Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Aftate) ACTION  AND  USE.—  Tolnaftate  was  the first  fungicide  synthesized.  It  is  effective  in  the treatment  of  superficial  fungal  infections  of  the skin.  It  is  indicated  for  the  topical  treatment  of tinca  pedis  (athlete’s  foot),  tinca  corporis  (body ringworm),  tines  capitis  (fungus  infection  of  the scalp),  and  tines  versicolor. USUAL DOSE.— It is for topical use only and is  available  in  cream,  gel,  powder,  and  solution. Only  small  quantities  are  required  for  effective treatment. Apply twice daily to the affected area for  2  to  3  weeks. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) ACTION   AND   USE.—   This  is  a  broad- spectrum  antifungal  that  inhibits  the  growth  of pathogenic  dermatophytes,  yeasts,  and  other  types of fungus growth, including  Candida albicans.  It is indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis, tinea cruris,  tines  corporis,  and  candidiasis. USUAL DOSE.—  It is for topical use only. It is  available  in  cream  and  solution.  It  is  also available in a vaginal cream for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Apply twice daily to the affected  area  for  two  weeks.  A  single  daily  vaginal application  for  two  weeks  is  generally  sufficient for  cure. ANTIPARASITICS Parasitic infections or infestations account for the largest number of chronic disabling diseases known. They are especially prevalent in the tropics or  subtropics  and  in  lesser  developed  countries where  overcrowding  and  poor  sanitation  exist. Parasitic  infections  include  protozoal  infections, i.e.,  malaria,  amebiasis,  and  to  a  lesser  extent, trichomoniasis;  helminthic  infections  (intestinal worms),  and  ectoparasites.  Ectoparasites, although not disabling, are considered a nuisance and can transmit disease. Lindane (Kwell) (Old name: Gamma Benzene Hexachloride) ACTION  AND  USE.—   Lindane  is  a  pedi- culocide  used  in  the  treatment  of   Pediadosis capitis (head lice) and Phthirus pubis  (crab lice). It is also indicated for scabies. Use with caution, especially   in   infants,   children,  and  pregnant women, since it penetrates human skin and has the  potential  for  systemic  poisoning.  This  drug is irritating to the eyes and should be discontinued immediately  if  local  irritation  occurs. USUAL  DOSE.—  As a 1 percent cream, lo- tion,  or  shampoo,  it  is  for  topical  use  only.  A single   application   is   usually   sufficient   to   kill parasites and their eggs, but it may be repeated in 7 days. Crotamiton (Eurax) ACTION AND USE.—  This is a scabicide in- dicated  for  the  treatment  of  scabies  (Sarcoptes scabiei);  it  also  has  an  antipruitic  effect.  Keep away from the eyes and mouth, and do not apply to  inflamed  skin. USUAL  DOSE.—  For topical use only, it is available   in   a   10   percent   cream   or   lotion. Thoroughly  massage  into  the  skin  of  the  whole body  from  the  chin  down  for  scabies  treatment. A  second  application  is  often  advisable  in  24 hours. Metronidazole (Flagyl) ACTION  AND  USE.—  Metronidazole  is  ef- fective in the treatment of all forms of amebiasis. It  is  also  used  as  a  trichomonacide. USUAL DOSE.—  For amebiasis, give 500 to 750  mg  three  times  daily  for  5  to  10  days.  For trichomoniasis,  give  2  g  as  a  single  dose  or  250 mg three times daily for 7 days. Take with food or  milk.   NOTE:   DO   NOT   DRINK   ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; IT MAY CAUSE A  “DISULFRAM”  REACTION.  Metronidazole is contraindicated in pregnant women during the first  trimester. Chloroquine Phosphate (Aralen) ACTION  AND  USE.—  Chloroquine  phos- phate  is  the  drug  of  choice  in  the  treatment  of acute malarial attacks and severe disease and in the  prevention  and  suppression  of  malaria  in endemic areas. USUAL DOSE.— It  is  generally  administered once a week while in an endemic area as a pro- phylactic  agent. 7-15