Naftifine

Indications

Naftifine (Naftin) is a synthetic allylamine derivative topical antifungal agent that works by blocking squalene 2,3-epoxidase, resulting in increased cell membrane permeability and cell death. It is structurally and pharmacologically related to terbinafine. It also has some antiinflammatory properties that may be due to its ability to alter chemotaxis by polymorphonucleocytes. It is most effective against dermatophytes, moderately active against molds, and less active against yeasts, including C. albicans.

Manufacturing Process

To a mixture of 1.42 g of methyl-(1-naphthylmethyl)amine hydrochloride, 2.89 g of sodium carbonate and 10 ml of dimethylformamide is added, at room temperature, 1.25 g of cinnamyl chloride, dropwise. After 18 hours stirring, at room temperature, the mixture is filtered and the filtrate is evaporated in vacuo. The residue is dissolved in toluene and, after drying over sodium sulphate, evaporated to obtain the trans-N-(cinnamylmethyl)-Nmethyl-(1-naphthylmethyl)amine compound, boiling point 162-167°C/0.015 Torr.The free base may be converted, with isopropanolic hydrogen chloride solution, into the hydrochloride form, melting point 177°C (from propanol).

Therapeutic Function

Antifungal

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 29, p. 112, 1986 DOI: 10.1021/jm00151a019Tetrahedron Letters, 25, p. 2535, 1984 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(01)81224-7

Pharmaceutical Applications

A topical antifungal used as a 1% cream for the treatment of dermatophytoses, including tinea pedis, tinea corporis and tinea cruris.

Synthesis

Naftifine, (E)-N-methyl-N-(3-phenyl-2-propenyl)-1-naphthalinmethanamine (35.3.1), is synthesized by alkylating N-methyl-(1-naphthylmethyl)-amine with cinnamyl chloride in the presence of sodium carbonate.

Definition

ChEBI: A tertiary amine in which the nitrogen is substituted by methyl, alpha-naphthylmethyl, and (1E)-cinnamyl groups. It is used (usually as its hydrochloride salt) for the treatment of fungal skin infections.

Brand name

Naftin (Merz).