Indications
Mentax Cream is a prescription medication used to treat various fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and jock itch. It can be used to treat a skin condition known as pityriasis (tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs.
Mentax Cream contains the antifungal agent butenafine hydrochloride. Butenafine works by preventing the growth and spread of fungi, thus eliminating the infection. Do not use the cream for the treatment of fungal nail infections.
Use and Dosage
Mentax Cream is typically applied once daily to the affected area of the skin and should be used for the full duration of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
To use Butenafine cream, make sure to only apply it on the skin and not on the eyes, nose, mouth, inside the vagina, or on the scalp. Clean and thoroughly dry the area of skin to be treated, then apply a thin layer of the medication to and around the affected area, and gently rub it in. Follow the dosage instructions as directed on the product package or by your doctor. If you have any questions about how to use Butenafine cream, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
When applying the cream, make sure to wash your hands after use unless the area being treated is on the hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed by your doctor. The dosage and length of treatment will depend on the type of infection being treated.
Do not use more of the cream than directed or use it for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Use Butenafine cream regularly at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit from it. Even if symptoms disappear after a few days, continue using the medication until the full treatment period is finished. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Finally, inform your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after the treatment period. If you accidentally get the medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, inside the vagina, or on the scalp, flush with plenty of water.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Mentax Cream (Butenafine):
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
- Worsening of skin condition
Serious Side Effects of Mentax Cream (Butenafine):
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Severe blistering itching redness peeling dryness or irritation of treated skin
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Eczema (contact dermatitis)
- Redness
- Irritation
Forms and Strength
Mentax Cream (Butenafine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Butenafine: Cream
- 1%
Cautions
- Only use butenafine (Mentax) on the skin. Do not use this medication in the eye, nose, mouth, or vagina. If it gets into those areas, rinse it out with water. Check with your provider before using it on your nails or scalp.
- Skin reactions from butenafine (Mentax) are uncommon, but may include burning, itching, stinging, redness, or signs of allergic reaction such as rash. If this happens, stop using the medication and contact your provider.
- Butenafine (Mentax) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
- Before using Butenafine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to butenafine; or allylamine antifungals or if you have any other allergies. It may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
- During pregnancy, Butenafine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can you use butenafine?
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.
How many times a day should I apply fungal cream?
For topical dosage forms (cream, lotion, and solution): Fungal infections (treatment): Adults and children: Use two times a day, morning, and evening.
When is the best time to take an antifungal?
You can take it at any time of day, either before or after a meal. Longer courses of treatment are prescribed for other types of fungal infections.
Is fungus more active at night?
They don't glow bright enough during the day to be extra visible. A bonus is that spores prefer to become active and grow at night when it is more humid. Glow-in-the-dark fungi are visible to insects at night.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/butenafine/what-is
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=167ecefd-4553-41b8-8160-81a48dbca076
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/21408lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/mentax-drug.htm
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14345/mentax-topical/details
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