II. Indications
- Superficial Dermatophyte Infections (e.g. Tinea Pedis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis)
- Other Topical Antifungals are preferred (primarily fungistatic rather than fungicidal)
III. Mechanism
- Naphthalene (2 ring Hydrocarbon extracted from Coal Tar) and Thiocarbamate derivative
- Primarily fungistatic (as opposed to fungicidal), leaving it less effective at resolution than other Antifungals
- Other Topical Antifungals are preferred
- Selective, reversible and non-competitive inhibitor of membrane-bound squalene-2,3- epoxidase
- Inhibits ergosterol synthesis, a key component in fungal cell walls
- Also impairs mycelial growth and results in distorted hyphae
IV. Medications
- Tolnaftate 1% available OTC in U.S. in creams, solutions, powders, gels and sprays
V. Dosing: Superficial Dermatophyte Infections (e.g. Tinea Pedis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Corporis)
- Apply twice daily
VI. Safety
- Unknown safety in pregnancy
- Unknown safety in Lactation
VII. Resources
- Tolnaftate Cream (DailyMed)