Tolnaftate, a potent topical antifungal agent

Abstract

Tolnaftate solution (0.5% and 1.0%) is effective in the treatment of superficial mycotic infections due toTrichophyton rubrum, T mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, T tonsurans, and Malassezia furfur. When the diagnosis of a mycotic infection is established from scrapings and cultures, relief from itching is produced by topical applications in from 24 to 72 hours. Interdigital infections due toT rubrum, T mentagrophytes, andE floccosumare cleared in 7 to 21 days. Tolnaftate solution was of no value in the treatment ofCandida albicansinfections, scalp and nail lesions. In vitro, tolnaftate solution has antifungal activity againstM gypseum, T rubrum, M canis, E floccosum, T tonsurans, M audouini, andT mentagrophytes, but not againstPenicillium notatum, Aspergillus niger, orC albicans. In vitro studies indicate that tolnaftate solution has fungicidal as well as fungistatic activity.