Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Terbinafine vs. Nystop

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

Key takeaways

Terbinafine (Lamsil) and nystatin are both antifungal medications, but they have different uses and forms. Terbinafine is taken orally and is primarily used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. It is a first-choice treatment for these infections and is taken once daily for several weeks. Common side effects include headache, rash, and upset stomach. Nystatin, on the other hand, is used topically to treat fungal skin infections, such as yeast infections. It comes in various forms like cream, ointment, and powder, and is applied directly to the skin multiple times a day. Nystatin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience itching or burning at the application site. While terbinafine can interact with other medications and has potential serious side effects like liver damage, nystatin is considered safer for a wider range of people, including babies. Both medications are available in generic versions, but only terbinafine has over-the-counter topical forms available.

  • Terbinafine
    Nystatin topical
  • Terbinafine
    Nystatin topical

  • Summary of Terbinafine vs. Nystop

    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

    Nystatin topical is a medication that's used on the skin to treat certain fungal skin infections (most commonly yeast infections). It's safe to use in people of all ages, including babies for diaper rash. Nystatin topical comes in different formulations: cream, ointment, and powder. It's available by prescription only and can't be purchased over the counter. Rarely, some people experience itching and burning where they applied the medication. But most people experience few to no side effects while using nystatin topical as directed.

  • Indications of Terbinafine vs. Nystop

    Indications for
    •Fungal infection of toenail or fingernail
    Indications for
    •Treatment of fungal skin infections (yeast infection)

  • Pros and Cons of Terbinafine vs. Nystop

    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 lower-cost generic medication
    •Many formulations to choose from, such as ointment, cream, and powder
    •Generally well-tolerated
    •Safe to use for newborns
    Cons
    •Applied onto skin multiple times a day
    •Only treats some fungal skin infections, not bacterial or viral infections
    •Might not work as well as antifungal medications that are taken by mouth
    •Not clear whether it's safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Terbinafine vs. Nystop

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13%)
    •Rash (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Upset stomach (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning
    •Itching
    •Rash
    •Eczema (dry, bumpy skin)
    •Pain when applying the medication onto the skin

  • Warnings of Terbinafine vs. Nystop

    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
    •Allergic reaction
    •Use only on your skin

  • Prices with our coupons for Terbinafine vs. Nystop

    Learn more about Terbinafine
    Learn more about Nystatin topical

Compare other Nail Fungus and Yeast Infection drugs

Itraconazole vs TerbinafineTerbinafine vs ClotrimazoleTerbinafine vs NystatinTerbinafine vs OravigTerbinafine vs TinactinClotrimazole vs KetoconazoleClotrimazole vs TriamcinoloneDiflucan vs NystatinDiflucan vs SporanoxItraconazole vs AmbisomeItraconazole vs ClotrimazoleItraconazole vs DiflucanItraconazole vs EconazoleItraconazole vs KetoconazoleItraconazole vs NystatinItraconazole vs OravigKetoconazole vs DiflucanKetoconazole vs OravigMetronidazole vs MupirocinMupirocin vs AcyclovirMupirocin vs BacitracinMupirocin vs ClindamycinMupirocin vs NeosporinMupirocin vs NystatinNoxafil vs DiflucanNoxafil vs ItraconazoleNystatin vs ClotrimazoleNystatin vs EconazoleNystatin vs OravigVfend vs Diflucan
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.