Oral Antifungal Medicine For Fungal Nail Infections

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Allylamines

Brand Name	Generic Name
Lamisil tablets	terbinafine hydrochloride

Azoles

Brand Name	Generic Name
Diflucan	fluconazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Sporanox	itraconazole

Brand Name	Generic Name
Nizoral	ketoconazole

Other oral antifungals

Brand Name	Generic Name
Grifulvin V	griseofulvin

All of these medicines are by prescription only. Allylamines and azoles are classes of drugs. Their effectiveness and side effects may vary.

Terbinafine tablets are taken once a day for 6 weeks for fungal fingernail infections, and for 12 weeks or longer for fungal toenail infections. Terbinafine tablets can be used according to a pulse dosing schedule. Pulse dosing refers to taking medicine daily for 1 week a month for 2, 3, or 4 months. Some people find it easier to stay with this medication schedule, and the treatment is likely to be cheaper.

Oral azoles (tablets or capsules) are taken daily for 3 to 18 months, depending on the medicine. Oral azoles can be used according to a weekly pulse dosing schedule. Pulse dosing refers to taking medicine daily for 1 week a month for 2, 3, or 4 months. Some people find it easier to stay with this medication schedule, and the treatment is likely to be cheaper.

Griseofulvin is taken twice a day until nails are clear of infection. For infections in the fingernails, griseofulvin may be taken for 6 to 8 months. For infections in toenails, griseofulvin may be taken for 12 to 18 months to cure an infection and to prevent reinfection.

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Last updated:	July 24, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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