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Tinactin

tolnaftate
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch
Used for Athlete's Foot, Ringworm, Jock Itch

Tolnaftate is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication that's applied to the skin to treat ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. It also helps relieve symptoms like itching, burning, cracking, and redness from these fungal infections. This medication comes in different topical forms, including a spray, powder spray, cream, and liquid. Tolnaftate can be used for adults and children 2 years and older, unless otherwise directed by a provider. Most people have few to no side effects while using this medication, though some can have mild skin irritation.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 18, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Tolnaftate?

What is Tolnaftate used for?

How Tolnaftate works

Tolnaftate is an antifungal medication. It works by blocking a protein that fungi need so they can grow. This stops the fungi from spreading and kills them to treat the infection.

When does Tolnaftate start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTinactin, ProClearz Fungal Shield, Aftate
Drug ClassAntifungal
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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$9.19(save 4.95%)
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$8.73
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What are the side effects of Tolnaftate?

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

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 as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Skin irritation not present before use of this medicine

When you apply the aerosol solution form of this medicine, a mild temporary stinging may be expected.

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 Tolnaftate

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Pros

Available as a generic, over-the-counter medication

Available in different topical formulations, such as powder spray, liquid, and cream

Typically minor or mild side effects

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Cons

Can take up to a month to treat athlete's foot or ringworm

Only works on some fungal infections; doesn't work on fungal infections of the scalp or nails

Can't use on children under 2 years old, unless a provider says it's okay

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tolnaftate

pharmacist

  • Always read the package label of the tolnaftate topical product you have to check that it can be used for the type of fungal infection you have and for instructions. Different formulations of tolnaftate topical products are used for fungal infections on different parts of the body and have different instructions. Only certain topical products are used for jock itch (e.g., powder spray, Tinactin cream).

    • Before applying tolnaftate, wash your hands and clean the affected area(s) of your skin.

      • Use tolnaftate only on the outside of your body (e.g., skin). Don't swallow this medication, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears.

        • If you're using tolnaftate for athlete’s foot, remember to apply it in between the toes as well. Wear shoes that fit well and are breathable. Change your shoes and socks daily. This will help your infection clear up as quickly as possible and will also help prevent the infection from spreading.

          • Wash your hands after using tolnaftate to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. Rinse your eyes with water or saline if you accidentally get it in your eyes. Contact your provider if the irritation doesn't go away.

            • Stop using tolnaftate and talk with your provider if you don't see any improvement after using for more than a month (for athlete's foot and ringworm) or for more than 2 weeks (for jock itch). Your provider might suggest a different medication for you.

              • Store tolnaftate up and away and out of children's reach and sight when you're not using it. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medication that was left out. Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed tolnaftate, even if you aren't completely sure.

                • For tolnaftate topical liquid: Use the brush applicator to apply the medication on the skin around the nails. Don't apply tolnaftate on the scalp or on your nails since this medication doesn't work well for fungal infections in these areas.

                  • For tolnaftate topical sprays (liquid and powder): Shake the can well before using so it's evenly mixed. Be careful not to breathe in the medication while using. Avoid using the topical spray near any open flames or while smoking because it can catch on fire easily. Also, keep the can or bottle away from heat, and don't puncture it. Otherwise, the can or bottle might explode because it's under a lot of pressure.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Tolnaftate

