Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

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

Key takeaways

Terbinafine (brand name: Lamisil) and Tinactin (generic name: tolnaftate) are both antifungal medications, but they have some key differences. Terbinafine oral tablet is a prescription-only medication primarily used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails, while Tinactin is an over-the-counter topical treatment for skin fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Terbinafine works by preventing the fungus from forming its protective outer layer, whereas Tinactin blocks a protein that fungi need to grow. Terbinafine is taken once daily and can take several weeks to show results, with potential side effects including headache, rash, and liver damage. On the other hand, Tinactin is applied to the skin twice daily and typically causes only mild skin irritation. Tinactin is available in various forms such as sprays, creams, and powders. Oral terbinafine requires a prescription but is also available over-the-counter in topical forms.

  • Terbinafine
    Tolnaftate
  • Terbinafine
    Tolnaftate

  • Summary of Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

    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

    Tolnaftate is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication that's applied to the skin to treat ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. It also helps relieve symptoms like itching, burning, cracking, and redness from these fungal infections. This medication comes in different topical forms, including a spray, powder spray, cream, and liquid. Tolnaftate can be used for adults and children 2 years and older, unless otherwise directed by a provider. Most people have few to no side effects while using this medication, though some can have mild skin irritation.

  • Indications of Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

    Indications for
    •Fungal infection of toenail or fingernail
    Indications for
    •Treatment and symptom relief of athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch
    •Prevention of athlete’s foot

  • Pros and Cons of Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

    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
    •Available in different topical formulations, such as powder spray, liquid, and cream
    •Typically minor or mild side effects
    Cons
    •Can take up to a month to treat athlete's foot or ringworm
    •Only works on some fungal infections; doesn't work on fungal infections of the scalp or nails
    •Can't use on children under 2 years old, unless a provider says it's okay

  • Common Side Effects of Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

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

  • Warnings of Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

    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
    •Flammable and possible bursting (topical sprays only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Terbinafine vs. Tinactin

    Learn more about Terbinafine
    Learn more about Tolnaftate

Compare other Nail Fungus and Athlete's Foot drugs

Itraconazole vs TerbinafineTerbinafine vs ClotrimazoleTerbinafine vs NystatinTerbinafine vs OravigTerbinafine vs TinactinClotrimazole vs KetoconazoleClotrimazole vs TriamcinoloneDiflucan vs NystatinItraconazole vs AmbisomeItraconazole vs ClotrimazoleItraconazole vs DiflucanItraconazole vs EconazoleItraconazole vs KetoconazoleItraconazole vs NystatinItraconazole vs OravigKetoconazole vs CresembaKetoconazole vs DiflucanKetoconazole vs EconazoleKetoconazole vs NoxafilKetoconazole vs OravigKetoconazole vs TriamcinoloneKetoconazole vs VfendMupirocin vs NystatinNoxafil vs AmbisomeNoxafil vs DiflucanNoxafil vs ItraconazoleNystatin vs ClotrimazoleNystatin vs EconazoleNystatin vs OravigSporanox vs Ketoconazole
View More

Browse medications

View All

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