoconazole tablet can interact with many medications and potentially serious side effects, such as heart rhythm problems and liver problems. It's available as a lower-cost generic tablet by prescription only.

    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.

  • Indications of Nizoral vs. Lamisil

    Indications for
    •Certain fungal infections that has spread throughout the body
    Indications for
    •Fungal infection of toenail or fingernail

  • Pros and Cons of Nizoral vs. Lamisil

    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Works well to treat severe fungal infections
    •Can be taken if you have kidney problems
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for fungal infections
    •Can cause serious side effects, such as liver and heart rhythm problems
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Usually must be taken for a long time (about 6 months)
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Nizoral vs. Lamisil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Constipation
    •Stomach pain
    •Passing gas
    •Dry mouth
    •Tongue discoloration
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Upset stomach (4%)

  • Warnings of Nizoral vs. Lamisil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for skin or nail fungal infections, or other non-FDA-approved uses
    •Liver damage
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Low cortisol levels (adrenal insufficiency)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Interactions with other medications
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Nizoral vs. Lamisil

    Learn more about Ketoconazole tablet
    Learn more about Terbinafine

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