BUTENAFINE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lotrimin Ultra, Mentax

GENERIC NAME(S): BUTENAFINE HCL

Description: Butenafine, an antifungal, it kills fungi by interfering with the formation of the fungal cell membrane and weakening it.

Uses

Indications

This medication is used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. This medication is also used to treat a skin condition known as pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs.

Do not use this medication for the treatment of fungal nail infections.

Contraindications

Should not be given to patients who are suspected to be sensitive to this drug.

How to use butenafine topical

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the medication to and around the affected area and gently rub in, usually 1 to 2 times daily as directed on the product package.
Do not apply the medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth, inside the vagina, or on the scalp. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.
Do not apply more often or use longer than directed. This may increase the risk of side effects.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Continue to use this medication until the full treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Warnings

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

burning
irritation
redness
itching at the application site

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering/swelling/oozing at the application site.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergy: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to butenafine; or to allylamine antifungals (e.g., naftifine, terbinafine); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: athlete’s foot on the bottom/side of the foot.

Pregnancy Risk: Category B. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Breastfeeding: It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids such as prednisone).

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes: Do not share this medication with others.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, use it for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

If you are treating athlete’s foot, make sure to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes. Also, change shoes and socks at least once daily.

When this medication is used to treat pityriasis, your normal skin color may not return immediately. It may take several months after treatment is completed for your natural skin color to return.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from light and heat. Consult your pharmacist or product labeling for exact temperature range. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands

Also marketed as

Funcid [ BioFemme ]