Tolnaftate is a medication to treat fungal infections of the skin. Some conditions due to fungal skin infections that can be treated with this drug, namely: ringworm (ringworm), itching in the groin (tinea cruris), or water fleas.
Tolnaftate works by inhibiting the action of enzymes squalene epoxidase which plays a role in the formation of fungal cell walls. This way of working causes inhibition of the growth of fungi that cause infection.
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What is Tolnaftate
| group | antifungal |
| Category | Over-the-counter and prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming fungal infections on the skin |
| Consumed by | Adults and children (above 2 years) |
| Tolnaftate for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. It is not known whether tolnaftate is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Topicals (ointments, creams, gels, powders) |
Precautions Before Using Tolnaftate
Tolnaftate should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using tolnaftate:
- Do not use tolnaftate if you are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or a disease that affects your immune system, such as HIV.
- Tell your doctor if you have had an organ transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using tolnaftate.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Tolnaftate
Tolnaftate is used to treat fungal infections of the skin. The usual dose of tolnaftate 1% for adults and children over 2 years is 2 times a day. This medicine needs to be applied sparingly to the infected area for 2–4 weeks.
If the fungal infection is severe or there is thickening of the skin, the doctor may extend the treatment time to 6 weeks.
How to Use Tolnaftate Correctly
Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the directions on the medicine package before using tolnaftate.
Before using tolnaftate, wash your hands and the skin to be smeared until clean and then dry. After that, apply a thin layer of the drug on all parts of the skin that are affected.
Do not use tolnaftate on sunburned skin (sunburn), dry, cracked, irritated, or in open wounds. Do not use this medication for longer or less than the prescribed time.
Do not cover areas of skin that have been smeared with tolnaftate, except as directed by your doctor. Cover the treated area with gauze or a bandage that does not block air circulation.
Wash immediately with clean water if tolnaftate gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. After applying this medicine, wash your hands immediately with clean water.
Try to take this medicine at the same time each day. If you forget to use tolnaftate, use it immediately if the break with the next schedule of use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store tolnaftate in a closed container at room temperature, in a dry place, and away from sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Interactions of Tolnaftate with Other Drugs
There is no known interaction effect that can occur if tolfanate is used with other drugs. Always tell your doctor if you want to take any medicines and herbal products at the same time as tolnaftate. This aims to avoid unwanted interaction effects.
Tolnaftate Side Effects and Dangers
Tolnaftate can cause side effects in the form of skin irritation. Immediately see a doctor if these side effects do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by:
- Swelling of the lips or eyelids
- Rashes appear on the skin
- Difficulty breathing
