ABSTRACT
Naftifine was the first allylamine antifungal agent to be developed, and has the chemical name (E)-N-cinnamyl-N-methyl-1-naphthalene-methylamine hydrochloride. It was introduced to the market for clinical use in 1985. Unlike terbinafine, naftifine is available only as topical 1% cream and gel (Stutz, 1988). It is fungicidal against dermatophytes and molds and exhibits fungistatic activity against yeasts. Naftifine possesses bactericidal properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and also has an anti-inflammatory action due to vasoconstriction caused by inhibition of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes (Birnbaum, 1990; Vago et al., 1994).
