Butenafine
Butenafine is a topical antifungal medication used to treat certain fungal skin infections. It belongs to the allylamine class of antifungals and is applied directly to the affected skin area.
Topical antifungal used to treat fungal skin infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D01AE23
- RxNorm
- 21446
- Generic
- Butenafine
- Class
- atc-d01
- Brands
- Mentax
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- unknown
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- cream
- Regions
- United States, Canada, Japan, Australia
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Butenafine is used to treat superficial fungal skin infections including tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm), and pityriasis (tinea) versicolor.
Butenafine is an allylamine antifungal that works by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is essential for fungal cell membrane synthesis. This disruption weakens the fungal cell membrane, preventing the fungus from growing and spreading.
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. Apply as directed, usually once or twice daily for the prescribed duration even if symptoms improve. Complete the full course of treatment. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms don't improve after the recommended treatment period or if irritation occurs.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 31, 2026. · Read our editorial policy