Nonprescription Antifungals for Athlete's Foot

Azoles

Examples
Brand NameGeneric NameChemical Name
Lotrimin AF clotrimazole  
Micatin miconazole  

Allylamines

Examples
Brand NameGeneric NameChemical Name
Lamisil AT Athlete's Foot, Lamisil Topical terbinafine  

Other antifungals

Examples
Brand NameGeneric NameChemical Name
Tinactin, Ting tolnaftate  
FungiCure, Fungi-Nail, Tinecide undecylenic acid  

These antifungal medicines are put directly on the skin (topical). They are available as creams, lotions, solutions, gels, sprays, ointments, swabs, or powders. One medicine may be available in many forms. Your doctor will help you decide which form is best for you.

How It Works

All of these medicines kill fungi. But you most likely will use terbinafine for a shorter amount of time than the others. See the medicine label for specific instructions. In general:

  • Terbinafine is used for 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Other medicines are used for 4 to 6 weeks.

If you stop treatment early, even if the 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

Nonprescription antifungal medicines are usually the first medicines used in treating mild and moderate athlete's foot. If treatment is not successful, or if you have a severe case, prescription antifungals are used.

How Well It Works

Nonprescription antifungal medicines are effective in curing athlete's foot for most people. But studies show that allylamine medicines work slightly better than azole medicines.1

Terbinafine requires a shorter course of treatment (1 week) than miconazole and clotrimazole (4 to 6 weeks). While terbinafine costs more than the other two, you need less of it to successfully treat a fungal infection.

Side Effects

Topical antifungals rarely cause side effects. Stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor if the medicine causes severe blistering, itching, redness, dryness, or irritation.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

It is not known whether these medicines harm a fetus or pass into breast milk. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, talk with your doctor.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Fuller LC (2010). Tinea pedis and skin dermatophytosis. In MG Lebwohl et al., eds., Treatment of Skin Disease, 3rd ed., pp. 740–742. Edinburgh: Mosby Elsevier.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: June 28, 2010
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology

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