What Is the Difference Between Quadriderm & Tetraderm?

Medication names do not typically explain the uses or specifics of the drug and can often be confusing. When comparing different prescriptions, knowing the details of each is essential to know the list of differences between them. Quadriderm and Tetraderm are two brand-name skin creams that your dermatologist may prescribe for you, but each for potentially different reasons. Misusing prescriptions can be dangerous, so be sure you understand your medications prior to application.

Quadriderm is antibacterial cream typically prescribed to patients suffering from cold sores caused by the herpes virus or infections, although the full list of uses is extensive. According to the MIMS Drug Information System, some of the ailments treated with Quadriderm are chronic dermatitis of the extremities, erythrasma, balanoposthitis, herpes zoster, eczematoid dermatitis, contact dermatitis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris and tinea corporis. Most of these disorders involve itchiness and swelling of the skin.

Tetraderm is also an antibacterial cream, but it is mostly used to remove dark patches or spots on skin caused by various skin complications such as scars, fungal infections or skin-damage left behind by acne. Another use for Tetraderm is for relief from and resolution of vaginal irritations such as yeast infections. The main symptoms treated are itchiness and swelling, similar to what Quadriderm is used for, but it is also used for different areas of the body.

A drug manufacturer from the Philippines, Essex Pharmaceuticals, Inc, produces Quadriderm cream. The ingredients of Quadriderm and Tetraderm are almost identical except in the percentages of each ingredient used and one ingredient that differs between the two: Quadriderm includes Clioquinol, an anti-fungal medication that Tetraderm does not have. One other difference between the two creams is that Quadriderm should be stored at 86 degrees, which is 5 degrees below the instructed temperature for Tetraderm.

The producer of Tetraderm cream is a pharmaceutical company named P C India Pharma Pvt. Ltd., which is based in Mumbai, India. Tetraderm substitutes the anti-fungal Clioquino for Vioform, which is also an anti-infective. In addition to the different storage temperature, Tetraderm is typically available in a larger dosage amount of 15 grams versus the 5 or 10 gram tubes Quadriderm is prescribed in.