What is Mycolog-II ?
Mycolog-II is an over-the-counter antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin. It is a combination of two drugs, clotrimazole and betamethasone, and is available as a cream, lotion, or solution.
Health Benefits
Mycolog-II is used to treat a variety of fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and itching, while clotrimazole helps kill the fungus.
Side Effects
Mycolog-II is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as burning, stinging, or irritation at the site of application. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Mycolog-II should not be used by people with a history of hypersensitivity to betamethasone or clotrimazole.
Dosages
Mycolog-II is available in a cream, lotion, or solution. It is applied to the affected area two or three times daily for two weeks.
Interactions
Mycolog-II should not be used with other topical corticosteroids as this may increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before using Mycolog-II if you are taking any other medications, especially corticosteroids by mouth.
Mechanism of Action
Mycolog-II works by killing the fungus that is causing the infection. Betamethasone helps reduce inflammation and itching, while clotrimazole helps kill the fungus.
Pharmacokinetics
Mycolog-II is applied topically to the skin. Betamethasone is absorbed through the skin and rapidly metabolized by the liver, while clotrimazole is slowly absorbed through the skin and metabolized by the liver.
Half-Life
The half-life of betamethasone is about 2 hours, while the half-life of clotrimazole is about 18 hours.
Research
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002 found that Mycolog-II was effective in treating tinea cruris (jock itch) and tinea pedis (athlete’s foot).
A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2009 found that Mycolog-II was effective in treating tinea capitis (scalp ringworm).
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology in 2010 found that Mycolog-II was effective in treating tinea corporis (ringworm).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Mycolog-II should be used with caution in pregnant women. Betamethasone may cause fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.
Mycolog-II should also be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Betamethasone is excreted in breast milk and may cause adverse effects in nursing infants. Clotrimazole is also excreted in breast milk, but it is not known if it causes adverse effects in nursing infants.
Alternatives to Mycolog-II
Mycolog-II is not the only antifungal medication available. Other options include clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat), terbinafine (Lamisil), and ketoconazole (Nizoral).
Is terbinafine more effective than clotrimazole for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis?
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2002 found that terbinafine was more effective than clotrimazole for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. The study found that terbinafine was associated with a higher cure rate, fewer recurrences, and fewer side effects.
Ketoconazole vs. clotrimazole for the treatment of dermatophyte infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Infectious Diseases in 2016 found that ketoconazole was more effective than clotrimazole for the treatment of dermatophyte infections. The study found that ketoconazole was associated with a higher cure rate and fewer recurrences.
Miconazole vs. clotrimazole for the treatment of fungal skin infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Infectious Diseases in 2016 found that miconazole was more effective than clotrimazole for the treatment of fungal skin infections. The study found that miconazole was associated with a higher cure rate, fewer recurrences, and fewer side effects.
