Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole for Athlete's Foot and Yeast Infection: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Tolnaftate

Clotrimazole

(Lotrimin)

Summary for Tolnaftate

Over-the-counter

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 for Tolnaftate

Treatment and symptom relief of athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch
Prevention of athlete’s foot

Pros and Cons for Tolnaftate

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 for Tolnaftate

Skin irritation (e.g., itching, redness)

Warnings for Tolnaftate

Use only on your skin
Flammable and possible bursting (topical sprays only)

Summary for Clotrimazole

Prescription or over-the-counter

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 for Clotrimazole

OTC:

Prescription:

Yeast infection on the skin
Tinea versicolor

Pros and Cons for Clotrimazole

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 for Clotrimazole

Skin irritations (e.g., itching, redness)

Warnings for Clotrimazole

Use only on your skin

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Clotrimazole1 tube / 30g of 1%

$16.52$51.24

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Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

Tolnaftate

Clotrimazole

Summary for Tolnaftate

Indications for Tolnaftate

Pros and Cons for Tolnaftate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tolnaftate

Warnings for Tolnaftate

Summary for Clotrimazole

Indications for Clotrimazole

Pros and Cons for Clotrimazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clotrimazole

Warnings for Clotrimazole

Prices with our coupons for Tolnaftate vs. Clotrimazole

Browse medications by letter

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Tolnaftate

Clotrimazole

Summary for Tolnaftate

Indications for Tolnaftate

Pros and Cons for Tolnaftate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tolnaftate

Warnings for Tolnaftate

Summary for Clotrimazole

Indications for Clotrimazole

Pros and Cons for Clotrimazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clotrimazole

Warnings for Clotrimazole