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Tinactin vs Lamisil
Introduction
For individuals dealing with fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot or jock itch, certain topical medications can provide relief and aid in eliminating the infection by interfering with the growth of fungi. Tinactin and Lamisil are two such drugs commonly recommended for these types of conditions. Each works by inhibiting a different component within fungal cells to prevent their proliferation.
Tinactin (tolnaftate) is classified as an antifungal agent, which functions by halting the growth of several types of fungi, thereby limiting their spread on your skin. Its primary target is dermatophytes, a group of fungi responsible for many common skin diseases.
Lamisil (terbinafine) also falls under the category of antifungal agents, but is more specifically categorized as an allylamine. It operates primarily by disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol, which is an essential component for fungal cell membranes. This disruption leads to cell death.
Both medications have proven effective in treating various fungal infections. However, they operate through distinct mechanisms of action, and thus vary slightly in terms of application frequency and the time required for a complete course of treatment.
Tinactin vs Lamisil Side By Side
| Attribute | Tinactin | Lamisil |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Tinactin | Lamisil |
| Contraindications | Should not be used if there have been bad reactions to allylamines or azoles, other classes of antifungal medications. | Should not be used if there have been bad reactions to allylamines or azoles, other classes of antifungal medications. |
| Cost | Around $7 for a 1 oz. bottle, approximately $0.23/day | Around $15 for a 1 oz. bottle, approximately $0.50/day |
| Generic Name | Tolnaftate | Terbinafine |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, and increased sensitivity to light. | Liver problems, allergic skin reaction, changes in taste and smell, mood changes, visual disturbances. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | The article does not specify severe drug interactions for Tinactin. | The article does not specify severe drug interactions for Lamisil. |
| Typical Dose | Applied twice daily, morning and night, until the infection is fully cleared up, usually within several weeks. | A thin layer of cream applied to the affected area and surrounding skin once daily for 1 week for jock itch or ringworm, or for 2 weeks for athlete’s foot. |
What is Tinactin?
Tinactin, a brand name for tolnaftate, was one of the first antifungal agents introduced to effectively treat superficial fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. Approved by the FDA in 1965, tolnaftate works by inhibiting squalene epoxidase, an essential enzyme for fungal cell wall synthesis. It is applied topically on infected areas of the skin.
Terbinafine (generic Lamisil), another antifungal agent approved by the FDA much later in 1996, kills existing fungal infections but also prevents new fungal growth. This gives it an edge over tolnaftate in treating certain conditions such as nail fungus that may require systemic treatment, or where initial topical therapy has failed.
Both medications are generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects primarily limited to local irritation, such as itching or burning at application site. Terbinafine can occasionally cause more severe reactions when taken orally, including liver problems and changes in the sensation of taste. The choice between these two medications largely depends on the type and severity of infection, along with patient preferences and possible tolerance.
What conditions is Tinactin approved to treat?
Tinactin is approved for the treatment of various fungal infections:
- Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot
- Tinea cruris, commonly referred to as jock itch
- Tinea corporis, or ringworm of the body
Tinactin may also be used for other purposes not listed here, including other types of fungal infection. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any antifungal medication.
How does Tinactin help with these illnesses?
Tinactin (tolnaftate) works by preventing fungi from growing and spreading on the skin surface. It does this by inhibiting certain enzymes necessary for the fungus to build its cell membrane, thus making it difficult for the fungus to survive and proliferate.
Fungal infections can cause skin symptoms like itching, burning, cracking or scaling. Therefore, by halting the growth of fungal microorganisms directly, Tinactin helps to alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms while also eradicating the underlying infection.
What is Lamisil?
Lamisil is a brand name for terbinafine, an antifungal medication that prevents fungal growth on the skin. It was first approved by the FDA in 1996. Lamisil does not belong to the class of azole antifungals like Tinactin (tolnaftate), working instead by inhibiting an enzyme needed for fungal cell membrane synthesis. More specifically, Lamisil (terbinafine) kills fungi directly by causing a deficiency in ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. This leads to an increase in cellular permeability, resulting in leakage of cellular contents.
This unique mechanism of action means that its side-effect profile varies from those of azoles antifungals. Notably, terbinafine may cause liver issues in rare cases, and is therefore typically reserved for more severe or resistant infections due to these potential risks. Lamisil is applied topically, and is commonly used for treating certain types of ringworm infections such as athlete's foot and jock itch, particularly when initial treatments with typical over-the-counter medications like Tinactin have been unsuccessful.
What conditions is Lamisil approved to treat?
Lamisil is approved for the treatment of several fungal conditions, such as:
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
- Jock itch (tinea cruris)
- Ringworm (tinea corporis)
How does Lamisil help with these illnesses?
