butenafine
Butenafine hydrochloride (Lotrimin Ultra) is an antifungal cream. It treats certain fungal infections on the skin, such as jock itch, ringworm, and athlete's foot. You typically apply a dose to the affected area once to twice daily for a couple of weeks. Common side effects of butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) include burning, stinging, and itching at the application site.
What is Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)?
What is Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) used for?
- Athlete's foot between the toes
- Jock itch
- Ringworm
How Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) works
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is a topical (used on the skin) antifungal cream that kills fungus by preventing it from building its normal protective covering.
Drug facts
Side effects of Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
- Worsening of skin condition
Less Common Side Effects
- Eczema (contact dermatitis)
- Redness
- Irritation
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: skin rash, swelling, severe itching, blistered skin
The following Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Blistering, burning, itching, oozing, stinging, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine
rash
redness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
Pros
- Treats various common fungal skin infections
- Applied directly to the affected area(s)
- Available over-the-counter
Cons
- Might need to use for a month for certain infections
- Can cause some skin irritation
- Might not be recommended for children younger than 12 years old
Pharmacist tips for Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
- Before applying butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), wash the affected area(s) thoroughly and let it dry fully.
- Apply a thin layer of butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) to the skin and rub it in gently and completely. Also apply this medication to the areas just around the visible fungal infection.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are the areas being treated. If butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water. Washing your hands afterwards also helps prevent spread of fungal infection.
- Use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) on your face only if your HCP specifically tells you to do so, since the skin on your face tends to be more sensitive and is more likely to get unwanted side effects. Make sure not to let any of the medication get in your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) for the recommended amount of time to treat your condition. Don't stop using it earlier, even if the symptoms have gotten a lot better. Stopping treatment too early can make your condition more likely to come back again.
- Let your HCP know if your symptoms don't improve after the recommended treatment time. You might need a different antifungal medication, or it might mean that your skin condition is due to something else.
- Don't cover the medicated area(s) with bandages or dressings unless your HCP tells you to do so. Usually, you want your skin to be able to breathe and stay dry if there is a fungal infection present.
- If you notice any skin reaction, including signs of allergy or irritation, stop using butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and call your healthcare team.
- Some fungal infections can spread to other parts of the body or to other people. Ask your HCP for recommendations on how to prevent this from happening.
Common questions about Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) are topical antifungal medications that can treat some of the same types of fungal infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The American Family Physician recommends butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) over clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) for these infections because butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) might work better. In addition, butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) might work more quickly than clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) in treating certain infections, such as athlete’s foot (1 week compare to 1 month). Ask your healthcare team if you have more questions about either medications.
Current guidelines don't recommending using both clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) and butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) at the same time. Your HCP might recommend butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) over clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) because it might work better at treating certain infections, such as athlete's foot and jock itch. If you've been using butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and aren't sure whether this medication is work for you, talk with your healthcare team. They can examine your skin and let you know if you need more medical attention.
No, butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) isn't recommended for skin yeast infections caused by Candida. Ask your healthcare professional (HCP) for recommendations if you're needing a yeast infection treatment.
Yes, butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is able to kill the fungus that causes ringworm. If you have ringworm, your HCP will likely ask you to apply butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) to the affected area daily for about 2 weeks to treat the infection.
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) is usually recommended for use once a day for most types of infection, but it can be used twice a day for athlete's foot. Use this medication only as prescribed or as instructed on the packaging. Applying it more often than recommended can raise your risk of having side effects such as skin irritation. Let your HCP know if your symptoms haven't improved after you've used butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) for the recommended amount of time.
You might feel some burning where you apply butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra). Let your HCP know, however, if the burning is severe or develops into a skin rash, as this can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) isn't a steroid (or corticosteroid). It's an antifungal, and it doesn't affect the immune system or treat inflammation the way steroids do.
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Risks and warnings for Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Use only on the skin
Only use butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) on the skin. Don't use this medication in the eye, nose, mouth, or vagina. If it gets into those areas, rinse it out with water. Check with your healthcare professional (HCP) before using it on your nails or scalp.
Skin reaction or irritation
- Risk factors: History of allergy to other antifungals
Skin reactions from butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) are uncommon, but can include burning, itching, stinging, redness, or signs of allergic reaction such as rash. If this happens, stop using the medication and contact your HCP. Let your HCP know ahead of time if you've ever had an allergic reaction to an antifungal medication before.
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) dosage
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30g of 1% | 1 tube | $9.31 | $9.31 |
Typical dosage for Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) contains butenafine hydrochloride 1%.
For adults and children ages 12 years and older:
- Athlete's foot between the toes: The typical dose it to apply to the areas between and around the toes twice a day for 1 week, or once a day for 4 weeks, or as instructed by your healthcare professional (HCP).
- Jock itch and ringworm: The typical dose is to apply to affected area(s) once a day for 2 weeks, or as instructed by your HCP.
If your child is younger than 12 years old, check with your child's pediatrician before using this medication.
Interactions between Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) cost?
$9.31
