Lamisil vs Tinactin: Which one is better?
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/
Lamisil vs Tinactin: Which one is better?
Lamisil (Terbinafine) and Tinactin (Tolnaftate) are both antifungal medications and are considered good treatment options for various skin infections (1,2).
However, Terbinafine is the drug of choice for fungal skin and nail infections and is considered more effective than Tinactin, which does not work against nail fungal infections well enough (1,2).
However, Lamisil and Tinactin are prescription medications and should not be taken without your doctor’s approval. This is because meds are not only prescribed on the basis of their therapeutic strength but also if your body can tolerate them well enough.
Lamisil is hepatotoxic, which is why this antifungal is not recommended for people with hepatic insufficiency (3,4). Such people, however, can use Tinactin.
This is why it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider if you’re having symptoms of a fungal infection. Your doctor will properly diagnose the type of infection and will prescribe the best possible antifungal therapy according to your symptoms.
Basic differences between Lamisil and Tinactin
Lamisil and Tinactin are both antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections, but they have some basic differences:
- Active ingredient: The main difference between Lamisil and Tinactin is their active ingredients. Lamisil contains terbinafine, which directly targets the fungus and inhibits its growth (1). On the other hand, Tinactin contains tolnaftate, which prevents the fungus from spreading and helps relieve itching and discomfort (2).
- Usage: Lamisil is available in various forms, including oral tablets, creams, and sprays, making it suitable for both skin and nail infections (1). Tinactin, on the other hand, is primarily available as a topical cream or spray, mainly used for skin infections like athlete’s foot or jock itch (2).
- Effectiveness: While both medications are effective against fungal infections, Lamisil is generally considered to be more potent and may clear the infection faster compared to Tinactin (1,2).
- Duration of treatment: The duration of treatment may vary between Lamisil and Tinactin. Lamisil typically requires a shorter treatment period, while Tinactin may need to be applied for a longer duration.
Comparison between side effects profiles of Lamisil and Tinactin:
| Side Effects | Lamisil (Terbinafine) | Tinactin (Tolnaftate) |
| Skin irritation | Common | Common |
| Burning sensation | Common | Common |
| Redness | Common | Common |
| Itching | Common | Common |
| Rash | Less Common | Less Common |
| Headache | Less Common | Rare |
| Nausea | Less Common | Rare |
| Stomach upset | Less Common | Rare |
| Taste disturbances | Rare | Rare |
| Allergic reactions | Rare (Seek immediate medical attention if occurs) | Rare (Seek immediate medical attention if occurs) |
It is important to note that these side effects can vary from person to person. Some people may experience side effects that are not mentioned in the above table (1,2).
If you experience any adverse reactions or concerns while using Lamisil or Tinactin, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider.
The importance of seeking professional advice
Seeking professional advice is crucial when it comes to antifungal treatment and choosing the right medications. A healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your specific condition, medical history, and treatment goals.
Your doctor can accurately diagnose the type of fungal infection you have and recommend the most effective antifungal medication for your situation.
Choosing the right antifungal medication is essential because different medications may target specific types of fungi. Using the wrong medication may lead to ineffective treatment, prolonging your infection, or causing it to worsen.
A healthcare professional can also help you understand the proper use of the medication, including dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment. They will explain possible side effects and how to manage them if they occur.
This is why it’s important to seek professional help. This way, you can achieve your treatment goals in a safe and effective manner.
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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. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545218
2.-
Adam JE, Craig GE. Tolnaftate (tinactin), a new topical antifungal agent. Can Med Assoc J. 1965 Nov 6;93(19):1004-5. PMID: 5319027; PMCID: PMC1936446. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5319027/
3.-
LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012–. Terbinafine. 2018 Jan 1. PMID: 31643929. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548617
4.-
Ajit C, Suvannasankha A, Zaeri N, Munoz SJ. Terbinafine-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Med Sci. 2003 May;325(5):292-5. doi: 10.1097/00000441-200305000-00008. PMID: 12792250. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12792250/
