Tolnaftate (Topical)

Tolnaftate is part of a group of medicines known as antifungals. It is used to treat certain types of fungal infections. It may also be used along with oral medicines for fungal infections.

Tolnaftate is available without a prescription.

If your skin problem does not improve within 4 weeks, or if it gets worse, check with your health care professional.

To help prevent reinfection after treatment with this medicine, you can use the powder or spray powder form of this medicine every day after bathing and carefully drying the affected area.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to think about the risks versus the benefits. Here are some important things to consider for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional about any other allergies you may have, like allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Tolnaftate should not be used on children under 2 years of age, unless your doctor advises otherwise. While there is no specific information comparing the use of tolnaftate in children 2 years of age and older with its use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children 2 years of age and older compared to adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way as in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of tolnaftate in elderly patients with its use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be used together even if there is a potential interaction. In such cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its intended effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Skin irritation not present before using this medicine

When you apply the aerosol solution form of this medicine, a mild temporary stinging may be expected.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Absorbine Jr. Antifungal
• Aftate
• Blis-To-Sol
• Dermasept Antifungal
• Fungi-Guard
• Podactin
• Q-Naftate
• Tinactin
• Tinaderm
• Ting

In Canada

• Athlete's Foot Gel
• Dr. Scholl's Athlete's Foot
• Pitrex
• Scholl's Athlete's Foot Spray
• Scholl Tritin Antifungal Powder
• Scholl Tritin Antifungal Spray Powder
• Tinactin Aerosol Liquid
• Tinactin Aerosol Powder
• Tinactin Jock Itch
• Tinactin Plus
• Tinactin Plus Aerosol Powder

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder
• Solution
• Spray
• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Before applying tolnaftate, wash the affected area and dry thoroughly. Then apply enough medicine to cover the affected area.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes.

For patients using the powder form of this medicine:

• If the powder is used on the feet, sprinkle it between toes, on feet, and in socks and shoes.

For patients using the aerosol powder form of this medicine:

• Shake well before using.
• From a distance of 6 to 10 inches, spray the powder on the affected areas. If it is used on the feet, spray it between toes, on feet, and in socks and shoes.
• Do not inhale the powder.
• Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

For patients using the solution form of this medicine:

• If tolnaftate solution becomes a solid, it may be dissolved by warming the closed container of medicine in warm water.

For patients using the aerosol solution form of this medicine:

• Shake well before using.
• From a distance of 6 inches, spray the solution on the affected areas. If it is used on the feet, spray between toes and on feet.
• Do not inhale the vapors from the spray.
• Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for 2 weeks after burning, itching, or other symptoms have disappeared, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (aerosol powder, aerosol solution, cream, gel, powder, or topical solution): For fungus infections: Adults and children 2 years of age and over—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two times a day. Children up to 2 years of age—Use is not recommended except under the advice and supervision of your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Store the canister at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.