The active substance Naftifin is a drug with antifungal activity. The substance belongs to the group of allylamine derivatives. The compound also has an antibacterial effect as well as an antiphlogistic effect. Here, the antifungal effect of the substance Naftifin is due to the reduction of the structure of cell membranes in fungi. For this reason, naftifine is primarily used for external fungal infections.
What is naftifine?
Naftifine is an antifungal medication and is used to treat fungal infections, such as those on the skin. The drug Naftifin is used in the majority of cases as an antifungal drug, that is, it is used for the treatment of fungal infections, for example, on the skin. The substance naftifine is an allylamine derivative and also a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. It is used, for example, topically for treatment against dermatophytes. From a chemical point of view, naftifine is an allylamine. In addition, naftifine belongs to the so-called aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Here the compounds, which consist of benzene rings, are linked together by a nitrogen bridge. In pharmacy, the naftifine hydrochloride is primarily used. This substance has a melting point of approximately 177 degrees Celsius. Naftifine as a free molecule appears as a viscous and oil-like substance at room temperature. In combination with hydrochloride, naftifine is present as a solid.
Pharmacological action
The active ingredient naftifine is usually used topically for fungal diseases. Naftifine belongs to the group of active substances known as allylamines. For this reason, like other types of allylamines, the drug inhibits a significant enzyme in fungi. This enzyme is squalene epoxidase. As a result, the construction of the cell walls of the fungi is inhibited. In addition, a special precursor, squalene, accumulates in the tissue of the fungus. This substance kills the majority of the fungi. Basically, Naftifin is an antimycotic with an extremely broad pathogen spectrum. For this reason, Naftifin is also effective against dermatophytes, such as yeasts, Epidermophyton floccosum and molds. Laboratory tests have also shown that the substance naftifine also has anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, naftifine impairs the growth and multiplication of various types of bacteria. This makes the drug suitable for the treatment of mixed infections caused by fungi and bacteria. Naftifine, unlike azole antifungals, does not reduce lanosterol demethylase. If naftifine is used to treat nail fungus, the substance is combined with urea in the majority of cases. This is because urea causes the nail to soften. This improves the antifungal effect of the drug. If a nail fungus is present, it is recommended to use a gel with naftifine.
Medical application and use
Naftifine is used in the context of localized therapy of infections of the skin with fungi. Possible indications represent, for example, athlete’s foot or nail fungus. The active ingredient Naftifin is commercially available in the form of gels, sprays, creams or as a solution. The duration of therapy is on average about two to four weeks. If there is a nail fungus infestation, longer therapy periods are usually necessary, usually extending over at least six months. If the symptoms do not improve within the first four weeks, the diagnosis must be rechecked by the treating physician. If there is an acute inflammatory infection of the skin due to fungal infestation, Naftifin is used in some cases together with zinc oxide or anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids. The aim is to support wound healing of the diseased skin. Basically, the active ingredient naftifine is used when it is necessary to inhibit the growth of fungi on skin and nail areas or to kill the fungi. The drug can also be used to relieve itching caused by fungal infections of the skin. In addition, naftifine reduces the healing time of infections of the skin and nails due to fungal infestation. In addition, the active substance is able to reduce inflammatory reactions that occur together with fungal infections on the skin. The application of the drug Naftifin is basically topical and local.In addition to gels and creams, lotions or ointments can also be considered as dosage forms.
Risks and side effects
In the context of the application of the active substance Naftifin, some undesirable side effects occur. For example, burning and itching may occur on the skin. In addition, dry skin areas as well as rashes and redness of the skin are possible. In most cases, these side effects disappear by themselves after a few days. Otherwise, the attending physician should be consulted urgently. In rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Therapy with Naftifin should be avoided in the case of open wounds and diseased mucous membranes or eyes. Children younger than twelve years of age should also not use Naftifine.
