Review of Toenail Fungus and Prescription Drugs

Toenail fungal infections are known to be difficult to eliminate due to the feet being the perfect breeding ground for fungus. Nail fungus can be cures fast!

If you have a toenail fungal infection that has become deep set and has not responded to home remedies such as vinegar or Listerine soaks, has not responded to tea tree oil as well as other natural oils you have probably become discouraged and frustrated. 

Perhaps you have tried over the counter antifungal ointments and creams as well and had no success in eliminating your toenail fungal infection. 

Often the only way to eliminate a deep set fungal infection that has either grown too quickly or been left untreated too long to become deep set, is through oral medications or surgery. 

The oral medication is often a physician’s first choice before resorting to a surgical or chemical removal of the afflicted toenail; however, it does come with some risk. 

Due to the severity of the oral medications used to treat nail fungal infections it is always best to address the issue at the first signs with a natural treatment such asZetaClear,Funginix or Healing Natural Oils.

Once the onychomycosis, fungal infection, gets under the nail and into the nail bed the nail itself will protect the fungus and make treatment difficult.  For this reason many physicians treat the fungal infection orally. 

Listed below is a review of toenail fungus and prescription drugs that are more commonly used.

Lamisil is the most widely prescribed medication for nail fungal infections by doctors.  Lamisil is a pill that is taken orally for six weeks to three months depending on the level of fungal infection. 

The Food and Drug Administration has issued advisory regarding potential dangers of Lamisil on the health of the liver.  Often before a doctor will prescribe Lamisil the health of the liver will first be established and then again around six weeks into treatment. 

Lamisil also has a topical form which is often used in conjunction with the oral Lamisil to offer a faster result.  The topical form of Lamisil is not included in the FDA warnings against the adverse effects on liver health.

Sporanox is also a common oral antifungal prescription and is in capsule form.  Patients are often prescribed Sporanox for a minimum of three months though the effects can last up to a year.  Like Lamisil, the FDA has issued a public advisory on the possible dangers of Sporanox. 

Sporanox warnings is not limited to adverse effects on the liver but on the overall health of the user with adverse effects on people with congestive heart disease as well as liver malfunction. 

Diflucan is an antifungal drug more often prescribed to treat candida infections such as vaginal, esophageal and oropharyngeal infections as well as cryptococcal meningitis. 

Though the FDA has not approved Diflucan for the use of treating nail fungus; however, a study shows that Diflucan is significantly more effective than the placebo in the test subjects.  Unfortunately Diflucan is potentially harmful to the liver as well.