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Compare Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

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

  • Tolnaftate
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
  • Tolnaftate
    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)

  • Summary of Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

    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.

    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 Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

    Indications for
    •Treatment and symptom relief of athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch
    •Prevention of athlete’s foot
    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 Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

    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
    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 Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation (e.g., itching, redness)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)

  • Warnings of Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin
    •Flammable and possible bursting (topical sprays only)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Use only on your skin

  • Prices with our coupons for Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

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    Learn more about Clotrimazole

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