Tolnaftate
Indications
Tolnaftate is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It is an antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.
Description
There are no known significant interactions.
Pharmacology
Tolnaftate is an antifungal which inhibits growth of dermatophytes e.g. Epidermophyton, Microsporum, trichophyton spp, and Malassezia furfur by distorting the hyphae and stopping mycelial growth. It is inactive against Candida spp or bacteria.
Dosage & Administration
Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply this medication to the affected skin, usually twice a day or as directed on the product package or by your doctor. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated.
Some forms of tolnaftate (e.g., powder) need to be shaken before applying. Check your product package to see if your form of this medication needs to be shaken. Apply enough medication to cover the affected area and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, wash your hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting tolnaftate. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists after 2 weeks of treatment for jock itch, after 4 weeks of treatment for athlete's foot or ringworm, or if your condition worsens at any time.
Some forms of tolnaftate (e.g., powder) need to be shaken before applying. Check your product package to see if your form of this medication needs to be shaken. Apply enough medication to cover the affected area and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, wash your hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting tolnaftate. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists after 2 weeks of treatment for jock itch, after 4 weeks of treatment for athlete's foot or ringworm, or if your condition worsens at any time.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity. Nail and scalp infections. Do not apply this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.
Side Effects
Irritation of the treated skin may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Tolnaftate topical has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Tolnaftate topical is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk. There are no data on the excretion of tolnaftate topical into human milk.
Precautions & Warnings
Before using tolnaftate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (e.g., organ transplant, HIV disease), diabetes.
This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems (e.g., organ transplant, HIV disease), diabetes.
This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Therapeutic Class
Other Antifungal preparations
Storage Conditions
Store at 15-30° C.
