What it does
Tolnaftate is a medication used to treat fungal skin infections.
Commonly used for: athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, fungal skin infections
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:38 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:04
About this medicine
Tolnaftate is a medication used to treat fungal skin infections.
What it treats
- athlete's foot
- ringworm
- jock itch
- fungal skin infections
How it works
It works by stopping the growth of fungus on the skin.
Who it's for
Tolnaftate is for people with fungal infections affecting the skin.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: tolnaftate
BNF-referencedTolnaftate is a synthetic topical antifungal agent commonly used to treat skin infections caused by fungi, particularly dermatophytes. It is available over the counter and is effective in managing conditions like athlete's foot and ringworm. Its efficacy is attributed to its ability to inhibit fungal growth and replication.
Indications
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Tinea corporis (ringworm)
- Other superficial fungal infections
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations.
Adults: Apply to the affected area twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks.
Mechanism of action
Tolnaftate is a topical fungicide. Though its exact mechanism is unknown, it is believed to prevent ergosterol biosynthesis by inhibiting squalene epoxidase. It has also been reported to distort the hyphae and stunt mycelial growth in susceptible organisms.
Pharmacodynamics
Tolnaftate is a synthetic over-the-counter antifungal agent that acts primarily on dermatophytes, causing morphological changes in fungal cells and inhibiting their growth.
Pharmacokinetics
Tolnaftate is applied topically, which limits its systemic absorption. The pharmacokinetics are not extensively detailed due to its topical application, but it is designed to act directly at the site of infection with minimal systemic exposure.
Pregnancy
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether tolnaftate is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Topical cream
- Topical powder
- Topical spray
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: tolnaftate
PubChem CID 5510Molecular formula: C19H17NOS
Mechanism of action
Tolnaftate is a topical fungicide. Though its exact mechanism unknown, it is believed to prevent ergosterol biosynthesis by inhibiting squalene epoxidase. It has also been reported to distort the hyphae and to stunt mycelial growth in susceptible organisms.
Pharmacodynamics
Tolnaftate is a synthetic over-the-counter anti-fungal agent.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
- AMIDERM CREAM · Lincoln Pharmaceuticals
- EMI CREAM · Mvc Pharmaceuticals
- EPIDERM 15G & 30G CREAM · Golpaldas Visran & Co.
- EPIDERM LOTION · Gopaldas Visram & Co
- FUNBACT-TG LOTION (Each ml contains Betamethasone Dipropionate/Gentamicin Sulfate/Tolnaftate/Iodochlorhydroxyquiniline/Chlorocresol 0.643mg/1mg/10mg/10mg/1mg) · Gopaldas Visram
- G-DERM CREAM (Each tube contains Betamethasone Dipropionate/ Gentamicin sulphate/ Tolnaftate;0.643mg/1.0mg/ 10mg) · Gopaldas Visram & Co.