Tolnaftate and Naftifine hydrochloride MCQs With Answer

Tolnaftate and Naftifine Hydrochloride MCQs With Answer

Tolnaftate and naftifine hydrochloride are important topical antifungal agents in the B.Pharm curriculum. This concise review introduces chemical classes, mechanisms of action, pharmacology, formulations, therapeutic uses and safety profiles relevant to dermatophyte infections such as tinea pedis, corporis and cruris. Tolnaftate (a thiocarbamate) and naftifine hydrochloride (an allylamine) differ in solubility, formulation choices, onset of action and anti-inflammatory properties. Learn practical points on pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, resistance mechanisms, compounding considerations and quality control assays (HPLC) to prepare for clinical dispensing and patient counseling. The content emphasizes applied knowledge for pharmacy practice and exam preparation. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which chemical class does tolnaftate belong to?

• Allylamine
• Azole
• Thiocarbonyl derivative (Thiocarbamate)
• Polyenes

Correct Answer: Thiocarbonyl derivative (Thiocarbamate)

Q2. Naftifine hydrochloride is classified as which type of antifungal?

• Azole
• Allylamine
• Polyenes
• Thiocarbamate

Correct Answer: Allylamine

Q3. What is the primary molecular target of naftifine in fungal cells?

• 14α-demethylase (lanosterol demethylase)
• Squalene epoxidase
• Beta-glucan synthase
• Ergosterol itself

Correct Answer: Squalene epoxidase

Q4. Tolnaftate’s antifungal action is mainly attributed to inhibition of:

• Cell wall synthesis enzymes
• Squalene epoxidase
• DNA gyrase
• Mitochondrial protein synthesis

Correct Answer: Squalene epoxidase

Q5. Which pathogens are tolnaftate and naftifine most effective against?

• Dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton)
• Systemic Candida bloodstream infections
• Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis
• Invasive aspergillosis

Correct Answer: Dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton)

Q6. Which statement about tolnaftate and onychomycosis (nail fungal infection) is correct?

• Tolnaftate is the first-line oral treatment for onychomycosis
• Topical tolnaftate has limited penetration and is generally ineffective for established onychomycosis
• Tolnaftate is routinely used systemically for nail infections
• Tolnaftate cures onychomycosis with a single application

Correct Answer: Topical tolnaftate has limited penetration and is generally ineffective for established onychomycosis

Q7. Common topical formulations available for tolnaftate include:

• Intravenous solution and tablets
• Cream, powder and spray
• Nasal drops and eye ointment
• Inhalation aerosol

Correct Answer: Cream, powder and spray

Q8. Naftifine hydrochloride topical products are commonly available as:

• Oral capsules and inhaler
• Intravenous infusion
• Cream and gel formulations
• Transdermal patches for systemic delivery

Correct Answer: Cream and gel formulations

Q9. Regarding systemic absorption, which is true for tolnaftate when applied topically?

• Extensive systemic absorption with high plasma levels
• Minimal systemic absorption; primarily acts locally
• Absorbed and extensively metabolized in the liver to active metabolites
• Requires co-administration with absorption enhancers for effect

Correct Answer: Minimal systemic absorption; primarily acts locally

Q10. Which added pharmacological property distinguishes naftifine from many other topical antifungals?

• Strong systemic immunosuppression
• Pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in addition to antifungal action
• Direct antiviral activity against herpes viruses
• Potent anticoagulant effect

Correct Answer: Pronounced anti-inflammatory activity in addition to antifungal action

Q11. The most common adverse effects of topical tolnaftate and naftifine are:

• Severe systemic hepatotoxicity
• Local skin irritation, burning or contact dermatitis
• Nephrotoxicity and electrolyte imbalance
• Permanent skin depigmentation in all patients

Correct Answer: Local skin irritation, burning or contact dermatitis

Q12. Which is a key contraindication for topical use of tolnaftate or naftifine?

• Known hypersensitivity to the drug or formulation components
• History of seasonal allergic rhinitis only
• Use in diabetic patients without foot ulcers
• Concurrent use of topical emollients

Correct Answer: Known hypersensitivity to the drug or formulation components

Q13. Which statement about tolnaftate solubility is correct?

• Tolnaftate is freely soluble in water
• Tolnaftate is practically insoluble in water and requires suitable topical vehicles
• Tolnaftate is a gaseous antifungal at room temperature
• Tolnaftate dissolves readily in aqueous saline for IV use

Correct Answer: Tolnaftate is practically insoluble in water and requires suitable topical vehicles

Q14. Compared to tolnaftate, naftifine hydrochloride typically has which solubility characteristic?

• Also insoluble in water
• Soluble in water due to the hydrochloride salt form
• Only soluble in liquid nitrogen
• Insoluble in both water and organic solvents

Correct Answer: Soluble in water due to the hydrochloride salt form

Q15. Which analytical method is commonly used for assay and quality control of tolnaftate and naftifine in formulations?

