Mycolog Ointment vs. Loprox

Mycolog and Loprox are both topical solution prescription medications that treat a variety of fungal yeast-like skin infections. When unsightly and uncomfortable skin rashes occur, such as athlete's foot, jock itch or candidiasis, for example, sometimes over-the-counter remedies aren't strong enough to relieve symptoms and make them disappear once and for all. Safe and effective prescription drugs such as Mycolog and Loprox may just do the trick when applied as directed by a physician.

Identification

• The generic names of Mycolog are Nystatin and Triamcinolone acetonid, and the brand names are Myco-Triacet II, Mytrex and Mycolog. Mycolog comes in tubes containing either cream or ointment. The cream comes in 15-, 30-, and 60-gram tubes, and the ointment comes in 15- and 60-gram tubes. The generic name of Loprox is Ciclopirox, and the only brand name is Loprox. Loprox is a synthetic angifungal agent and comes in tubes containing cream, lotion or a white fluid-like gel in 30- or 40-gram sizes.

Function

• Mycolog and Loprox are both topical solution drugs available by prescription only. Mycolog is used to treat candidiasis, a fungal infection that causes skin to redden, swell and itch. Nystatin, a generic ingredient found in Mycolog, works to stop the growth of fungus and triamcinolone, a steroid ingredient found in Mycolog, works to help relieve aggravating symptoms. Loprox is used to treat infections of the skin caused by fungi, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, jock itch, and seborrheic dermatitis (a severe form of dandruff).

Uses

• Mycolog cream or ointment is applied once in the morning and once in the evening in a thin layer and gently massaged into the affected areas of the skin, usually for about one to two weeks or as prescribed by a doctor. Use may need to be discontinued if the infection doesn't clear after 25 days. Loprox is applied in a small amount to clean and dry skin twice daily or as prescribed by a doctor continuously for at least one week before results can be seen. The skin should be kept cool and dry and any type of bandage or covering should be avoided after applying these medications.

Side Effects

• Mycolog is a nontoxic substance and can be used to treat symptoms in all age groups. Side effects, however, rarely occur but may include skin that burns, blisters, peels, feels itchy or dry, becomes inflamed, or skin that has softened, stretched or thinned; increased facial hair or loss of scalp hair; or inflammation of the mouth or hair follicles. Loprox may cause patients to feel temporary burning or stinging after applying the medication to affected skin.

Precautions

• When used over large areas of the skin for a long time, Mycolog can become absorbed into the entire body and may cause long-term problems, such as weight gain, excessive hair growth, elevated blood sugar and high blood pressure. Children who are being treated with Mycolog shouldn't wear tight-fitting diapers. Clothing that is light and loose should be worn when Mycolog is being applied to the groin to treat an infection. People who are allergic to Nystatin, Triamcinolone acetonid or ciclopirox, who have had recurring fungal infections over large parts of their body, or who have HIV or who've had an organ transplant, shouldn't use these medications.