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Naftifine is used to treat certain fungal skin infections, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The most common side effects are burning and stinging where the medicine is used. Naftifine is only for use on your skin. Keep this medicine away from your eyes, mouth, and vagina. Wash your hands after using it.

Uses

Naftifine is commonly used to treat the following fungal skin infections. 

Naftifine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does naftifine work (mechanism of action)?

Naftifine is an antifungal medicine. It stops fungi from growing by preventing the formation of a needed part of their cell membranes.  

How is naftifine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Naftin

Dosage forms and strengths

How should I store naftifine?

Naftifine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of naftifine?

The most common side effect of naftifine is skin irritation (see below). Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of naftifine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of naftifine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of naftifine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Naftifine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using naftifine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Naftifine may cause burning, stinging, dryness, reddening, itching, and rash where it is used. Stop using the product and tell your health care provider if you have any skin irritation in the treated area.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use naftifine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use naftifine.

  • Naftifine
  • Naftin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific naftifine products they stock.

What should I know about naftifine before using it?

Do not use naftifine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share naftifine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep naftifine out of the reach of children.

Naftifine is for use on the skin only. Keep naftifine away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, nose, and vagina.

Wash your hands after applying naftifine.

Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

What should I tell my health care provider before using naftifine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if naftifine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how naftifine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if naftifine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use naftifine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does naftifine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between naftifine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect naftifine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does naftifine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between naftifine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much naftifine?

If you or someone else has used too much naftifine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of naftifine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

It is important to complete your prescribed course of naftifine, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to naftifine or other similar medicines.