Lamisil vs Lotrimin

Lamisil vs Lotrimin – detailed comparison:

Lamisil

It is the brand name of a medication called terbinafine, which belongs to a class of medications known as antifungals.

It is on the WHO’s List of Essential Medicines.

This medication works by stopping the growth of fungus.

Uses

This medication is found both as a prescription and an OTC. The prescription form is used to treat fingernail and toenail fungal infections.

The over-the-counter form is used to treat burning, itching, cracking, and scaling caused by jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.

Ringworm, also referred to as dermatophytosis, is a fungal infection of the skin that can cause a red or silvery ring-like rash on the skin. Three different types of fungi can cause this infection: Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton.

It can be passed from person to person by contact with infected skin areas or by sharing clothing or personal care items. This infection occurs in people of all ages, however, it is especially common in children.

Jock itch (Tinea cruris) can produce a very intense itch and is associated with a pink or red rash involving the genitals and groin folds. It is caused by mold-like fungi, that is known as dermatophytes. You are at a greater risk of developing this condition if you:

  • have diabetes;
  • have a weakened immune system;
  • sweat heavily;
  • are overweight;
  • wear tight underwear;
  • are a teen or young adult;
  • are a man.

Dosage

This medication is usually taken once per day for 6 to 12 weeks (depending on the condition that is being treated).

Note – to prevent the infection from spreading, wash your hands after using this medication. Additionally, before using antifungal medicines, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or an autoimmune disorder.

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • changes in taste;
  • diarrhea;
  • stomach upset;
  • hair loss;
  • muscle pain;
  • joint pain;
  • stomach gas.

Rare side effects may include:

  • loss of appetite;
  • yellowing of the eyes or skin;
  • flu-like symptoms;
  • unusual tiredness;
  • dark urine;
  • right upper belly pain;
  • changes in vision;
  • redness, peeling of the skin;
  • fever (high temperature);
  • general ill feeling;
  • swelling of the lips, face, or tongue;
  • light-colored stools;
  • nausea.

Alcohol

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use can increase the risk of serious side effects.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Due to the fact that this medication is passed through breast milk and may negatively affect the breastfed infant, consult your healthcare provider before use.

In addition, this medication may negatively affect an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using this antifungal.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other drugs, especially:

  • Lexapro (escitalopram);
  • Crestor (rosuvastatin);
  • Lipitor (atorvastatin);
  • amoxicillin;
  • Norco (acetaminophen/hydrocodone);
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine);
  • Nexium (esomeprazole);
  • Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin);
  • prednisone;
  • CoQ10 (ubiquinone);
  • lansoprazole;
  • azithromycin;
  • Lyrica (pregabalin);
  • itraconazole;
  • bengay;
  • levothyroxine;
  • ciprofloxacin;
  • metronidazole;
  • citalopram;
  • omeprazole;
  • Control (phenylpropanolamine);
  • ibuprofen;
  • phentermine;
  • vivarin;
  • fluconazole.

Lotrimin

It is the brand name of a medication called clotrimazole, which belongs to a group of medications known as antifungals.

This antifungal works by inhibiting the growth of infection-causing yeast.

Uses

This medication is found both as a prescription and an OTC. The prescription form is used to treat yeast infections of the mouth and skin. The over-the-counter form is used to treat yeast infections of the skin and the vagina.

Dosage

It comes as a powder, cream, lotion, lozenge, and a vaginal tablet and cream to be inserted into the vagina.

The lotion, cream, or solution forms are applied to the affected area two times per day, in the morning and evening. The lozenge form is usually given 5 times per day for 2 weeks.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects of clotrimazole may include:

  • burning at the site of application;
  • redness or peeling at the site of the application.

Rare side effects may include:

  • fever;
  • vomiting;
  • nausea;
  • stomach pain.

Alcohol

It is recommended to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication since alcohol use can increase the risk of serious side effects.

READ MORE: Vivarin vs Adderall

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other drugs, especially:

  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine);
  • Cymbalta (duloxetine);
  • MiraLax (polyethylene glycol 3350);
  • Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol);
  • Synthroid (levothyroxine);
  • hydrocortisone;
  • Tylenol (acetaminophen);
  • Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin);
  • Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol);
  • Lyrica (pregabalin);
  • Nexium (esomeprazole);
  • beclomethasone;
  • ProAir HFA (albuterol);
  • metronidazole;
  • Singulair (montelukast);
  • betamethasone;
  • Lipitor (atorvastatin);
  • Lasix (furosemide);
  • fluconazole.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

This medication may negatively affect an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant before using this antifungal.

Also, this antifungal is passed through breast milk and may negatively affect the breastfed infant. Tell your healthcare provider that you are breastfeeding a baby before use.

READ MORE: Vestura vs Gianvi

Bottom Line – Lamisil vs Lotrimin 

Lamisil (active ingredient – terbinafine) is an antifungal medication that is used to treat infections caused by fungus which affects the toenails or fingernails. It is either applied to the skin as a cream or ointment or taken by mouth.

Lotrimin (active ingredient – clotrimazole) is an antifungal medication that is used to treat skin infections, like – jock itch, athlete’s foot, yeast infections, and ringworm.

In conclusion, both are available over the counter without a prescription, but they have different active ingredients. Both are effective in treating ringworm and jock itch. Let your doctor decide which is best for you.

Regarding their price, the average retail price for Lamisil is $95, while the average retail price for Lotrimin is $25.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2194715
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10730908
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformatio

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