Butenafine Hcl Coupons & Prices

Butenafine hydrochloride is an over-the-counter topical antifungal cream best known by the brand name Lotrimin Ultra, used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm — and while it doesn't require a prescription, a butenafine hydrochloride coupon from Rx.com can still be worth checking, since store brands and generic versions are sometimes priced differently than the name-brand box; enter your ZIP above to see today's price at pharmacies near you.

What Is Butenafine Hydrochloride and How Does It Work?

Butenafine hydrochloride is a topical antifungal medication in the benzylamine class, which is structurally and mechanistically related to allylamine antifungals like terbinafine. It's the active ingredient in Lotrimin Ultra, made by Bayer, and generic versions of the cream are also available. Butenafine works by inhibiting an enzyme called squalene epoxidase, which blocks the fungus from producing ergosterol, a substance fungal cell membranes need to stay intact. This makes it fungicidal (kills the organism) against the dermatophyte fungi that cause ringworm-type infections, and fungistatic (stops growth) against Candida albicans.

It is FDA-approved under the OTC antifungal monograph specifically for interdigital tinea pedis (athlete's foot between and around the toes), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm), caused by susceptible dermatophytes. Directions vary by indication: athlete's foot between the toes is treated twice daily for 1 week or once daily for 4 weeks, while jock itch and ringworm are each treated once daily for 2 weeks — follow the directions on the package or from your doctor for your specific infection.

How to Save on Butenafine Hydrochloride

Because butenafine hydrochloride is sold over-the-counter, you won't need a prescription to pick it up, and there's no manufacturer copay card for this product. That said, pharmacy shelf prices for antifungal creams can vary quite a bit by store and by brand, and in some cases a pharmacist-dispensed or prescribed version can end up priced differently than what's on the shelf. It's worth comparing the name-brand Lotrimin Ultra against generic butenafine hydrochloride cream, since both contain the same active ingredient and dose.

Enter your ZIP code above to compare current prices at pharmacies near you before you buy, and ask your pharmacist whether the store's generic butenafine cream or a different antifungal on this page might work out to a better price for your situation.

Butenafine vs. Terbinafine, Clotrimazole, and Other Antifungals

Butenafine hydrochloride is one of several OTC topical antifungals used for athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Others include terbinafine (an allylamine, mechanistically similar to butenafine), clotrimazole and miconazole (both azole antifungals that work by a different mechanism), tolnaftate, and ketoconazole. These products differ in drug class, typical treatment length, and which specific fungal infections they're labeled for, so no single one is universally "stronger" — the best choice can depend on the infection, how long you're willing to treat, and what's worked for you before.

• Butenafine and terbinafine are both fungicidal against the dermatophytes that cause athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
• Clotrimazole and miconazole are broader-spectrum azoles, also effective against yeast infections in addition to dermatophytes.
• If you're unsure which is right for your infection, ask a pharmacist or your doctor before switching products.

Safety Information and Side Effects

Butenafine hydrochloride cream is for external, topical use only — avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. The most common side effects are local skin reactions at the application site, such as burning, stinging, itching, or redness. Stop using it and check with a doctor if irritation gets worse, or if your infection doesn't improve after the labeled treatment period (about 1 week for athlete's foot between the toes, 2 weeks for jock itch or ringworm). It isn't recommended for children under 12 without a doctor's guidance. Butenafine has no boxed warning and is not a controlled substance.

This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice — talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether butenafine hydrochloride is right for you.