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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)
  • Terbinafine
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)

  • Summary of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    Summary for Antifungal
    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.

    Summary for Antifungal

    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin) is an antifungal medication used to treat certain skin fungal infections. A healthcare professional might also prescribe it for diaper rash. It's available over the counter (OTC) and by prescription as a cream or topical solution that you apply to your skin. You usually use it two times a day for a few weeks, depending on the infection. The most common side effect is skin irritation.

  • Indications of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    Indications for
    •Fungal infection of the toenail or fingernail
    Indications for

    OTC:

    •Athlete’s foot
    •Jock itch
    •Ringworm

    Prescription:

    •Yeast infection on the skin
    •Tinea versicolor

  • 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 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
    Pros and Const for Antifungal
    Pros
    •Applied directly to the affected area(s)
    •Can treat multiple fungal skin infections
    •Safe for both adults and children
    Cons
    •Need to apply twice daily
    •Must use every day for several weeks
    •Can cause mild skin irritation

  • Common Side Effects of Terbinafine vs. Clotrimazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Indigestion (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 or smell
    •Symptoms of depression
    •Low white blood cell counts
    •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

    Learn more about Terbinafine
    Learn more about Clotrimazole

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