Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Mentax

Descriptions


Butenafine topical is used to treat fungus infections of the skin, including tinea (pityriasis) versicolor caused by M. furfur. It works by killing the fungus or preventing its growth.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Cream

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of butenafine topical in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of butenafine topical in geriatric patients.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Weakened immune system—Use with caution. This medicine has not been studied in patients with this condition.

Proper Use

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation. Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use:

  • Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
  • Apply a thin layer of medicine to cover the affected skin and surrounding areas, and rub in gently.
  • Do not cover the treated area with an occlusive dressing (airtight covering including plastic wrap or bandage) unless your doctor has told you to.

To help clear up your skin infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses.

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For topical dosage form (cream):
    • For fungus infections of the skin:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin once a day for 2 weeks.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to see if the medicine is working properly and check you for any problems or unwanted effects.

If your skin problem does not improve within 2 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, blistering, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin where the medicine is applied
  2. itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/butenafine-topical-route/proper-use/drg-20062392