What is the difference between Lamisil and Ketoconazole?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
What is the difference between Lamisil and Ketoconazole?
Lamisil (Terbinafine) and Ketoconazole are both antifungal medications which are used to treat different types of fungal infections and work in different ways (1,2).
Lamisil (Terbinafine) is available in oral and topical dosage forms and is frequently used to treat onychomycosis. It is also used in children above 4 years of age (1).
Ketoconazole, on the other hand, is used as a topical antifungal medication. It was also available in oral dosage form once, but because of its hepatotoxic nature, it was removed from the market (2,3).
Now, it’s only used as antifungal cream and it’s not recommended for children below 16 years of age. Ketoconazole cream is mainly used to manage and treat candidiasis, oral thrush, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, chromomycosis, etc (2).
Both of these meds are good at what they do and can be used for some common conditions like Tinea corporis (Ringworm disease). However, they are prescription medications and should only be used with your doctor’s approval (1,2).
How to choose between Lamisil and Ketoconazole?
Choosing between Lamisil and Ketoconazole depends on the specific condition you are treating and your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Your doctor will consider factors such as the type and severity of the fungal infection, your medical history, and any other medications you may be taking. They will then recommend the most suitable option for you.
For localized skin infections or those affecting the scalp, Ketoconazole topical products may be sufficient. However, for more extensive or persistent infections, oral Lamisil might be necessary (1,2).
It’s important to discuss your medical history, any existing health conditions, and any other medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before deciding on one of these treatments.
How to ensure the proper use of antifungal medications?
To ensure the proper use of antifungal medications, the following steps are essential (4):
- Take the antifungal medication exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Don’t skip doses or take more than recommended.
- Even if you start feeling better, continue taking the medication for the entire prescribed duration to ensure the infection is completely treated.
- Some antifungals are best taken with food to improve absorption, while others should be taken on an empty stomach. Follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol while on antifungal medication, as it may interact with the drug and reduce its effectiveness.
- For topical antifungal creams, maintain good hygiene and dryness in the affected area to aid in the healing process.
- Store antifungal medications at the recommended temperature and away from moisture or direct sunlight.
- Avoid sharing your antifungal medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Each person’s condition may be different, and sharing can lead to ineffective treatment.
- If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while using the antifungal medication, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
It is important to know that each individual is unique and may have different factors affecting their health.
What works for one may not work for another. This is why you need to ensure the safe and effective treatment to achieve the therapeutic response you’re hoping for. If you’re concerned about anything, please talk to your doctor.
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References
1.-
Maxfield L, Preuss CV, Bermudez R. Terbinafine. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31424802. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545218
2.-
Sinawe H, Casadesus D. Ketoconazole. 2022 Jun 27. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32644647. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559221
3.-
Gupta AK, Lyons DC. The Rise and Fall of Oral Ketoconazole. J Cutan Med Surg. 2015 Jul-Aug;19(4):352-7. doi: 10.1177/1203475415574970. Epub 2015 Mar 5. PMID: 25775613. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25775613/
4.-
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. National Health Services (NHS). Trust Guideline for the Use of Antifungals in Adults [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/publication/download/antifungal-clinical-guideline-ca4006-v3-2/
