naftifine

Naftifine is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antifungal agent of the allylamine class used topically to treat fungal skin infections such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm) caused by dermatophytes including *Trichophyton rubrum*, *Trichophyton mentagrophytes*, *Trichophyton tonsurans*, and *Epidermophyton floccosum*. It was invented at the Sandoz Research Institute in Vienna and was the first successful antifungal medication of its class. Naftifine acts primarily by inhibiting squalene monooxygenase (squalene 2,3-epoxidase), an enzyme involved in sterol biosynthesis. This inhibition leads to decreased ergosterol production—an essential component of fungal cell membranes—and accumulation of squalene within fungal cells. The drug exhibits fungicidal activity against dermatophytes and molds and fungistatic activity against yeasts; it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties[3][5][6][8].

Brand names

NaftinExoderilNaftin Pump

Other names

naftifine hydrochloride