Tolnaftate
Tolnaftate is a topical antifungal medication used to treat superficial fungal infections of the skin, including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It works by preventing the growth of fungi rather than killing them outright. This medication is available over-the-counter and is typically applied directly to the affected area.
Topical antifungal used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm by stopping fungal growth.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D01AE18
- RxNorm
- 10636
- Generic
- Tolnaftate
- Class
- atc-d01
- Brands
- Hongo Killer Antifungal, hiVETIC, Clarus, Cidacin, Proclearz, Fungifoam, Molecular AF, Fungi-Gone, Tolcylen, Fungi-Nail Reformulated Mar 2019, Absorbine Jr. Antifungal, Blis-To-Sol, Fungi-Guard, Tinactin, Opti-Nail
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical
- Forms
- cream, powder, aerosol spray, solution, gel, liquid
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union, Mexico
- Monitoring
- local skin reactions
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- apply thin layer twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- apply thin layer once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- apply thin layer twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
generaluse lowest effective dose
topical use only; avoid application to large body surface areas or broken skin
none required beyond standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
generalnone
topical application is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding; avoid applying to breast area
none
pediatric_age
children under 12use under adult supervision
can be used in children over 2 years of age; avoid use on infants and toddlers due to risk of ingestion during grooming
ensure proper application technique by adult
geriatric
elderlynone
standard dosing applies; monitor for skin irritation particularly in frail skin
check for skin sensitivity or irritation
renal_impairment
mild to moderatenone
no dosage adjustment needed due to minimal systemic absorption
none
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatenone
no adjustment required; drug undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism
none
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Topical antifungal agent classification
Common uses
FDA approved topical antifungal indications
Administration route
Application method for topical antifungal
Mechanism of action
Antifungal mode of action
Tolnaftate is indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm). It is most effective for mild to moderate cases and is not typically used for nail or scalp fungal infections.
Tolnaftate is an antifungal agent that works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungal cell membrane becomes unstable, preventing the fungi from growing and spreading.
Apply tolnaftate twice daily to the affected area and surrounding skin for 2-4 weeks as directed. Continue use for at least 1-2 weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 4 weeks, consult a healthcare provider. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before use.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy