HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Topical Antifungal Medicine for Fungal Nail Infections
Examples
Nonprescription topical
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Prescription topical
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Ciclopirox comes as a cream or lotion (Loprox) or lacquer (Penlac). The cream or lotion is applied to the skin or nail twice a day for 2 weeks. The lacquer (nail polish) is applied to the nail once a day for up to 6 months.
Terbinafine cream or gel is applied to the skin and nail. To kill a fungal skin infection, terbinafine is applied twice a day for at least 2 weeks, or once a day for 2 to 4 weeks. To control a fungal nail infection, longer-term use is needed.
The other medicines are available as creams, lotions, solutions, or sprays and are applied directly to the nail and surrounding skin once or twice a day for 3 to 12 months.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 27, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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