Tolnaftate Explained

Tolnaftate (INN) is a synthetic thiocarbamate used as an anti-fungal agent that may be sold without medical prescription in most jurisdictions. It is supplied as a cream, powder, spray, liquid, and liquid aerosol. Tolnaftate is used to treat fungal conditions such as jock itch, athlete's foot and ringworm.^[1]

Mechanism

Although the exact mechanism of action is not entirely known, it is believed to inhibit squalene epoxidase,^[2] an important enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of ergosterol (a key component of the fungal cell membrane) in a similar way to terbinafine.^[3]

Uses

Tolnaftate has been found to be generally slightly less effective than azoles when used to treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot). It is, however, useful when dealing with ringworm, especially when passed from pets to humans.^[4]

Side effects

Side effects that may occur include:^[5]

allergic reactions like:
- skin rash
- itching or hives
- swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
inflammation, redness, or pain at the affected area

Less severe side effects include:

dry skin
mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the affected area

External links

Notes and References

Web site: Tolnaftate. MedlinePlus,gov.
Ryder NS, Frank I, Dupont MC . Ergosterol biosynthesis inhibition by the thiocarbamate antifungal agents tolnaftate and tolciclate . Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. . 29 . 5 . 858–60 . May 1986 . 3524433 . 284167 . 10.1128/aac.29.5.858.
Web site: antifung . 2008-07-09 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080617102546/http://faculty.swosu.edu/scott.long/phcl/antifung.htm . 2008-06-17 .
Crawford F, Hart R, Bell-Syer S, Torgerson D, Young P, Russell I. Topical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails of the foot (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.
Web site: Tolnaftate skin cream, gel, solution, or spray. Cleveland Clinic.