Best Medicines for Fungal Infection in India
Common in India. Treated with antifungal creams or oral medicines. Indian guidelines advise against any steroid cream for ringworm, including creams that mix a steroid with an antifungal. Do not self-medicate, and use only what your doctor prescribes.
Last updated: October 2026
Clotrimazole
Use: First-line topical antifungal.
Side effects: Mild irritation
Side effects: Mild irritation. First-line topical antifungal.
Luliconazole
Use: Newer azole antifungal cream, applied once daily. Indian skin experts say trials have not clearly shown that one type of antifungal cream works better than another.
Side effects: Mild irritation
Side effects: Mild irritation. Newer azole antifungal cream, applied once daily. Indian skin experts say trials have not clearly shown that one type of antifungal cream works better than another.
Terbinafine
Use: Cream treats fungal skin infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Tablets are used for widespread or hard-to-treat infections, or fungal nail infection, when your doctor prescribes them. Indian skin experts name terbinafine and itraconazole as the preferred antifungal tablets.
Side effects: Cream may cause peeling or itching skin. Tablets may cause headache, stomach upset, rash and loss of taste. Rarely liver problems, so stop the tablets and call your doctor if your skin or eyes turn yellow.
Side effects: Cream may cause peeling or itching skin. Tablets may cause headache, stomach upset, rash and loss of taste. Rarely liver problems, so stop the tablets and call your doctor if your skin or eyes turn yellow. Cream treats fungal skin infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot. Tablets are used for widespread or hard-to-treat infections, or fungal nail infection, when your doctor prescribes them. Indian skin experts name terbinafine and itraconazole as the preferred antifungal tablets.
Fluconazole
Use: Oral for widespread infection.
Side effects: Nausea, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, rash. Rarely liver problems or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as it is used in pregnancy only if other treatments have not worked.
Side effects: Nausea, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, rash. Rarely liver problems or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as it is used in pregnancy only if other treatments have not worked. Oral for widespread infection.
When to See a Doctor
If it does not improve with antifungal treatment, spreads to other parts of your body, affects your nails or scalp, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
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The medicines, Indian brands and advice on this page were checked against these treatment guides and product listings.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. The medicines listed may require a prescription. Dosage, suitability, and safety depend on individual health conditions. Always consult a licensed doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.