Compare terbinafine vs. Ketoconazole
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats fungal infections.
Lamisil (terbinafine) is first-choice treatment for many types of fungal infections, but a successful treatment course ranges from weeks to months.
Treats fungal infections.
Nizoral (Ketoconazole) is a medication used on your skin to treat fungal infections; however, it takes several weeks for full recovery, and the directions are specific to each type of medication.
Upsides
- Effectively treats many types of fungal infections.
- Available in cheap, generic version.
- Lamisil (terbinafine) comes in many different formulations that's easy to apply depending on the site of infection.
- Recommended as a first choice medication to treat skin infections caused by fungi, including cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor.
- Nizoral (Ketoconazole) isn't taken orally, so it doesn't cause liver issues.
- Can be used with other medications to help control redness and swelling.
- The 1% shampoo is available over-the-counter in the drugstore.
Downsides
- Takes weeks to months to treat an infection.
- The pill form is not a good option if you have liver disease.
- Lamisil (terbinafine) can interfere with how many other medicines work. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before starting any new medicines or supplements while you are on Lamisil (terbinafine).
- The foams (Extina and Ketodan) and gel (Xolegel) are only available as brand name and can be more expensive.
- The 2.5% shampoo and creams are available only by prescription, but are generic.
- The shampoo has to be left on for at least 5-10 minutes after lathering before you rinse it off.
- It can take a few weeks for the infection to clear and a few months before the skin returns to its normal color.
- The fungal infections can be confused for other skin infections, so if Nizoral (Ketoconazole) doesn't work, it could be caused by another skin problem.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Cream
- Gel
- Spray
- Pill
- Cream, gel, or ointment
- Foam
- Shampoo
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$176.27
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
10possible side effects
- Headache13%
- Diarrhea6%
- Rash6%
- Indigestion4%
- Nausea3%
- Pruritus3%
- Liver enzyme abnormalities3%
- Taste disturbance3%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Flatulence2%
Risks and risk factors
- Liver damage
- Past history of liver disease
- Taking Lamisil (terbinafine) by mouth
- Changes in taste and smell
- Taking pill form of Lamisil (terbinafine)
- Depression
- Taking pill form of Lamisil (terbinafine)
- Skin rash
- Taking pill form of Lamisil (terbinafine)
- Lupus-like symptoms
- History of lupus
- Bleeding and clotting disorder
- History of hematologic or immunodeficiency issues
- Severe allergic reactions
- Asthma