IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
NAFTIFINE - TOPICAL
(NAFF-teh-feen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Naftin
USES: This medication is used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. Naftifine is an antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the medication to and around the affected area and gently rub in. This medication is usually applied once daily if you are using the cream, or twice daily (morning and evening) if you are using the gel, or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands after using unless the area to be treated includes the hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Do not use the medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.
Length of treatment is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Do not apply more often or use longer than prescribed. This may increase the risk of side effects.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed treatment period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, stinging, irritation, redness, dry skin, or itching at application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, 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.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using naftifine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other allylamine antifungals (e.g., terbinafine); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. 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: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that weaken the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, corticosteroids such as prednisone).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should 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 told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and heat. Keep all medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.