Examples
Cream or lotion (topical, applied directly to the skin)
|
| Lotrimin | clotrimazole | |
| Lotrisone | clotrimazole/betamethasone (an azole cream with corticosteroid) | |
| Spectazole | econazole | |
| Nizoral | ketoconazole | |
| Micatin, Monistat-Derm | miconazole | |
| Oxistat | oxiconazole | |
Pills (oral)
|
| Lotrimin | clotrimazole | |
| Diflucan | fluconazole | |
| Sporanox | itraconazole | |
| Nizoral | ketoconazole | |
Azoles are a class of antifungals used to treat
ringworm of the skin.
Azole creams are applied directly to the skin 1 to 2 times a day
for about 2 to 4 weeks. Azole pills are taken once a day or once a week for 1
to 4 weeks.
Clotrimazole/betamethasone (Lotrisone), a combination antifungal
and
corticosteroid, is sometimes used to treat ringworm
that is burning, itchy, and inflamed. Use this prescription medicine with
caution, because complications can arise with long-term use of
corticosteroids.
How It Works
Azoles inhibit the growth of fungi.
Why It Is Used
Azoles are used to treat ringworm of the skin. Creams are usually
used first. Some azole creams, such as Monistat-Derm and Lotrimin, are
available without a prescription. If an antifungal cream does not clear up the
infection or if the infection is severe and widespread, then your doctor may
prescribe antifungal pills.
How Well It Works
Azoles are effective for treatment of ringworm of the skin.
For better absorption into the body, take azole pills with cola or
orange juice.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare when you use azole creams to treat ringworm
of the skin. When you use azole pills, side effects may include:
- Stomach
upset.
- Headaches.
- Rash.
- Liver problems, in
rare cases.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
People taking antifungal pills may have their blood counts and
liver and kidney function monitored during treatment to watch for any bad side
effects. This may not be necessary in healthy children.
What To Think About
- Women who are pregnant or nursing should
not take azole pills.
- Do not drink alcohol
while taking azole pills, because this may increase the risk of liver
damage.
- Azole pills should not be taken with some other medicines.
Let your doctor know what other medicines you are taking.
- Do not
take ketoconazole pills within 2 hours of taking antacids, because it will
reduce the amount of ketoconazole absorbed into your blood.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | April 19, 2007 |
