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Antifungal - Formula 3® Professional

  • Formula 3®Odorless
  • Will not stain
  • Absorbed in seconds
  • Requires no drying time
  • Residue free - no removal or cleaning required
  • Will not blacken the nail
  • Conditions the nail and skin

Formula 3® is applied twice daily, morning and night with an applicator brush, to all affected nails and immediately adjacent skin. Daily application is required for a period usually ranging from 3-6 months, depending upon the degree of involvement, until such time as the patient has grown out a new, full, healthy nail. Weekly trimming by the patient, professional removal of the unattached nail, and debridement is suggested.

Formula 3® is backed by an unconditional, patient direct, money back guarantee. Simply call the 800 number on the bottle for a full refund if you are not completely satisfied.

Tolnaftate, long approved by the FDA and universally accepted for its safety and efficacy, is now available in oil soluble form for topical treatment of nail fungus.

Questions and Answers about Formula 3 Antifungal

Is Formula 3 FDA Approved?

Tolnaftate, the active ingredient in Formula 3, has been FDA approved for over 50 years. Tetra Corporation's proprietary technology makes Tolnaftate oil soluble.

What is Tolnaftate

Tolnaftate is an antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections on the skin and foot such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot. Tolnaftate was synthesized in the early 1950's by Japanese scientists and was approved as an over-the-counter drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1965. Until Formula 3 was developed, Tolnaftate was insoluble in oil or water and was emulsified in all medications.

How is Formula 3 different than all the other products that use Tolnaftate 1% as the active ingredient?
Formula 3 is the only oil-based treatment available. It requires no drying time, is odorless, does not stain or leave any residue.

What makes Formula 4 so effective?
Jojoba oil moves the Tolnaftate to the affected area. Jojoba oil is an all natural oil. It is virtually identical to the sebum produced by our sebaceous glands. In other words, it's very similar to the oil your skin produces naturally.

How long does it take to dry?
Formula 3 is an oil and is absorbed in seconds. In addition, it is odorless, does not stain, and leaves no residue.

Any skin sensitivity associated with the use of Formula 3?
The oils in Formula 3 actually condition the skin. It is extremely rare to have a hypersensitivity to Tolnaftate which may result in a minor skin irritation. Simply stop treatment and the skin will clear. See your doctor if the condition persists.

What if I am allergic to nuts; any precautions?
Nut allergies are a reaction to the essential oils of the nut. Formula 3 contains no essential oils.

Can pregnant women use Formula 3?
Tolnaftate has a pregnancy rating of Category C.

How long do I need to wait to wash so as not to remove or compromise the application?
Formula 3 is absorbed within seconds of contact. Once applied, you do not need to wait to wash or resume your normal routine.

How many times a day do I need to apply Formula 3?
Twice. Morning and evening, before bedtime.

How long will a bottle of Formula 3 last?
It depends on the size of the area that is being treated, but usually around 3-6 months.

When is the best time to apply Formula 3 in the morning; before or after a shower?
It is better to apply Formula 3 after showering when the skin has more capacity for absorption. It should be noted that virtually equal results were achieved with before-shower applications.

Have there been any side effects?
There is no evidence of side effects associated with the use of Formula 3. A very small percentage of patients have developed sensitivity to Tolnaftate as evidenced by very minor skin irritation and redness.

What is the shelf life of Formula 3?
5 years.


This information is provided to you by the doctors of the LakeForest Foot and Ankle Center.
Call 301-948-3668 for an appointment.

Office Locations

Gaithersburg Office
PNC Bank Building
702 Russell Avenue, Suite 103
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
(301) 948-FOOT (3668)

Suitland Office
5001 Silver Hill Road, Suite A
Suitland, MD 20746
(301) 736-6900

Rockville Office
11801 Rockville Pike, Suite 105
Rockville, MD 20852
301-881-6222