Lamisil is an antifungal medication that works by disrupting the fungal cell membrane. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting squalene epoxidase, an enzyme that plays a pivotal part in the production of ergosterol, which is a key component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungus cannot maintain its membrane, eventually causing contents to leak out and the cell to die. In turn, the symptoms of the infection are alleviated as the fungal cells die off. Like Tinactin, Lamisil is used for treating topical fungal infections including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. However, Lamisil has been shown to provide faster relief from these conditions due to its particular pharmacological properties. Tinactin prevents the growth of new fungal cells, but does not kill existing fungi causing infection. Lamisil, on the other hand, acts as both a fungicidal (kills fungi) and fungistatic (prevents growth). Therefore, Lamisil may be recommended over other "typical" antifungal medications such as Tinactin when patients do not respond well to the typical medications, or when they need quicker relief.
How effective are Tinactin and Lamisil?
Tinactin (tolnaftate) and Lamisil (terbinafine) are two common antifungal drugs used in the treatment of athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm, among other fungal infections. They are both approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use. Tinactin was first made commercially available in 1965, with Lamisil following closely behind in 1996.
Tolnaftate and terbinafine act on different stages of the fungal lifecycle, and thus they may be used under different circumstances. Tinactin and Lamisil have been directly compared in several clinical trials, which showed similar effectiveness at managing symptoms as well as similar safety profiles. In these studies, the metrics studied to measure the drugs' efficacies against fungal infection showed no significant difference between patients receiving tolnaftate or those receiving terbinafine.
A review conducted on multiple meta-analysis reports demonstrated that Tinactin is effective from the onset of treatment, offering relief from itching and burning associated with fungal infection within days. Its side effect profile is favorable compared to those of many other antifungal medications due to its low systemic absorption, limiting potential adverse effects mainly to skin irritation.
On the other hand, a review conducted in 2016 indicated that while terbinafine (Lamisil) was more effective than placebo, it appeared to be equally effective as other common antifungals including miconazole nitrate (another commonly prescribed topical antifungal). As such, although Lamisil can be considered a first-line therapy option for treating dermatophytic infections, there's no clear advantage of Lamisil over Tiinatin (tolnaftate), which also displays high cure rates. Nonetheless, due to its broader spectrum activity encompassing yeast infections alongside dermatophyte fungi, some clinicians prefer prescribing Lamisil.
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At what dose is Tinactin typically prescribed?
Topical fomrulations of Tinactin (tolnaftate) are typically applied twice daily, morning and night, for conditions like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It should be continued until the infection is fully cleared up, which usually happens within several weeks. The cream should be applied on clean and dry skin, and you should wash your hands after applying it and then cover the infected area with clothing to prevent spreading of the infection.
If there is no noticeable improvement after one week or symptoms continue after the recommended treatment duration, consult with a healthcare provider. Always follow the usage instructions as indicated on the product packaging or as provided by your doctor.
At what dose is Lamisil typically prescribed?
Lamisil treatment typically starts with applying a thin layer of cream to the affected area and surrounding skin once daily. After cleaning and thoroughly drying the region, the cream should be rubbed in gently. The duration of the treatment depends on your condition, but usually continues for 1 week for tinea cruris (jock itch) or tinea corporis (ringworm), or for 2 weeks for athlete’s foot. If there's no response or improvement after these periods, you should consult with your healthcare provider for recommended next steps. Proper hygiene measures should also be taken alongside medication use to prevent re-infection or transmission of the fungus. This includes washing hands after applying the cream, covering the infected area with clothing, avoiding scratching of the infected area, and avoiding sharing of clothes and towels.
What are the most common side effects of Tinactin?
Common side effects associated with the antifungal medication Tinactin (tolnaftate) include:
- Mild skin irritation or itching
- Burning sensation at the site of application
- Peeling, scaling or flaking skin
- Redness or swelling at the site of application
As always, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance if any such adverse effects occur after using these medications.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Tinactin?
Tinactin has a relatively low risk of severe side effects, but in rare cases, it can cause:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing
- Skin irritation that was not present before using this medication
- Redness/itching/watering eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Swelling/blistering on areas of the skin where cream was applied
If any of these occur when you're using Tinactin, it's important to stop usage immediately and consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance. While Tinactin and other over-the-counter antifungal drugs are generally safe to use as long as you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or your doctor, individuals can still react differently based on their unique biological makeup or preexisting conditions.
What are the most common side effects of Lamisil?
Potential side effects of Lamisil may include:
- Slight itching, stinging, or burning on application
- Redness or irritation at the treated area
- Unusual changes in your sense of taste
- Nausea, indigestion, stomach upset
- Headache or dizziness
- Mild skin rash or itching
Individual reactions to medications can vary. It's important to monitor your health closely and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider when starting a new treatment.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Lamisil?