• Gram staining
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Ultrasound imaging
• Thermogravimetric analysis only

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Q16. A known molecular mechanism of resistance to allylamines involves:

• Overexpression of efflux pumps only (no target change)
• Mutation in the squalene epoxidase gene reducing drug binding
• Inactivation by human hepatic enzymes
• Increased production of ergosterol via alternate pathway outside fungal cells

Correct Answer: Mutation in the squalene epoxidase gene reducing drug binding

Q17. Typical application frequency for naftifine and tolnaftate topical regimens is:

• Naftifine once daily; tolnaftate twice daily (common regimen)
• Both require hourly application
• Both are given as a single application weekly
• Naftifine three times daily; tolnaftate not used topically

Correct Answer: Naftifine once daily; tolnaftate twice daily (common regimen)

Q18. Which patient counseling point is essential for patients using topical tolnaftate or naftifine?

• Avoid applying to excoriated or mucosal surfaces and keep away from eyes
• These agents will immediately cure fungal infections after one application
• They must be ingested with a fatty meal for efficacy
• They should be mixed with household bleach before use

Correct Answer: Avoid applying to excoriated or mucosal surfaces and keep away from eyes

Q19. The antifungal effect of squalene epoxidase inhibition leads primarily to:

• Increased ergosterol synthesis and fungal proliferation
• Accumulation of squalene and disruption of fungal cell membrane synthesis
• Direct DNA strand breaks in human cells
• Activation of bacterial cell wall synthesis

Correct Answer: Accumulation of squalene and disruption of fungal cell membrane synthesis

Q20. For compounding topical tolnaftate, which formulation consideration is most relevant?

• Use a hydrophilic vehicle only since tolnaftate is highly water soluble
• Use suitable emulsion or powder vehicle to aid delivery because tolnaftate is poorly water soluble
• Prepare as an immediate-release oral tablet
• Always include systemic absorption enhancers to reach bloodstream

Correct Answer: Use suitable emulsion or powder vehicle to aid delivery because tolnaftate is poorly water soluble

Q21. The allylamine functional group in naftifine contributes to which property?

• Strong antiviral activity against influenza
• Specific inhibition of squalene epoxidase in fungi
• Promotion of fungal cell wall synthesis
• High oral bioavailability for systemic fungal infections

Correct Answer: Specific inhibition of squalene epoxidase in fungi

Q22. Tolnaftate’s thiocarbamate moiety primarily influences:

• Its function as an antifungal targeting squalene epoxidase
• Its use as an antiviral nucleoside analog
• Its role as a topical corticosteroid
• Its conversion to an active systemic prodrug

Correct Answer: Its function as an antifungal targeting squalene epoxidase

Q23. Which dermatophyte is commonly a target for tolnaftate and naftifine therapy?

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Trichophyton rubrum
• Escherichia coli
• Herpes simplex virus

Correct Answer: Trichophyton rubrum

Q24. Activity of tolnaftate and naftifine against Candida species is generally:

• Highly potent and first-line for systemic candidiasis
• Limited; yeasts like Candida are less susceptible than dermatophytes
• Equivalent to amphotericin B for invasive infection
• Conclusive for treatment of mucosal thrush when used topically

Correct Answer: Limited; yeasts like Candida are less susceptible than dermatophytes

Q25. The most likely local adverse reaction to naftifine topical therapy is:

• Systemic hypertension
• Local burning or stinging sensation at application site
• Acute renal failure
• Permanent hair growth on treated area

Correct Answer: Local burning or stinging sensation at application site

Q26. Recommended storage for most tolnaftate and naftifine topical products is:

• Store frozen at -20°C
• Keep refrigerated between 2–8°C at all times
• Store at controlled room temperature, protected from excessive heat
• Expose to sunlight to activate the drug before use

Correct Answer: Store at controlled room temperature, protected from excessive heat

Q27. For uncomplicated tinea pedis, a typical minimum topical treatment duration is:

• Single application only
• 2–4 weeks of consistent topical application
• 12 months continuous therapy
• Only one weekend of therapy

Correct Answer: 2–4 weeks of consistent topical application

Q28. Which agent among the two shows notable anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce erythema?

• Tolnaftate
• Naftifine hydrochloride
• Both are strong systemic anti-inflammatories
• Neither has anti-inflammatory properties

Correct Answer: Naftifine hydrochloride

Q29. Before starting topical antifungal therapy, which rapid diagnostic test is commonly used by pharmacists or clinicians?

• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy of skin scrapings
• Complete blood count only
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Urinalysis for fungal markers

Correct Answer: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy of skin scrapings

Q30. In quality control of manufactured topical antifungal creams, which test provides specific quantification of active drug content?

• pH paper strip only
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for drug content
• Organoleptic taste test
• Visual color check alone

Correct Answer: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for drug content

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com