Nail fungus can cause annoyance along with a constant pain. The following article provides a brief overview about the over-the-counter drugs available to treat this fungal infection.
Onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the toenail or fingernail. This infection causes the nail color to change from pink to yellow or brown, and commonly leads to brittle nails. This will not only make your nails look unattractive but also cause pain. While there are various home remedies available to cure this problem, you can also opt for some over-the-counter medicines, that can limit the growth of fungal cells.
Over-the-counter Treatment
Miconazole Nitrate
It is a topical medication, available in the liquid form, and must be applied directly over the nail using a dropper. It is usually mixed with some inactive ingredients like benzoyl alcohol, cocamide, alcohol, isobutane, propane, tocophenol, and sorbitan sesquioleate. It must be applied twice a day, till you get relief from the fungal infection. Remember that it is not suitable for children below 2 years of age. Also, never ingest it, and avoid contact with eyes, as well as keep it out of reach of children. Miconazole nitrate is also known to cure problems like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Terbinafine
Terbinafine hydrochloride is the active ingredient here, and is used along with other inactive ingredients like sodium hydroxide, stearyl alcohol, acetyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, and purified water. It is a topical medication, available in form of ointments and creams, which must be applied directly over the infected nail, twice a day. Oral medicines that contain this chemical are also available.
Griseofulvin and Ketoconazole
Here griseofulvin and ketoconazole are the two systemic drugs used together. These can be used as topical application for mild infections. The treatment has to be continued for about 10-18 months. Also, it needs laboratory monitoring due to its side effects like liver toxicity. Remember that terbinafine is known to have lesser toxicity towards liver as compared to these two drugs. Griseofulvin and ketoconazole are effective antifungal agents and can also be used against ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Clotrimazole
This over-the-counter medicine serves as an effective anti-fungal agent, and is available in the form of topical creams, ointments, and powders. It is to be applied over the nail, once a day, till the infection is cured.
Ciclopirox
Ciclopirox is a topical lotion that resembles a nail paint, and has to be applied once a day, over the infected nail. It is usually recommend during the early stages of infection. It should be used after consulting a doctor, especially in case of immunological disorders, pregnancy, diabetes, or epilepsy. Also, make sure that you keep ciclopirox away from heat.
The aforementioned medication can have some side effects, and it is essential to use them with caution. If you are suffering from any other health condition, you must consult your doctor before using any topical or oral medicines. Also, the above medicines must not be used by children or pregnant women, unless recommended by the appropriate professional. It is necessary to file your nails to make them thinner before applying these medications, so as to enable the topical solution to penetrate though the nail layers.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
