Fungal infections can be irritating, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful. Luckily, there are many effective treatments available. Two common antifungal medications are ciclopirox and terbinafine.
But what are the differences between them, and how do you know which one is right for you? This article will compare ciclopirox vs terbinafine, outlining their key similarities and differences so you can make an informed decision about treating your fungal infection.
What are ciclopirox and terbinafine?
Both ciclopirox and terbinafine are medications used to treat fungal infections.
Ciclopirox
Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal, which means it can treat a wide variety of fungal infections. It’s available as a topical solution, cream, or lotion, and you’ll typically need a prescription to get it. The FDA first approved it on December 30, 1982.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal medication. It comes in topical and oral forms. You can find topical terbinafine as a prescription or over-the-counter. It was first approved on December 30, 1992.
Uses and effectiveness
What are they used for?
Both ciclopirox and terbinafine treat onychomycosis (fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails), but other treatments, such as Econazole Nitrate Cream, may also be effective. They also treat seborrheic dermatitis and various tinea infections. Tinea infections include athlete’s foot (pedis), ringworm (corporis), jock itch (cruris), tinea versicolor, and ringworm of the scalp (capitis).
How well do they work?
Ciclopirox topical gets an average rating of 7.3 out of 10, with 71% of people reporting positive effects. Terbinafine topical gets an average rating of 6.5 out of 10, with 60% of people reporting positive effects.
In laboratory studies, new versions of ciclopirox olamine, such as poloxamer 407-based systems, seem to work as well as commercial products.
How to use them, side effects, and interactions
Ciclopirox is usually applied to the skin. Terbinafine can be a cream or a pill, depending on the infection.
Ciclopirox has fewer side effects than terbinafine pills. Both can cause local irritation, itching, and burning.
Ciclopirox doesn’t interact with other drugs. Terbinafine pills can interact with many drugs (156). That’s not the case for terbinafine cream.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions if you’re taking other medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for ciclopirox to cure nail fungus?
Ciclopirox, being a topical treatment, typically requires a lengthy treatment period. It can take several months (often 6-12 months) to see a complete cure for nail fungus, and success depends on consistent and diligent application as directed by your doctor.
Which is better, terbinafine or ciclopirox?
That depends! Terbinafine, usually taken orally, generally has a higher success rate for nail fungus due to its systemic action. Ciclopirox, a topical solution, is often preferred for milder cases or when oral medications aren’t suitable. The best choice depends on the severity of the infection and your doctor’s recommendation.
What is stronger than ciclopirox?
Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are generally considered stronger than ciclopirox for treating nail fungus. They work by attacking the fungus from within the body, leading to higher cure rates.
What is the number one cure for toenail fungus terbinafine?
Terbinafine is often considered a leading treatment option for toenail fungus because of its relatively high success rate compared to other treatments. However, it’s essential to discuss potential side effects and interactions with your doctor before starting oral terbinafine.
Can you use ciclopirox and terbinafine together?
In some cases, a doctor might recommend combining topical ciclopirox with oral terbinafine to improve treatment outcomes, particularly for severe or stubborn infections. However, this combination should only be used under strict medical supervision to monitor for potential side effects or interactions.
Summary
Ciclopirox is a prescription medication that treats nail fungus and athlete’s foot. Terbinafine can be prescribed to treat toenail fungus, and it can also be purchased over the counter to treat athlete’s foot. Studies show that terbinafine is generally more effective than ciclopirox for treating nail fungus, and neither medication is known to interact with other drugs. Both medications are Pregnancy Category B, but you should always talk with your doctor about your treatment options.