Tolnaftate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Generic Medicine Info Patient Medicine Information

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Hong Kong prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Topical/Cutaneous
Tinea pedis

Adult: Treatment: As 1% cream, ointment, solution, powder, or liquid/powder spray: Apply thinly onto the affected area(s) bid, including the spaces between the toes. Usual treatment duration: 4 weeks. Re-evaluate the diagnosis if improvement does not occur following 4 weeks of treatment. Prophylaxis: As 1% cream, solution, powder, or liquid/powder spray: Apply a thin layer once daily or bid. Treatment recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: ≥2 years Same as adult dose.

Topical/Cutaneous
Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris

Adult: As 1% cream, ointment, solution, powder, or liquid/powder spray: Apply thinly onto the affected area(s) bid. Usual treatment duration: 2 weeks (tinea cruris); 4 weeks (tinea corporis). Re-evaluate the diagnosis if improvement does not occur following 2 or 4 weeks of treatment. Treatment recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: ≥2 years Same as adult dose.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity.

Special Precautions

Not recommended for the treatment of nail or scalp fungal infections. Children. Pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions

Significant: Local irritation or sensitivity.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Pruritus, contact dermatitis.

Patient Counseling Information

Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or other mucous membranes.

Action

Description:
Overview: Tolnaftate, a thiocarbamate derivative antifungal agent, is active against Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum species. It is not active against Candida species.
Mechanism of Action: The exact mechanism of action of tolnaftate is not fully elucidated; however, it has been shown to distort the hyphae and stunt the mycelial growth in susceptible fungi.
Onset: 24-72 hours.

Chemical Structure

Storage

Cream/Ointment/Solution/Powder: Store between 15-30°C. Protect from light or excessive heat. Aerosol liquid or powder spray: Store between 20-30°C. Keep away from direct sunlight, excessive heat or open flames. Do not puncture, incinerate or expose to temperatures >49°C.

MIMS Class

Topical Antifungals & Antiparasites

ATC Classification

D01AE18 - tolnaftate ; Belongs to the class of other antifungals for topical use.

References

Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Tolnaftate. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Clarus AC Antifungal Solution (Clinical Therapeutic Solutions). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Dermasolve Ointment (Winwa Medical Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Natureplex Tolnaftate Antifungal Cream (Natureplex, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Scholl Athlete's Foot Spray Liquid (Scholl's Wellness Company Limited). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tolnaftate Antifungal Liquid Spray Aerosol (Topco Associates LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tolnaftate Antifungal Powder (Geri-Care Pharmaceuticals, Corp). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tolnaftate Foot Odor Control Powder Spray Aerosol (Winco Foods, LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tolnaftate. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tolnaftate. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tolnaftate. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Tritolnacide C Cream (Trifluent Pharma LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 21/11/2025.

Wintinea Cream (Winwa Medical Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 07/11/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Tolnaftate from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com