What is the difference between Lamisil and Canesten?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
What is the difference between Lamisil and Canesten?
Lamisil (Terbinafine) and Canesten (Clotrimazole) are two different antifungal agents with different mechanisms of action. Let’s take a look at the key differences between these two medications:
- Class of antifungal drugs
- Pharmacological uses
- Mechanism of action
- Forms of administration
- Duration of treatment
- Prescription vs. over-the-counter availability
- Side effects and interactions
Class of antifungal drugs
Lamisil and Canesten belong to different classes of antifungal drugs. Lamisil is classified as an allylamine antifungal, whereas Canesten falls under the azole class of antifungal drugs (1,2).
Pharmacological uses
Lamisil and Canesten are both antifungal medications, but they are used to treat different types of fungal infections (1,2).
Lamisil is commonly prescribed to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It works by stopping the growth of the fungi causing the infection (1).
On the other hand, Canesten is also an antifungal medication used to treat skin infections, but it is particularly effective for vaginal yeast infections in women (3). It can also be used for skin infections caused by fungi (2).
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of Lamisil and Canesten also differs. Lamisil works by inhibiting an enzyme called squalene epoxidase, which is essential for the synthesis of ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes (1).
By disrupting ergosterol synthesis, Lamisil weakens the cell membrane and ultimately leads to the death of the fungus.
On the other hand, Canesten works by blocking the synthesis of ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, which also weakens the membrane and causes the death of the fungus (2).
Forms of administration
Lamisil and Canesten are available in various forms, allowing flexibility in how they can be applied. Lamisil comes in cream, gel, spray, and oral tablet forms, making it suitable for various skin infections (1).
Canesten is also available in different forms, including cream, lotion, spray, pessary (vaginal tablet), and oral tablet. The multiple forms make Canesten convenient for treating skin infections and vaginal yeast infections (2,3).
Duration of treatment
The duration of treatment with Lamisil and Canesten may vary depending on the type and severity of the fungal infection being treated (1,2). Typically, treatment with Lamisil lasts for a few weeks, while the duration of Canesten treatment can range from a few days to weeks.
Prescription vs. over-the-counter availability
Some forms of Lamisil, such as oral tablets, may require a prescription from a healthcare provider. On the other hand, many forms of Canesten, including creams and vaginal tablets, are available over the counter without a prescription, making it more accessible for self-treatment (1,2).
Side effects and interactions
Side effects of Lamisil may include skin irritation, itching, or a mild burning sensation at the application site. In some rare cases, it may cause liver problems (1). Canesten is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild skin irritation, redness, or itching (2,3).
Both medications may interact with certain medications, so it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any other drugs you are taking to avoid potential adverse effects.
Make sure you ensure the safe and effective use of Lamisil and Canesten. To do so, it is important to stick to the recommended dosage strength and frequency of drug use.
It is also important to check the expiry date before taking Lamisil, Canesten or any other medication to ensure that it is potent enough to help your symptoms.
Final words
In conclusion, Lamisil and Canesten are both effective antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections, but they have differences in their uses, mechanism of action, application areas, forms of administration, and prescription status.
Understanding these differences will help you and your healthcare provider make the most appropriate choice based on your specific condition and medical history.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and product instructions to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications.
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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.-
Khatter NJ, Khan MAB. Clotrimazole. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32809478. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560643
3.-
LABEL: CANESTEN V- clotrimazole cream. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=33102ed2-6885-2eb3-e054-00144ff8d46c&type=pdf