While Lamisil is typically safe when used properly, it's important to be aware of rare yet potentially severe side effects. These may include:
- Allergic skin reaction: rash, itching or hives, swelling in the face or lips, and/or difficulty breathing
- Liver problems: unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, right upper abdominal discomfort or tenderness, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)
- Changes in taste and smell, which can lead to a decrease in appetite and subsequent weight loss
- Mood changes, like depressive symptoms and anxiety
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision
If you experience any of these side effects after starting treatment with Lamisil, seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Tinactin and Lamisil
Both Tinactin and Lamisil, like most other antifungal medications, may cause skin irritation or a burning sensation upon application in some individuals. If you notice your symptoms worsening, or an increase in redness, itching, or swelling at the application site after using either of these products, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Tinactin nor Lamisil should be used if you have had bad reactions to allylamines (such as naftifine) or azoles (such as clotrimazole), which are other classes of antifungal medications. Always inform your healthcare professional about any allergies when discussing treatment options; previous allergic reactions can indicate potential sensitivity to similar compounds within the same class of drugs.
How much do Tinactin and Lamisil cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of a 1 oz. bottle (30 mL) of Lamisil antifungal cream averages around $15, which works out to approximately $0.50/day, depending on your use.
- The price for a similarly sized container of Tinactin is about $7, working out to roughly $0.23/day.
If you are applying the higher range of dosages for Lamisil (i.e., more than once per day), then Tinactin can be less expensive than Lamisil on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be the primary consideration in determining which of these topical antifungals is right for you.
For generic versions of Lamisil (terbinafine) and Tinactin (tolnaftate), costs can be significantly lower:
- Terbinafine is available starting from as low as $10 for a 1 oz. tube, lowering the daily cost to $0.33 per day, again depending on usage frequency and the size of the affected area to be covered.
- Tolnaftate-based creams can start from around $4 for an equal-sized tube, working out to about $0.15 per day.
Factors such as effectiveness and personal tolerance should be prioritized over cost when choosing between medications like this. Always consult with your healthcare provider prior to beginning any treatment.
Popularity of Tinactin and Lamisil
Tinactin (a brand name version of tolnaftate) and Lamisil (branded terbinafine hydrochloride) are both popular antifungal medications. They're commonly utilized in the treatment of athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Tolnaftate (Tinactin) has been used for many years, with millions of people choosing it due to its promise of relief from uncomfortable fungal infections. In 2020 alone, an estimated 1 million units (including sprays and creams) were sold over-the-counter in the US.
Terbinafine hydrochloride (Lamisil), on the other hand, was used by an estimated 2 million people in the US during that same year. It accounts for a significant portion of antifungal medication usage, likely due to its effectivness and broad-spectrum coverage against various fungi that cause skin infections.
Both drugs have held steady market shares over recent years. While Tinactin has been available longer than Lamisil, they both continue to be mainstays in treating superficial fungal conditions and have long histories of proven efficacy.
Conclusion
Both Tinactin (tolnaftate) and Lamisil (terbinafine) are antifungal medications used in the treatment of various fungal infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. They function by inhibiting the growth of fungi that cause infection, although they act through different mechanisms of action. These two drugs have long-standing histories of usage, with numerous clinical studies indicating their efficacy.
In terms of their mechanisms of action, Tinactin and Lamisil both primarily prevent the further growth and spread of fungi by preventing synthesis of important cell components, while Lamisil also kills fungi directly by disrupting their cell membranes. Given this difference, Lamisil is often recommended when a more aggressive treatment approach is necessary.
Both medications can be found as generics, although the price differences between the generic versions and brand-name Tinactin and Lamisil are not as wide as for some other drugs.
Consistency in application is key with both of these treatments, and results may not show immediately due to the time needed for the drug to reach all individual organisms of the fungal colonies.
As for side-effect profiles, both products are generally well-tolerated, but potential reactions include itching or irritation at the site of application. It’s crucial for patients using either product to monitor their health closely after starting treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen despite regular use, medical attention should be sought.
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Refrences
- Smith, E. B. (1993, May). Topical antifungal drugs in the treatment of tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Elsevier BV.http://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(09)80304-6
- AbouSamra, M. M., & Salama, A. H. (2016, October 19). Enhancement of the topical tolnaftate delivery for the treatment of tinea pedis <i>via</i> provesicular gel systems. Journal of Liposome Research. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.1080/08982104.2016.1239634
- VILLARS, V. V., & JONES, T. C. (1992, February). Special features of the clinical use of oral terbinafine in the treatment of fungal diseases. British Journal of Dermatology. Oxford University Press (OUP).http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1992.tb00013.x
- RYDER, N. S. (1992, February). Terbinafine: Mode of action and properties of the squalene epoxidase inhibition. British Journal of Dermatology. Oxford University Press (OUP).http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1992.tb00001.x
- Ortonne, J., Korting, H., Viguié‐Vallanet, C., Larnier, C., & Savaluny, E. (2006, October 16). Efficacy and safety of a new single‐dose terbinafine 1% formulation in patients with tinea pedis (athlete's foot): a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01807.x
- FINLAY, A. Y. (1994, April). Global overview of LamisilR. British Journal of Dermatology. Oxford University Press (OUP).http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1994.tb06082.x
- Binder, M., & Nell, G. (1999, November). Oral terbinafine (Lamisil<sup>®</sup>) in the short‐term treatment of fungal infections of the skin: results of a post‐marketing surveillance study. Mycoses. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0507.1999.00515.x