3 Athlete’s Foot Treatments You Have to Try for Long-Lasting Relief
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that can cause itchy feet. See images of athlete’s foot and learn about OTC creams and home remedies.
Tinactin
Used for Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, Ringworm
Used for Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, Ringworm
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.
What is Tolnaftate?
What is Tolnaftate used for?
- Treatment and symptom relief of athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch
- Prevention of athlete’s foot
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:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Tinactin, ProClearz Fungal Shield, Aftate |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antifungal |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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
- Skin irritation (e.g., itching, redness)
The following Tolnaftate 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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$8.730
GoodRx discount
$8.73
Pros and cons of Tolnaftate
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
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 for Tolnaftate
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tolnaftate dosage
The average cost for 1 bottle of 133g of 1% of Tolnaftate is $9.18 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.00% off the average retail price of $9.18.
Typical dosage 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 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.
How much does Tolnaftate cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Tinactin (brand)
$8.73
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.
Used for:
Treatment and symptom relief (e.g., itching, irritation, redness) of the following fungal skin infections:
$10.68View prices
News about Tolnaftate
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