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Compare Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

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

Key takeaways

Ketoconazole and butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) are both antifungal medications, but they differ in their application and specific uses. Ketoconazole is an oral azole antifungal used for serious systemic fungal infections, while butenafine is a topical antifungal cream used for skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Ketoconazole is available by prescription only and is typically taken once daily, whereas butenafine is available over-the-counter and applied directly to the skin once or twice daily. Ketoconazole can cause serious side effects, including liver damage and heart rhythm problems, and interacts with many medications. In contrast, butenafine's side effects are generally limited to skin irritation at the application site. Ketoconazole is a last-choice option due to its risks, while butenafine is a more accessible and safer choice for common skin fungal infections.

  • Ketoconazole tablet
    Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
  • Ketoconazole tablet
    Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)

  • Summary of Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

    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

    Butenafine hydrochloride (Lotrimin Ultra) is an antifungal cream. It treats certain fungal infections on the skin, such as jock itch, ringworm, and athlete's foot. You typically apply a dose to the affected area once to twice daily for a couple of weeks. Common side effects of butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) include burning, stinging, and itching at the application site.

  • Indications of Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

    Indications for
    •Certain fungal infections that has spread throughout the body
    Indications for
    •Athlete's foot between the toes
    •Jock itch
    •Ringworm

  • Pros and Cons of Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

    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
    •Treats various common fungal skin infections
    •Applied directly to the affected area(s)
    •Available over-the-counter
    Cons
    •Might need to use for a month for certain infections
    •Can cause some skin irritation
    •Might not be recommended for children younger than 12 years old

  • Common Side Effects of Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Constipation
    •Stomach pain
    •Passing gas
    •Dry mouth
    •Tongue discoloration
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning or stinging
    •Itching
    •Worsening of skin condition

  • Warnings of Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

    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
    •Use only on the skin
    •Skin reaction or irritation

  • Prices with our coupons for Nizoral vs. Lotrimin Ultra

    Learn more about Ketoconazole tablet
    Learn more about Butenafine

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