naftifine
Naftifine gel (Naftin) is a topical antifungal medication. The 1% strength is approved for adults and is applied twice per day for 4 weeks to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The 2% strength is approved for people ages 12 years and older; it's applied once per day for 2 weeks to treat athlete's foot in between the toes. There aren't many side effects but can include skin irritation or a burning feeling on the skin.
What is Naftifine gel (Naftin)?
What is Naftifine gel (Naftin) used for?
- Ringworm - 1% strength
- Jock itch - 1% strength
- Athlete's foot - 1% strength
- Athlete's foot between the toes - 2% strength
How Naftifine gel (Naftin) works
Naftifine gel (Naftin) is an allylamine antifungal. The exact way it works isn't completely known. But it's thought to work by blocking the fungus causing the infection from making important proteins needed for survival.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Naftin |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antifungal |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Naftifine gel (Naftin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Burning or stinging feeling on the skin
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
Less Common Side Effects
- Blisters
- Crusting
- Rash
The following Naftifine gel (Naftin) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation of the skin
Incidence not known
Blistering or crusting of the skin
softening of the skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Dizziness
headache
Less common
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Naftifine gel (Naftin)
Pros
- Applied once or twice a day
- Applied directly to the infected skin
- Has few side effects
Cons
- Available by prescription only
- Need to use for 2 to 4 weeks
- Might cause mild skin irritation
Pharmacist tips for Naftifine gel (Naftin)
- Apply a thin layer of naftifine gel (Naftin) to the affected areas on your skin. For treating athlete's foot with the 2% strength of the gel, make sure to also apply the medication to the skin in between the toes.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before you use naftifine gel (Naftin) to help avoid introducing more germs to the infection.
- Also wash your hands with soap and water after you use the gel, unless you're treating your hands. This helps prevent accidentally getting medication in your eyes or other sensitive areas of the body. If the medication gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
- Naftifine gel (Naftin) isn't meant to be used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Be careful if you're applying the medication to the skin around or near those areas, as it can cause burning and irritation there. If you do accidentally get naftifine gel (Naftin) in those spots, wash it well with water.
- Use naftifine gel (Naftin) for the full recommended time (4 weeks for the 1% strength or 2 weeks for the 2% strength). Don't stop using it early, even if your symptoms improve. Stopping treatment too soon can make your infection more likely to return.
- Itching, burning, and skin irritation are possible side effects. Contact your prescriber if these side effects worsen over time or if you notice blistering, swelling, or oozing. These might be signs of a different, more serious skin condition.
- Don't cover the areas where you apply naftifine gel (Naftin) with bandages or dressings unless your prescriber tells you to. Usually, you want your skin to be able to "breathe" and stay dry if it has a fungal infection.
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a healthcare professional about how to best treat fungal skin infections. There isn't enough information to know whether naftifine gel (Naftin) is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Store your tube of naftifine gel (Naftin) at room temperature in a cool and dry spot away from pets and children. Contact your local Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 if a child or animal swallows any of the medication.
Risks and warnings for Naftifine gel (Naftin)
Naftifine gel (Naftin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For use on the skin only
Only apply naftifine gel (Naftin) to the surface of your skin. Never place the medication into the eyes, nose, or vagina. Applying naftifine gel (Naftin) to these sensitive areas can cause pain and irritation. Let your prescriber know if your skin becomes irritated or sensitive while you're using this medication. You might have to switch to a different medication.
Naftifine gel (Naftin) dosage
Interactions between Naftifine gel (Naftin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Naftifine gel (Naftin) cost?
