Compare Terbinafine vs. Ketoconazole

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Lamisil (Terbinafine)

Prescription only

Nizoral (Ketoconazole)

Prescription or OTC
Treats fungal infections.

Lamisil (Terbinafine) has the highest cure rate of all antifungal medications, but you need to take it for a few weeks or months to see if it'll work for you.

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
  • Recommended as a first-choice treatment for fungal infections. It has a high cure rate and very few side effects.
  • Available as a generic medication, so it's cheap.
  • It's the only antifungal medication that is available in different oral forms and can be used by children.
  • 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
  • It can take weeks to months to see any changes in the infection.
  • While Lamisil (Terbinafine) has the highest cure rate of all antifungal medications, there's still a chance it may not work.
  • Can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Granule
  • Cream, gel, or ointment
  • Topical spray
  • Pill
  • Cream, gel, or ointment
  • Foam
  • Shampoo
Price
Lowest price
$818.30
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Lowest price
$353.57
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Reviews
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Side effects
10possible side effects
  • Headache
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Rash
    6%
  • Dyspepsia
    4%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Pruritus
    3%
  • Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
    3%
  • Taste Disturbance
    3%
  • Abdominal Pain
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
See more detailed side effects
1possible side effects
  • Any side effect
    5%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Liver damage
    • Past history of liver disease
    • Taking Lamisil (Terbinafine) by mouth
  • Changes in taste and smell
    • Taking Lamisil (Terbinafine) by mouth
  • Depression
    • Taking Lamisil (Terbinafine) by mouth
  • Skin rash
    • Taking Lamisil (Terbinafine) by mouth
  • Lupus
    • Past history of lupus
    • Taking Lamisil (Terbinafine) by mouth
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Severe allergic reactions
    • Asthma
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lamisil (Terbinafine)
Learn more about Nizoral (Ketoconazole)