Molecular structure pattern

Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor Drug Summary

Last updated: 28 April 2026
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Antifungals (Oral)

Drug Dosage Remarks
Fluconazole 50 mg PO 24 hourly or 300-400 mg PO once weekly x 1-3 weeks Adverse Reactions
  • GI effects (abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea); CNS effects (headache, insomnia); Other effects (palpitations, pruritus, sweating, fever, elevated serum transaminases)

Special Instructions

  • Monitor for symptoms of drug interactions with oral hypoglycemics, Rifampicin, oral anticoagulants, Tacrolimus, short-acting benzodiazepines, etc
Itraconazole 100-200 mg PO 24 hourly x 5-7 days Adverse Reactions
  • GI effects (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain); Hepatic effects (elevation of serum transaminases, hepatitis and jaundice if treatment >1 month); CNS effects (headache, dizziness); Other effects (pruritus, heart failure)
Ketoconazole 200 mg PO 24 hourly x 7-10 days Adverse Reactions
  • GI effects (nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain); Dermatologic effects (rashes, urticaria, itching); CNS effect (headache)
  • Fatal liver damage
    • Risk of liver damage increases if given for >14 days

Antifungals (Topical)

Drug Available Strength Dosage Remarks
Allylamines
Naftifine 1% cream  Apply 12-24 hourly 

Adverse Reactions

  • Dermatologic effects (burning/stinging sensation, erythema, pruritus) 
Terbinafine 1% cream, gel, lotion, solution, spray Apply 12-24 hourly x 1-2 weeks

Adverse Reactions

  • Dermatologic effects (redness, stinging sensation, itching)
Benzylamine
Butenafine 1% cream Apply 24 hourly x 2-4 weeks

Adverse Reactions

  • Dermatologic effects (contact dermatitis, burning/stinging sensation, erythema, irritation, itching)
Imidazoles
Bifonazole 1% solution, cream Apply 24 hourly Adverse Reactions
  • Dermatologic effects (occasional local irritation, hypersensitivity reactions, mild burning sensation, erythema, pruritus)
Special Instructions
  • Treat for 2-3 weeks unless otherwise stated

 
Clotrimazole 1% cream, lotion, powder, solution, spray Apply 8-12 hourly
Econazole 1% cream Apply 12-24 hourly
Fenticonazole  2% cream, spray  Apply 12-24 hourly 
Fluconazole  0.5% gel  Apply 24 hourly 
Isoconazole 1% cream Apply 24 hourly
Ketoconazole 2% gel, cream,
spray		 Apply 12-24 hourly
1%, 2% scalp solution
2% shampoo		 Apply and rinse off 24 hourly x 5 days or apply and rinse off twice weekly x 2-4 weeks
To prevent recurrence: 
Apply 24 hourly x 3 days prior to exposure
Miconazole 2% cream, powder, solution, tinct Apply 12-24 hourly
Sertaconazole 2% cream Apply 12-24 hourly
Tioconazole 1% cream
 Apply 12-24 hourly
Other Antifungals
Amorolfine 0.25%. 0.5% cream Apply 24 hourly x 2-3 weeks Adverse Reactions
  • Dermatologic effects (erythema, pruritus, slight burning sensation)
Ciclopirox
(Ciclopiroxolamine,
Ciclopirox olamine)		 0.77% cream, suspension, lotion Apply 12 hourly x 2 weeks Adverse Reactions
  • Dermatologic effects (pruritus, redness, burning sensation, pain)
1.5% liquid  Apply and rinse after 3-5 minutes, 2-3x/week 
Salicylic acid1 3% soap, 4% tinct Apply 8-12 hourly Adverse Reactions
  • Dermatologic effect (skin irritation)
Selenium sulfide 2.5% lotion
shampoo, suspension		 Apply and rinse off after 5-10 minutes 24 hourly x 7 days
To prevent recurrence:
Apply and rinse off after 5-10 minutes once a month		 Adverse Reactions
  • Dermatologic effects (occasionally local irritation, hypersensitivity, mild burning sensation, erythema, pruritus)
Tolnaftate 1% cream, ointment, solution Apply 8-12 hourly x 2-3 weeks Adverse Reactions
  • Dermatologic effects (irritation, stinging sensation, pruritus, contact dermatitis)
Zinc pyrithione2  1% liquid  Apply 8-12 hourly x 2-3 weeks 

Adverse Reactions

  • Dermatologic effects (skin irritation, rashes) 
1%, 2% shampoo  Apply and rinse off after 5 minutes 24 hourly x 2 weeks 
1Various combinations and strengths of Salicylic acid are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.
2Various combinations of Zinc pyrithione are available. Please see the latest MIMS for specific formulations and prescribing information.

Disclaimer

All dosage recommendations are for non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding women, and non-elderly adults with normal renal and hepatic function unless otherwise stated.  
Not all products are available or approved for above use in all countries.  
Products listed in the Drug Summary are based on indications stated in the locally approved product monographs.   
Please refer to local product monographs in Related MIMS Drugs for country-specific prescribing information.  

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