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Compare Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

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

Key takeaways

Terbinafine oral tablet (Lamisil) and clotrimazole cream (Lotrimin AF) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Terbinafine oral tablet is primarily prescribed to treat fungal infections of the nails and works by preventing the fungus from forming its protective outer layer. Common side effects include headache, rash, and upset stomach, and it can interact with other medications. Clotrimazole, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter topical cream used to treat skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It works by damaging the protective covering of the fungus. Clotrimazole cream is generally well-tolerated with minor side effects like skin irritation. While terbinafine is taken once daily for several weeks, clotrimazole needs to be applied twice daily for up to a month. Additionally, terbinafine oral tablet can cause serious side effects like liver damage and changes in taste or smell, whereas the side effects of clotrimazole cream are typically mild.

  • Terbinafine
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
  • Terbinafine
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)

  • Summary of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    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

    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.

  • Indications of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    Indications for
    •Fungal infection of toenail or fingernail
    Indications for

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

    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch
    •Ringworm

  • Pros and Cons of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    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
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Upset stomach (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)

  • Warnings of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    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
    •Use only on your skin

  • Prices with our coupons for Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

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    Learn more about Clotrimazole

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