Tolnaftate
Tolnaftate skin cream, gel, solution, or spray
What is Tolnaftate skin cream, gel, solution, or spray?
TOLNAFTATE (Tinactinreg;, Tingreg;) is an antifungal medicine. It treats ringworm and tinea infections, such as jock itch and athlete’s foot. Generic tolnaftate skin products are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use Tolnaftate?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•immunosuppression
•peripheral vascular disease
•an unusual reaction to Tolnaftate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Tolnaftate skin cream, gel, and solution (including wipes and swabs) are for external use on the skin only. Do not take by mouth. Avoid getting in the eyes or nose. Follow the directions on the label. Wash hands before and after use (if treating hands, only wash hands before use). Cleanse and dry affected area thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of the product to cover the affected skin and surrounding area. You can cover the area with a sterile gauze dressing (bandage); do not use an airtight bandage (such as a plastic-covered bandage). Use in the morning and evening. Use this medicine for the full amount of time recommended by the package or by your prescriber even if you begin to feel better. Do not use for more than 4 weeks without advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with Tolnaftate?
•No drug interactions have been documented between tolnaftate and other medications. Check with your health care professional before using other skin medicines on the treated area.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using Tolnaftate?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•increased inflammation, redness, or pain at the affected area
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•dry skin
•mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the affected area
What should I watch for while using Tolnaftate?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days. Do not self-medicate for more than four weeks.
If your skin condition is not better after 4 weeks, or if it returns when you stop using tolnaftate, see your prescriber or health care professional. You may have a skin infection that does not respond to tolnaftate.
To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, it is important to have good health habits. If you are using tolnaftate for jock itch, do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Also, dry the groin area completely after bathing. If you are using tolnaftate for ringworm of the foot (athlete’s foot), carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear clean cotton socks and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat frequently. Also, try to wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Some gels, solutions or sprays may contain alcohol or have other flammable components. Do not use while smoking or near heat or flame. Do not store at temperature above 120 degrees F.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
Revision date: July 8, 2011
Last revised: by Amalia K. Gagarina, M.S., R.D.
Drugs & Medications
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.