What is Efinaconazole: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Efinaconazole is a prescription antifungal medication that treats nail fungus infections, particularly toenail fungus. It's a topical solution that you apply directly to infected nails, working to eliminate the fungus that causes thick, discolored, or brittle nails.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs called triazole antifungals. It's specifically designed to penetrate the nail and surrounding skin to reach the fungus where it's hiding and growing.

What is Efinaconazole Used For?

Efinaconazole treats onychomycosis, which is the medical term for fungal nail infections. This condition most commonly affects toenails, though it can also occur in fingernails.

The medication is particularly effective against dermatophyte fungi, which are the most common cause of nail infections. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like the inside of shoes, making toenails especially vulnerable.

Your doctor might prescribe efinaconazole if you have nails that are thick, yellow or brown, brittle, or separated from the nail bed. The infection can also cause pain or discomfort when walking or wearing shoes.

How Does Efinaconazole Work?

Efinaconazole works by disrupting the cell walls of fungi, essentially breaking down their protective barrier. This action stops the fungus from growing and eventually kills it.

The medication is considered a moderately strong antifungal agent. It's specifically formulated to penetrate through the nail plate, which is notoriously difficult for medications to reach.

Unlike some other antifungal treatments, efinaconazole doesn't require removal of the infected nail. It works by gradually clearing the infection as your nail grows out, which typically takes several months.

How Should I Take Efinaconazole?

You should apply efinaconazole once daily to clean, dry nails. The medication comes as a topical solution that you brush onto the infected nail and surrounding skin.

Here's how to properly apply the medication, keeping in mind that consistency is key for successful treatment:

• Wash and thoroughly dry your hands and feet before application
• Apply the solution to the entire nail surface, including under the tip if possible
• Cover about 5 millimeters of surrounding skin
• Allow the medication to dry completely before putting on socks or shoes
• Wash your hands after application unless you're treating fingernails

You don't need to take this medication with food since it's applied topically. However, avoid getting your nails wet for at least 6 hours after application to ensure the medication has enough time to penetrate.

How Long Should I Take Efinaconazole For?

Most people need to use efinaconazole for 48 weeks, which is nearly a full year. This might seem like a long time, but nail fungus infections are notoriously stubborn and slow to clear.

The extended treatment period is necessary because nails grow very slowly. Your toenails typically grow only about 1-2 millimeters per month, so it takes time for the healthy nail to completely replace the infected portion.

You might start seeing improvement within a few months, but it's crucial to complete the full course even if your nails look better. Stopping treatment early often leads to the infection returning.

What Are the Side Effects of Efinaconazole?

Most people tolerate efinaconazole well since it's applied topically rather than taken by mouth. The most common side effects are mild and occur at the application site.

The side effects you might experience are generally manageable and tend to be temporary as your skin adjusts to the medication:

• Skin irritation or redness around the treated area
• Burning or stinging sensation when first applied
• Dry or peeling skin near the nail
• Itching at the application site
• Pain or tenderness around the nail

These reactions typically improve as your skin gets used to the medication. If irritation persists or worsens, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Serious side effects are rare with topical efinaconazole. However, you should stop using the medication and seek medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as severe rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Who Should Not Take Efinaconazole?

Efinaconazole isn't suitable for everyone, though most adults can use it safely. Your doctor will consider your medical history and current health status before prescribing this medication.

You should not use efinaconazole if you're allergic to it or any of its ingredients. People with a history of severe skin reactions to antifungal medications should also avoid this treatment.

Special considerations apply to certain groups, and your doctor will weigh the benefits against potential risks:

• Pregnant women should discuss alternatives, as safety data is limited
• Breastfeeding mothers need medical guidance since it's unknown if the medication passes into breast milk
• Children under 6 years old, as safety hasn't been established in this age group
• People with compromised immune systems may need closer monitoring
• Those with severe skin conditions affecting the treatment area

Your healthcare provider will help determine if efinaconazole is the right choice for your specific situation.

Efinaconazole Brand Name

Efinaconazole is sold under the brand name Jublia in the United States. This is the most commonly prescribed formulation of the medication.

Jublia comes as a 10% topical solution in a bottle with an applicator brush. The brush makes it easier to apply the medication precisely to affected nails and surrounding skin.

While generic versions may become available in the future, Jublia is currently the primary brand name formulation that most pharmacies carry.

Efinaconazole Alternatives

Several other antifungal medications can treat nail fungus if efinaconazole isn't suitable for you. Your doctor might consider these alternatives based on your specific needs and medical history.

Other topical antifungal options include ciclopirox (Penlac) and tavaborole (Kerydin). These work similarly to efinaconazole but have different active ingredients and application methods.

For more severe infections, your doctor might recommend oral antifungal medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These are typically more effective but can have more side effects since they work throughout your body.

Some people also benefit from combination therapy, using both topical and oral medications together. Your healthcare provider will help determine the best approach for your particular situation.

Is Efinaconazole Better Than Ciclopirox?

Both efinaconazole and ciclopirox are effective topical treatments for nail fungus, but they have some important differences. Clinical studies suggest that efinaconazole may be slightly more effective at achieving complete cure.

Efinaconazole is applied once daily, while ciclopirox requires daily application with weekly nail filing and removal with alcohol. This makes efinaconazole somewhat more convenient for many people.

The choice between these medications often depends on your specific situation. Efinaconazole tends to penetrate nails better, while ciclopirox has been available longer and may be more affordable.

Your doctor will consider factors like the severity of your infection, your lifestyle, and insurance coverage when choosing between these options. Both medications require patience and consistent use for the best results.