Naftin Gel (Naftifine) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 27, 2012

Naftin Gel

Ringworm »

Ringworm facts

Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin and is not due to a worm.
The medical term for ringworm is tinea. The condition is further named for the site of the body where the infection occurs.
Ringworm causes a scaly, crusted rash that may itch.
Ringworm can be successfully treated with antifungal medications used either topically or orally.

What does the term ringworm mean?

The term ringworm or ringworms refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The name is derived from the early belief that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungal infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name ringworm remains. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round, red spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected s...

Read the Ringworm article »

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Naftin Gel

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Naftifine hydrochloride is a synthetic allylamine derivative. The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown. Naftifine hydrochloride has been shown to exhibit fungicidal activity in vitro against a broad spectrum of organisms, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum audouini, and Microsporum gypseum; and fungistatic activity against Candida species, including Candida albicans. Naftin® (naftifine) Gel, 1% has only been shown to be clinically effective against the disease entities listed in the INDICATIONS section.

Although the exact mechanism of action against fungi is not known, naftifine hydrochloride appears to interfere with sterol biosynthesis by inhibiting the enzyme squalene 2, 3-epoxidase. This inhibition of enzyme activity results in decreased amounts of sterols, especially ergosterol, and a corresponding accumulation of squalene in the cells.

Pharmacokinetics: In vitro and in vivo bioavailability studies have demonstrated that naftifine penetrates the stratum corneum in sufficient concentration to inhibit the growth of dermatophytes.

Following single topical applications of ³H-labeled naftifine gel 1% to the skin of healthy subjects, up to 4.2% of the applied dose was absorbed. Naftifine and/or its metabolites are excreted via the urine and feces with a half-life of approximately two to three days.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/11/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.