Examples
Topical allylamines
Topical azoles
|
| clotrimazole | |
| econazole | |
| ketoconazole | |
| oxiconazole | Oxistat |
| sertaconazole | Ertaczo |
| sulconazole | Exelderm |
Other topical antifungals
|
| butenafine | Mentax |
| ciclopirox | Loprox |
| clotrimazole-betamethasone | Lotrisone |
Topical medicines are put directly on the skin. These
medicines are available in cream, solution, gel, and lotion forms. One medicine
may be available in many forms. Your doctor will help you decide which form is
best for you.
Lotrisone combines a topical antifungal
(clotrimazole) with a topical
corticosteroid (betamethasone).
Allylamines and azoles are different classes of antifungal medicine. Medicine from one class may work better for you than medicine from the other.
How It Works
All of these medicines kill fungi. See
the medicine label for specific instructions. In general:
- Butenafine is used for 1 to 2
weeks.
- Other topical medicines are used for 4 weeks, except for
topical ketoconazole, which is used for 6 weeks.
If you stop taking the medicines early, even after
symptoms are gone, an
athlete's foot infection will likely return. It is
very important to use the medicine for the entire time directed.
Why It Is Used
Prescription antifungals usually are
used to treat athlete's foot when treatment with nonprescription antifungals
has not been successful or the athlete's foot is severe.
The
topical forms are used for mild to moderate cases of athlete's foot.
Ciclopirox and sulconazole also can treat bacterial
infections that might occur along with a fungal infection.
Ketoconazole penetrates thick skin well and is a good treatment option
for moccasin-type infections.
Clotrimazole-betamethasone may be used when the athlete's foot rash is
itchy and burning.
For severe cases or when topical medicines do
not work, oral antifungal medicines (pills) are used.
How Well It Works
Both topical and oral forms of
prescription antifungals are effective in curing athlete's foot for most
people.
Topical allylamines require a shorter course of treatment
(1 week) than do topical azoles (4 to 8 weeks). Also, studies show that
allylamine medicines work slightly better than azole medicines.1 Although allylamines are more
expensive than azoles, you use less of this medicine to successfully treat a
fungal infection.
Side Effects
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have:
- Hives.
- Skin rash, blistering, itching, or other skin irritation you did not have before using this medicine.
Common side effects of this medicine include:
See Drug Reference for a full
list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Topical antifungals rarely cause side effects. If you have a problem, stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Crawford F (2009). Athlete's foot, search date July 2008. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence: http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Last Revised | June 1, 2012 |
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