                    Can you use tolnaftate for toenail fungus?
                    No, tolnaftate shouldn’t be used to treat toenail fungus because it's only meant to help with treating fungal infections on the skin. You can apply tolnaftate on the skin around the nail (cuticle), but it won't work well against nail fungus. Applying tolnaftate on the nail doesn't properly treat the nail fungal infection so the infection might not get any better. Speak with a provider if you have toenail fungus to get proper treatment. Your provider might prescribe topical antifungal medications (e.g., ciclopirox) or oral antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole (Diflucan)) for you.
                    How can you tell if tolnaftate is working?
                    You should experience relief from some symptoms of athlete's foot and jock itch (e.g., burning) within 2 to 3 days of using tolnaftate daily. But make sure to continue using tolnaftate twice a day for the full 2 or 4 weeks (length of treatment depends on the type of fungal infection you have). This will help make sure that the infection is completely gone and help lower the risk that it comes back.
                    Can you use tolnaftate for jock itch?
                    Yes, but only certain tolnaftate topical products are used for jock itch. These products include tolnaftate topical powder spray and Tinactin jock itch products. Always read the package labels for instructions before using OTC tolnaftate topical products to make sure it's for the type of fungal infection you have. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a particular tolnaftate topical product can help with jock itch or not.
                    Can you use tolnaftate and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) together?
                    Don't use tolnaftate along with other topical fungal medications, such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), unless directed by your provider. It isn't known whether using different types of topical antifungal medications at the same time is safe or works any better against the infection than using them alone. More research is needed in this area. Discuss with your provider what treatment is best for your infection.
                    What's the difference between tolnaftate and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)?
                    Both tolnaftate and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) are topical OTC products that are used to treat athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. In addition to treating athlete's foot, tolnaftate can also be used to prevent athlete's foot when used regularly. Tolnaftate and clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) are both applied onto the skin twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks. A big difference between the two medications is how many topical formulations they each come in. For example, clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) is only available as a topical cream, whereas tolnaftate is available as a topical powder, liquid, spray, and cream. Ask your provider about the pros and cons of each product to decide which one is a good choice for you.
                    Is tolnaftate a steroid?
                    No, tolnaftate isn't a topical steroid; it's a topical antifungal that's used to treat fungal skin infections. Tolnaftate can also help relieve some symptoms of a fungal skin infection like itching, burning, redness, and scaling. But your provider might prescribe a topical steroid to use along with the antifungal medication if you need more relief from any redness, swelling, and itching or if these symptoms are severe.
                    How long does tolnaftate take to work?
                    The length of time it takes for tolnaftate to work can differ depending on the type of fungal infection you have. Typically, you'll need to apply tolnaftate regularly for a month to treat athlete's foot or ringworm, and for 2 weeks to treat jock itch. Even if your symptoms start to get better, make sure to finish your treatment course so your infection can get completely treated. Contact your provider if your symptoms haven't improved or if they've worsened after this time.
                    Is tolnaftate safe during pregnancy?
                    It's not clear whether tolnaftate is safe to use during pregnancy since there aren't many studies that have been done in pregnant people. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you're pregnant for recommendations on what you can use to help with your jock itch, athlete's foot, or ringworm. Your provider might recommend using other topical antifungal medications like clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) that might are less likely to cause harm. But before you use any OTC medications, check with your provider or pharmacist to make sure it's safe for you and your unborn baby.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Tolnaftate?

                    Tolnaftate 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

                    Use only on your skin

                    Tolnaftate should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. Avoid inhaling tolnaftate topical spray during treatment. Call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away if you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed or inhaled this medication.

                    risk-warning

                    Flammable and possible bursting (topical sprays only)

                    Don't use tolnaftate topical sprays (liquid and powder) near an open flame or while smoking. These formulations of the medication can catch on fire very easily. Also, don't store them near heat or puncture the bottle. The bottle is under a lot of pressure and might explode in these conditions.

                    dosage

                    Tolnaftate dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 bottle of 133g of 1% of Tolnaftate is $9.18 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.05% off the average retail price of $9.19.
                    bottle of spray
                    Bottle of spray
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    133g of 1%1 bottle$9.18$9.18
                    tube of cream
                    Tube of cream
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    15g of 1%1 tube$8.73$8.73

                    Typical dosing for Tolnaftate

                    This medication is available as a topical liquid, spray, cream, and powder. While most products help with athlete's foot and ringworm, only some are used for jock itch. Check the package label for directions for the product you have.

                    Treatment of athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm

                    • Adults and children 2 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) two times daily (morning and night), or as directed by your provider. For athlete's foot and ringworm, apply every day for 1 month. For jock itch, use daily for 2 weeks.

                    • Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                    Prevention of athlete’s foot

                    • Adults and children 2 years and older: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) one to two times daily.

                    • Children under 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Tolnaftate and other drugs

                    Tolnaftate 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 Tolnaftate. 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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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Tolnaftate?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tolnaftate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Tolnaftate
                    Used for:
                    $8.73 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
                    Used for:
                    $10.36 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
                    Used for:
                    $6.35 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment.

                    Bayer HealthCare LLC. (2023). Tinactin- tolnaftate cream [package insert]. DailyMed. 

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Put your medicines up and away and out of sight.

                    View All References (7)

                    CVS Pharmacy. (2024). Tolnaftate- antifungal continuous liquid spray aerosol, spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    LEADER/ Cardinal Health 110, Inc. (2024). Tolnaftate- anti-fungal liquid maximum strength liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    MedlinePlus. (2017). Tolnaftate.

                    Meijer. (2023). Antifungal cream tolnaftate 1%- tolnaftate cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Pilmis, B., et al. (2014). Antifungal drugs during pregnancy: An updated review. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

                    Taisho Pharmaceutical California Inc. (2023). Derman antifungal powder tolnaftate- tolnaftate aerosol, powder [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Yamamoto, E. S., et al. (2020). Tolnaftate inhibits ergosterol production and impacts cell viability of Leishmania sp. Bioorganic Chemistry.

                    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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