Antifungal Medication
Manage advanced fungal nail infections effectively with Oral Antifungal Medication a treatment that works from within the body to target infection at its source. Unlike topical lacquers that act on the nail surface, oral antifungals deliver medication through the bloodstream to reach the nail bed, helping stop fungal growth and promote clearer, healthier nails over time.
What oral medications are available?
Typically, in New Zealand, GPs will prescribe Lamisil (terbinafine) or Sporanox (itraconazole), however, other drugs may be prescribed in accordance with your GP.
How do I get diagnosed?
Your diagnosis takes place during a consultation with our Foot Foundation clinician. They will take a thorough medical history, consider your risk factors, complete a comprehensive physical examination and use a Diafactory fungal nail test to correctly diagnose your fungal infection. Diafactory fungal nail tests involve taking a clipping of your toenail, taking photos of your infected nails and measuring the line of fungal growth from the base of the nail so we can monitor your treatment over time.
Once a correct diagnosis has been made, your Foot Foundation clinician will discuss the most appropriate treatment protocol with you and answer any questions that you may have.
Who should use oral antifungal medication?
Foot Foundation does not recommend oral antifungal medication as a first line of fungal treatment for infections that cover less than 50% of the nail.
However, fungal nail infections that cover more than 50% of the nail and affect the nail root may require a course of oral anti-fungal medication.
Oral antifungal medications work through the body and may interact with other drugs a patient is taking, which can be toxic to the liver. Therefore, the decision to use oral medication will ultimately be made by the patient’s GP who will consider their medical history when prescribing this medication.
What is involved in the Oral Antifungal Medication process?
An oral treatment will need to be prescribed by your GP due to the patient’s individual medical history and medications that need to be considered first.
Once an oral treatment has been prescribed, before you begin your oral treatment, your Foot Foundation clinician will trim, thin and debride your nails to remove as much of the fungal infection as possible. You will receive important information about appropriate hygiene and prevention methods to reduce re-infection rates during and after treatment.
We strongly recommend that our patients undertake topical treatment (Rejuvenail) or laser treatment with or without a total nail avulsion, in conjunction with oral medication as this has been shown to improve the clearance rate of severe fungal infections.
We recommend that patients return to see their Foot Foundation clinician regularly if they are undertaking oral treatment as a standalone treatment.
Generally, we ask patients to return for review appointments for up to 12 months before they are discharged from an oral treatment programme.
If you are undertaking a combination of treatments, you may be required to follow up with your clinician more regularly.
Do I have to do anything with my nails whilst undergoing a course of anti-fungal medication?
At Foot Foundation, we strongly advice a combined approach to improve your infection outcome. Implementing a nail lacquer treatment alongside oral anti-fungal treatment has been found to increase the percentage of total fungal nail clearance without an increase in adverse effects, when compared to oral medication alone.
Typically, we recommend a course of Rejuvenail (topical treatment) alongside a course of oral medication.
A 3-month clinical review will determine whether a total nail avulsion OR cold laser treatment is appropriate to help complement your oral anti-fungal medication.
Where is Antifungal Medication support available?
Foot Foundation provides fungal nail assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing podiatry support for patients considering or using Oral Antifungal Medication across selected clinics in Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
Our team can help you find the most convenient clinic for your consultation and treatment plan, whether you are based in Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central, or Bethlehem.
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Antifungal Medication support can vary depending on your consultation, fungal nail testing, nail preparation, review appointments, and whether your treatment plan includes additional podiatry care alongside GP-prescribed medication.
Your Foot Foundation podiatrist will assess your nails, confirm whether oral antifungal treatment may be appropriate, and explain the most suitable treatment plan before you begin. As oral antifungal medication must be prescribed by your GP, our clinicians may also recommend combined treatment approaches where clinically appropriate.
Cosmetic Nail Restoration – Frequently Asked Questions
What is oral antifungal medication?
Oral antifungal medication is a prescription treatment for fungal nail infections that works from within the body. Unlike topical treatments that act on the nail surface, oral medication travels through the bloodstream to the nail bed to target the infection at its source.
What oral antifungal medications are commonly used?
In New Zealand, the most commonly prescribed oral antifungal medications are Lamisil (terbinafine) and Sporanox (itraconazole). Your GP may prescribe the most appropriate medication based on your medical history and individual needs.
How effective is oral antifungal medication?
Oral antifungal medication can be effective for moderate to severe fungal nail infections. Results vary depending on the extent of the infection, the condition of the nail, general health factors, and whether other treatments are used alongside it.
Who should use oral antifungal medication?
Oral antifungal treatment is usually considered for more advanced fungal nail infections, particularly when more than 50% of the nail is affected or when the infection involves the nail root. It is generally not the first treatment choice for milder infections.
Are there risks or side effects?
Because oral antifungal medications work through the bloodstream, they may interact with other medications and can affect liver function in some patients. For this reason, they must be prescribed by your GP, who will consider your medical history and decide whether they are suitable for you.
How do I get diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a consultation at Foot Foundation. Your clinician will review your medical history, assess risk factors, examine your nails, and use a Diafactory fungal nail test to confirm whether a fungal infection is present.
What is involved in the oral treatment process?
If oral antifungal medication is appropriate, your GP will prescribe the medication. Before treatment begins, your Foot Foundation clinician may trim, thin, and debride the affected nails to help improve treatment outcomes. You will also receive hygiene and prevention advice, along with ongoing review appointments to monitor progress.
Can oral antifungal medication be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Oral antifungal medication is often combined with treatments such as Rejuvenail, laser treatment, or nail debridement to help improve clearance rates for more advanced fungal nail infections.
How long does treatment take?
A course of oral antifungal medication often lasts several months, but visible nail improvement can take much longer because nails grow slowly. Review appointments may continue for up to 12 months to monitor progress as the nail grows out.
Book Your Antifungal Medication Assessment Today
oot Foundation provides specialist assessment and ongoing podiatry support for patients with more advanced fungal nail infections who may require Oral Antifungal Medication. This treatment option works from within the body to target infection at its source and may be recommended when the infection affects a larger part of the nail or involves the nail root.
You will receive expert podiatry care, clear hygiene guidance to help reduce re-infection, and a tailored treatment plan that may include nail debridement, topical treatment, laser therapy, or GP-prescribed medication where clinically appropriate.
Appointments are available across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
