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naftifine

Generic Naftin
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 8, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Naftifine gel (Naftin)?

What is Naftifine gel (Naftin) used for?

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.

Are you looking for information on naftifine cream (Naftin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNaftin
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$455.20(save 79.81%)
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$91.89
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Blisters
  • Crusting
  • Rash

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

Dry skin

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Naftifine gel (Naftin)

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Pros

Applied once or twice a day

Applied directly to the infected skin

Has few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Available by prescription only

Need to use for 2 to 4 weeks

Might cause mild skin irritation

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Naftifine gel (Naftin)

pharmacist

  • 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.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Naftifine gel (Naftin)

                    Can naftifine gel (Naftin) be used for acne?
                    No. Naftifine gel (Naftin) doesn't work to treat acne, which can be caused by an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Naftifine gel (Naftin) doesn't kill bacteria; it kills fungus. If you have acne, talk to a member of your care team about the several treatment options available. They can help you pick an option to start with.
                    Is naftifine gel (Naftin) a steroid?
                    No, naftifine gel (Naftin) isn't a steroid; it's a type of antifungal. Topical steroids are used to lessen symptoms of skin inflammation, such as redness, itching, and swelling. But topical antifungals like naftifine gel (Naftin) are used to kill the fungus causing certain fungal skin infections. Don't use a steroid with naftifine gel (Naftin) without talking to your prescriber first. It's possible for topical steroids to affect your immune response, which can affect how quickly it takes for your fungal infection to heal.
                    What's the difference between the 1% and 2% strengths of naftifine gel (Naftin)?
                    The differences between the 1% and 2% strengths of naftifine gel (Naftin) are what types of fungal infection they can treat, what age groups they're approved for, and how often they're used each day. The 1% strength is approved for adults for the treatment of athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It's used twice per day. But the 2% strength is only approved for adults and children ages 12 years and older. It's used once daily to treat athlete's foot that's in between the toes.
                    What's the difference between the naftifine cream and nafitifine gel?
                    Both the naftifine cream and naftifine gel have 1% and 2% strengths. Both strengths of the cream and the 1% gel are approved for athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. But the 2% strength of the gel is only approved for athlete's foot in between the toes. The decision to use the cream or gel could also depend on your personal preference, your prescriber's preference, or your insurance coverage. Speak with your prescriber about which form of naftifine best fits your needs.
                    Does naftifine (Naftin) 2% gel make your feet peel?
                    Possible side effects of naftifine gel (Naftin) can include skin reactions like itching, burning, irritation, and crusting, but people haven't specifically reported skin peeling. Keep in mind that skin peeling can be a symptom of athlete's foot. Talk to your prescriber if you have bothersome skin peeling after you start using naftifine gel (Naftin).
                    Does naftifine gel (Naftin) treat toenail fungus?
                    Naftifine gel (Naftin) isn't FDA approved to treat toenail fungus and isn't a recommended option. Studies show that naftifine gel (Naftin) doesn't get into the nail very well. This means that it can't get to and can't get rid of the fungus in the nail that's causing the infection. If you have toenail fungus, ask a member of your healthcare team about available treatment options.
                    Is naftifine gel (Naftin) over the counter?
                    No, you can get naftifine gel (Naftin) from a pharmacy only if you have a prescription for it from a healthcare professional (HCP). There are over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams that are available. But you should ask your HCP first if an OTC antifungal is a reasonable choice to use instead of naftifine gel (Naftin).
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                    What are the 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.

                    risk-warning

                    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.

                    dosage

                    Naftifine gel (Naftin) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 tube of 45g of 2% of Naftifine gel (Naftin) is $118.97 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 73.86% off the average retail price of $455.20.
                    tube of gel
                    Tube of gel
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    40g of 1%1 tube$91.89$91.89
                    60g of 1%1 tube$124.16$124.16
                    90g of 1%1 tube$124.16$124.16
                    45g of 2%1 tube$118.97$118.97
                    60g of 2%1 tube$157.13$157.13

                    Typical dosing for Naftifine gel (Naftin)

                    • Naftifine 1% gel (Naftin)

                      • Age 18 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) twice per day (morning and evening) for 4 weeks.

                    • Naftifine 2% gel (Naftin)

                      • Age 12 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) once per day for 2 weeks. Be sure to also apply the medication to about a half-inch of healthy skin surrounding the affected area(s).

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Naftifine gel (Naftin) and other drugs

                    Naftifine gel (Naftin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Naftifine gel (Naftin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    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.

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                    Naftin (brand)
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                    Naftifine gel (Naftin) (generic)
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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Naftifine gel (Naftin)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Naftifine gel (Naftin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Naftifine gel (Naftin)
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                    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
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                    Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Sebela Pharmaceuticals. (2024). Naftin - Naftifine hydrochloride gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Å veikauskaitÄ—, I., et al. (2020). Potential of naftifine application for transungual delivery. Molecules.

                    Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2023). Naftifine hydrochloride gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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