Azoles for ringworm of the skin

Examples

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Cream or lotion (topical, applied directly to the skin)

Brand Name	Generic Name
Lotrimin	clotrimazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Lotrisone	clotrimazole/betamethasone (an azole cream with corticosteroid)

Brand Name	Generic Name
Spectazole	econazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Nizoral	ketoconazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Monistat-Derm	miconazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Oxistat	oxiconazole

Pills (oral)

Brand Name	Generic Name
Lotrimin	clotrimazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Diflucan	fluconazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Sporanox	itraconazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Nizoral	ketoconazole

Azoles are a class of antifungals used to treat ringworm of the skin.

Azole creams are applied directly to the skin 1 to 2 times a day for about 2 to 4 weeks. Azole pills are taken once a day or once a week for 1 to 4 weeks.

Clotrimazole/betamethasone (Lotrisone), a combination antifungal and corticosteroid, is sometimes used to treat ringworm that is burning, itchy, and inflamed. Use this prescription medicine with caution, because complications can arise with long-term use of corticosteroids.

How It Works

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Azoles inhibit the growth of fungi.

Why It Is Used

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Azoles are used to treat ringworm of the skin. Creams are usually used first. Some azole creams, such as Monistat-Derm and Lotrimin, are available without a prescription. If an antifungal cream does not clear up the infection or if the infection is severe and widespread, then your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills.

How Well It Works

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Azoles are effective for treatment of ringworm of the skin.

For better absorption into the body, take azole pills with cola or orange juice.

Side Effects

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Side effects are rare when you use azole creams to treat ringworm of the skin. When you use azole pills, side effects may include:

• Stomach upset.
• Headaches.
• Rash.
• Liver problems, in rare cases.

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

People taking antifungal pills may have their blood counts and liver and kidney function monitored during treatment to watch for any bad side effects. This may not be necessary in healthy children.

What To Think About

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• Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take azole pills.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking azole pills, because this may increase the risk of liver damage.
• Azole pills should not be taken with some other medicines. Let your doctor know what other medicines you are taking.
• Do not take ketoconazole pills within 2 hours of taking antacids, because it will reduce the amount of ketoconazole absorbed into your blood.

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

Credits

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Author	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Updated	April 19, 2007