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Uses

What is butenafine used for?

Butenafine is commonly used to treat the following fungal skin infections.

Butenafine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does butenafine work (mechanism of action)?

Butenafine is an antifungal medicine. It stops fungi from growing by preventing the formation of a needed part of their cell membranes. 

How is butenafine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lotrimin Ultra
  • Mentax

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical cream

How should I store butenafine?

Butenafine should be stored at temperatures between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of butenafine?

The most common side effect of butenafine is skin irritation (see below). Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of butenafine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of butenafine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of butenafine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Butenafine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using butenafine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Butenafine commonly causes burning or stinging where it is used. Stop using butenafine and tell your health care provider if you have skin irritation that bothers you or is getting worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use butenafine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use butenafine.

  • Butenafine
  • Lotrimin Ultra
  • Mentax
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific butenafine products they stock.

What should I know about butenafine before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with the product. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure how often to use butenafine or for how long.

Keep butenafine out of the reach of children.

Butenafine is for use on the skin only. Do not use this medicine on your nails or scalp. Do not use this medicine in your vagina to treat a vaginal yeast infection. 

Keep butenafine away from your mouth or eyes. If you get butenafine in your eyes, flush them with water right away. 

Wash the infected area with soap and water and dry well before applying butenafine. Wash your hands after using it.

If you are using butenafine for athlete’s foot, wear well-fitting, ventilated footwear. Change your shoes and socks at least once daily.

What should I tell my health care provider before using butenafine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if butenafine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how butenafine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if butenafine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use butenafine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does butenafine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between butenafine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect butenafine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does butenafine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between butenafine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much butenafine?

If you or someone else has used too much butenafine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of butenafine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

It is important to complete your treatment with butenafine, even if your symptoms get better or go away. Follow the instructions that come with the product or direction from your health care provider. Using the medicine as directed will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to butenafine or other similar medicines.