HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Oral Antifungal Medicine for Fungal Nail Infections
Examples
Allylamines
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Azoles
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Other oral antifungals
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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 medicine 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 medicine 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.
| 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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