Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect your fingernails or toenails. It can cause your nails to become discolored, thick, and even crumbly. It can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful.
One common treatment for fungal infections is a topical antifungal medication called tolnaftate. You can find tolnaftate, as well as salicylic acid, in many over-the-counter creams, solutions, and powders.
This article provides you with comprehensive information about using nail fungus tolnaftate treatments, including how to use them, potential side effects, and what precautions you should take when using this medication.
What is tolnaftate used for?
Approved uses
Tolnaftate is mainly used to treat fungal infections of the skin, like athlete’s foot and ringworm. You can buy it without a prescription for these conditions.
Off-label use for nail fungus
Even though it’s not officially approved for nail fungus, tolnaftate might sometimes be used “off-label.” But you should know that it’s usually not as effective as other antifungal medicines for nail fungus. Nails are tricky because of their structure, and it’s hard for medicines like tolnaftate to really get in there and do their job.
How it works
Tolnaftate stops fungi from growing by blocking the creation of ergosterol, which is a key part of fungal cell membranes. Without it, the fungal cells weaken and can’t grow anymore.
How to use it
Tolnaftate comes in different forms you can put on your skin, like:
- cream
- gel
- spray
- powder
- liquid
To use it properly:
- Make sure the area is clean and dry first.
- Put on a thin layer of the medicine.
- Wash your hands really well afterward.
Important Things to Know Before Using Tolnaftate
Before you treat a possible nail fungus with tolnaftate, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Who should NOT use tolnaftate
Don’t use tolnaftate if you’re allergic to it or any of the other ingredients in the medicine.
An allergic reaction could look like a rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Also, don’t put tolnaftate on broken skin or open wounds, your scalp, or your nails.
Warnings and Precautions
- Tolnaftate is only for external use. Keep it away from your eyes.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a health professional before using tolnaftate. We don’t know enough about how it might affect a pregnancy or a baby.
- Keep tolnaftate away from children.
What to tell your healthcare provider
Before using tolnaftate, share information with your doctor about:
- any medical conditions you have, especially skin conditions
- any medications you’re currently taking, including creams, ointments, or other topical medicines
- any allergies you have to medications or other substances
What are the side effects of tolnaftate?
Like all medicines, tolnaftate can cause side effects. Most people don’t experience any, or they’re mild and go away quickly.
Common side effects
You may experience some mild skin irritation where you put on the medicine, such as:
- redness
- itching
- burning or stinging
- dryness or peeling
Serious side effects
A few people have more serious side effects, such as:
- allergic reaction with a rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), or difficulty breathing
- severe skin irritation with blistering, oozing, or severe pain
When to seek medical attention
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, get medical help right away. You should also see a doctor if:
- your side effects are severe or don’t go away
- your condition gets worse even with treatment
Interactions and storage
Drug interactions
There are no known significant drug interactions with tolnaftate, when used on the skin. To be on the safe side, tell your doctor or other healthcare provider about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Food and alcohol interactions
There are no known interactions between tolnaftate and food or alcohol.
Storage instructions
The National Institutes of Health recommends that you store tolnaftate:
- at room temperature
- for creams, gels, and powders: 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
- for liquids: 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
- for sprays: 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
- away from high heat and flames, especially for sprays (sprays should never be stored above 120°F (49°C)
- out of the reach of children
Overdose and missed dose
Overdose
It’s unlikely that you’ll overdose on tolnaftate if you’re using it on your skin as directed.
However, if you accidentally swallow any tolnaftate, get medical help right away or call a poison control center.
Missed dose
If you forget to apply tolnaftate as directed, put it on as soon as you remember.
But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the dose you missed and put on the next dose on schedule. Don’t put on twice the amount to make up for missing the earlier dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
While some people find Vicks VapoRub helpful for nail fungus, snakeroot extract is another alternative treatment, though also not an FDA-approved treatment. Its effectiveness likely comes from ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which might inhibit fungal growth or soften the nail, allowing other treatments to penetrate better. Anecdotal evidence suggests it can help, but scientific evidence is limited.
Is tolnaftate effective on toenail fungus?
Tolnaftate is an antifungal medication effective against some types of fungal infections, including athlete’s foot and ringworm. However, it’s generally considered less effective for toenail fungus compared to other treatments. It works best for mild cases or as a preventative measure, not for deep-seated infections.
How long does tolnaftate take to work?
Tolnaftate usually requires consistent application for several weeks to months to see noticeable improvement. Results vary depending on the severity of the infection. If you don’t see improvement after a few weeks, consult a healthcare professional for alternative treatment options.
Will tolnaftate cure nail fungus?
Tolnaftate may not completely cure nail fungus, especially in severe cases. It’s more effective at managing symptoms and preventing the spread of the infection. More potent prescription medications are often needed to eradicate the fungus completely.
Which is better, tolnaftate or terbinafine?
Terbinafine is generally considered more effective than tolnaftate for treating nail fungus. Terbinafine is a prescription antifungal medication that can be taken orally or applied topically. It has a higher success rate in eradicating the fungus compared to over-the-counter tolnaftate. However, terbinafine also carries a higher risk of side effects and requires a prescription from a doctor.
Conclusion
Tolnaftate is mainly used to treat fungal infections of the skin, but some people use it “off-label” to treat nail fungus. If you choose to use tolnaftate for a nail infection, make sure to use it correctly and be aware of possible side effects.
It’s best to talk to a health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for nail fungus. Also, always store medicines properly, and keep them where children can’t get to them.