Tolnaftate is a topical antifungal medication used to treat skin infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. You can buy it over the counter in many forms, including creams, powders, and sprays.
In general, tolnaftate is considered a safe and effective treatment. However, all medications, including topical treatments such as Emoninail, have potential side effects, and it’s important to be aware of them. This article focuses on the potential side effects of tolnaftate, with a special look at whether tolnaftate has side effects related to the liver.
What is tolnaftate?
Tolnaftate is an antifungal medication, meaning it’s a medicine that fights fungal infections. It comes in creams, powders, sprays, and gels you can buy over the counter to treat fungal infections of the skin.
How tolnaftate works
Tolnaftate works by stopping fungi from growing. You can apply it to areas like your feet or groin to treat common fungal infections.
Uses of tolnaftate
You can use tolnaftate to treat:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Ringworm (tinea corporis)
- Other fungal infections of the skin
Be sure to talk with a healthcare professional if you’re not sure whether tolnaftate is right for you or if your symptoms don’t improve after using it for the recommended amount of time.
Common side effects of topical tolnaftate
Like all medications, tolnaftate can cause side effects. However, most people who use topical tolnaftate experience only mild and temporary side effects, if any.
The most common side effects are:
- Redness, itching, burning, or irritation of the skin where you applied the medication
- Dryness or peeling of the skin
- Contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if they bother you or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you advice on how to manage the side effects or recommend a different medication.
Serious side effects and allergic reactions
Like all medications, tolnaftate can cause side effects. Most people don’t have any side effects, or they’re mild if they do happen. But serious side effects can occur.
Allergic reactions
Stop using tolnaftate and call your doctor or 911 right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Rash, hives, or itching
- Swelling of your face, tongue, or throat
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that needs immediate medical attention.
Does tolnaftate affect the liver?
Current research shows that topical tolnaftate is not known to have direct liver-related side effects. Very little of the medication is absorbed into the body when you use it on your skin, which reduces the chance it could affect your liver.
Even so, if you have liver problems, you should talk with your healthcare provider before using tolnaftate.
Precautions and warnings
Before using tolnaftate, keep these precautions in mind:
- Allergies: People who are allergic to tolnaftate or any of the other ingredients in the product should not use it.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and considering antifungal treatments, talk to your doctor before using tolnaftate, or other medications like itraconazole.
- Avoid contact: Be careful to avoid getting tolnaftate in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- External use only: Tolnaftate products are for use on the skin only.
- Keep out of reach of children: As with any medication, keep tolnaftate out of the reach of children.
- When to stop use: If your condition does not improve after four weeks of using tolnaftate, stop using it and contact your doctor.
How to use and store tolnaftate
Before you use tolnaftate, gently wash and dry the area that’s affected.
Then, apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin only — don’t use it on your nails or scalp.
To store tolnaftate properly, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Sprays are especially flammable, so keep those away from high heat or open flames. Check the label for the exact temperature range.
Tolnaftate interactions and overdose
The good news is that tolnaftate doesn’t have any known interactions with other medications, food, or alcohol.
It’s also unlikely that you’ll overdose on topical tolnaftate. But if you accidentally swallow some, call the poison control center right away.
And if you miss a dose, just apply it as soon as you remember… unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of tolnaftate?
Tolnaftate is generally considered safe for topical use. Common side effects are usually mild and localized, such as itching, redness, or irritation at the application site. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. If you experience severe irritation, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Is tolnaftate poisonous?
Tolnaftate is not considered poisonous when used as directed. It’s designed for external application only. Ingesting tolnaftate could cause gastrointestinal upset, but serious poisoning is unlikely. Contact a poison control center if accidental ingestion occurs.
Is liver damage from antifungals reversible?
Liver damage from oral antifungals can sometimes be reversible, depending on the severity and duration of exposure, and the overall health of the individual. However, it’s crucial to discontinue the medication immediately and seek medical evaluation. Tolnaftate is a topical medication and is not known to cause liver damage.
What is a substitute for tolnaftate?
Several over-the-counter topical antifungals can be used as substitutes for tolnaftate, including clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine. The best option depends on the specific fungal infection being treated and individual sensitivities. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for personalized recommendations.
What happens if you use antifungal cream for too long?
Using antifungal cream for longer than recommended can lead to skin irritation, resistance to the medication, or masking of a different underlying condition. If your symptoms don’t improve after the recommended treatment duration, it’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out other potential causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Final Thoughts
Tolnaftate is usually a safe and effective topical treatment for skin fungus, as long as you follow the directions. While liver problems aren’t usually a side effect when you use tolnaftate on your skin, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns, especially if you have other health problems.