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Tolnaftate - Topical

Pronunciation: tole-NAF-tate

Common Brand Name(s): Tinactin

Important: How To Use This Information

This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Uses

Tolnaftate is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It is an antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus. Some forms of tolnaftate may also be used to prevent athlete's foot from coming back.

How To Use

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply this medication to the affected skin, usually twice a day or as directed on the product package or by your doctor. Dosage and length of treatment depends on the type of infection being treated.

Some forms of tolnaftate (such as powder) need to be shaken before applying. Check your product package to see if your form of this medication needs to be shaken. Apply enough medication to cover the affected area and some of the surrounding skin. After applying this medication, wash your hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Do not apply this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after starting tolnaftate. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.

Inform your doctor if your condition lasts after 2 weeks of treatment for jock itch, after 4 weeks of treatment for athlete's foot or ringworm, or if your condition gets worse at any time.

Side Effects

Irritation of the treated skin may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using tolnaftate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • immune system problems (such as organ transplant, HIV disease)
  • diabetes

This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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