Naftifine is an antifungal medicine that prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Naftifine topical (for use on the skin) is used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm infections. naftifine topical is for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Naftifine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Naftifine comes as a cream and gel to apply to the skin. The cream is usually used once a day and the gel twice a day in the morning and evening for 2 to 4 weeks. Some infections require up to 6 weeks of treatment. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use naftifine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Thoroughly clean the infected area, allow it to dry, and then gently rub the medication in until most of it disappears. Use just enough medication to cover the affected area. You should wash your hands after applying the medication.

Continue to use naftifine even if you feel well. Do not stop using naftifine without talking to your doctor.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication.

Clean and dry the affected area before applying the cream or gel.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication.

Call your doctor if the infection you are treating with naftifine topical does not improve within 4 weeks, or if it gets worse.

Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air circulation over the affected area (occlusive dressings) unless otherwise directed by your doctor. A light cotton-gauze dressing may be used to protect clothing.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use naftifine topical if you are allergic to it.

It is not known whether naftifine topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using naftifine topical. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Naftifine topical gel should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old. Naftifine topical cream is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

An overdose of naftifine topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Do not get naftifine topical in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with naftifine topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Naftifine topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin irritation after applying this medicine.

Common side effects may include dryness or irritation of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Naftifine is for external use only. Do not let naftifine get into your eyes, nose or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the naftifine, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.