Naftifine

Definition

Naftifine is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections of the skin. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, providing relief from symptoms such as itching and scaling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naftifine is commonly used to treat dermatophyte infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
2. It functions by inhibiting squalene epoxidase, an enzyme crucial for fungal cell membrane synthesis.
3. Naftifine is available in both cream and gel formulations for topical application.
4. The typical treatment duration with naftifine ranges from two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the infection.
5. Side effects are generally mild but can include local irritation or redness at the site of application.

Review Questions

• What types of skin infections is naftifine commonly prescribed for?
• How does naftifine inhibit fungal growth at a cellular level?
• What are some possible side effects of using naftifine?

Related terms

Terbinafine: An antifungal medication similar to naftifine that also inhibits squalene epoxidase.

Dermatophyte: A type of fungus that causes infections in keratinized tissues such as skin, hair, and nails.

Mycoses: Infections caused by fungi, which can affect various parts of the body including the skin.