!44: Fungus Prescription Medications - What Works to Cure Fungus?

!±8± Fungus Prescription Medications - What Works to Cure Fungus?

What medications are commonly prescribed for nail fungus?

Sporanox

Also known as itraconazole is meant for dermatophytic infections. Only affective a mere 50% of the time, Sporanox has several drug interactions. Some medications which should not be mixed with Sporanox include terfenadine, astemizole and cisapride.

Griseofulvin

Known by various names, including Gris-PEG, Grifulvin V and Fulvicin. This medication must be taken daily while the nail grows completely out, which means six to twelve months in fingernails and one to two years in toenails.

Lamisil

Also known as terbinafine has proven to be one of the most effective nail fungus fighters. It remains in the nail bed, reducing the time of the therapy. Medication is taken once a day, taking just six weeks for fingernails to heal and three months for toenails to heal.

How do the medications work?

Most prescribed medications kill fungus and can take weeks to months. Treatment must be followed completely in order to make sure the fungus is completely gone. If treatment is stopped early, the fungus can very easily come back and then the entire treatment must be started over from the beginning again. Some people make the mistake of discontinuing medication early because the fungus may appear to be cured when in fact it is not.

Generic versions of the medications can range anywhere from a month up where as some can be in the thousands of dollars per month; very costly.

What side effects are involved with prescribed fungi medication?

Sporanox

Side effects include GI disorders, rashes, elevated liver enzymes, headaches and dizziness.

Griseofulvin

This medication is low risk for certain side effects such as bone marrow damage and liver damage. Other side effects include vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea.

Lamisil

This medication holds the potential risk of depression, liver and bone marrow damage.

What if I experience side effects?

If you experience any side effects, you need to speak to your physician immediately. Side effects can be serious and should be treated as such. There are different types of medications out there and your doctor may be able to switch you to something that won't give you side effects.

Do I have to take the medication in order to make the fungus go away?

Unfortunately the answer to that question may be yes. There are many over-the-counter and Internet sold treatments which claim to do the trick, but often times getting rid of the fungus requires treating it from the inside out. Your doctor may ask you to take oral medications in conjunction with other topical treatments; however this varies from doctor to doctor.