{"id":632237,"date":"2025-05-09T18:09:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T22:09:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632237"},"modified":"2025-05-09T18:09:02","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T22:09:02","slug":"oral-medication-for-toenail-fungus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/oral-medication-for-toenail-fungus\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the best oral medication for toenail fungus?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Toenail fungus<\/span><\/a>, also known as onychomycosis, develops when fungi enter the toenail through small cracks or cuts in the surrounding skin.\u201cIt often starts with some discoloration, like a yellow or white spot, and over time, the nail can become thick, brittle, crumbly, or even lift off the nail bed,\u201d explains Gail Clifford, MD, MMM, CPE, an internist and medical consultant at ARRC LED in Orlando, Florida. \u201cIt is usually not painful early on, but can become uncomfortable if left untreated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral antifungal medications, such as <\/span>terbinafine<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>itraconazole<\/span><\/a>, are first-line treatments for toenail fungus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best oral medications for toenail fungus<\/span><\/h2>\n

The preferred oral medications for treating toenail fungus are terbinafine and itraconazole, which work from the inside out, says Roni DeLuz, PhD, ND, RN, a naturopathic doctor, registered nurse, wellness expert, and founder of H.E.A.L.E.D Retreat and Spa of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. \u201cUnless you treat it internally, you\u2019re likely not going to clear it up fully,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Terbinafine<\/span><\/h3>\n

Terbinafine (brand names Lamisil and Terbinex) is a prescription antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the scalp, skin, and nails. \u201cTerbinafine tends to be the go-to\u2014it is practical, well-tolerated, and has a solid success rate,\u201d Dr. Clifford explains. The antifungal medication works by <\/span>inhibiting the production of ergosterol<\/span><\/a>, a crucial component of the fungal cell membrane, which prevents the fungus from spreading. The medication comes in the form of once-daily tablets.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 2002 <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> involving 151 patients aged 18 to 75 years with toenail fungus revealed that a daily dosage of 250 milligrams (mg) of terbinafine for 12 or 16 weeks cured the condition in 46% of patients without the need for a second medical intervention. Of those who received a second course of treatment, 88% were cured. This was a higher cure rate than those treated with itraconazole.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like any medication, terbinafine can cause some unwanted side effects, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n