| name | Terbinafine |
| classification | Antifungal, allylamine derivative |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 1-2 hours. | | distribution | Distributes widely throughout the body, including the skin, nails, and hair follicles. | | metabolism | Primarily metabolized by the liver, though some metabolism occurs in the skin and nails. | | excretion | Excreted primarily in the urine as metabolites. |
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| suggested dosage | | oral | | adult | | tinea pedis/cruris/unguium | 250 mg once daily | | onychomycosis | 250 mg once daily for 6-12 weeks |
| | comments | Specific dosage and duration may vary depending on the specific condition and severity. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist. |
| | other forms | Available in topical formulations. Topical forms have a different dosage regimen and are not suitable for oral administration. |
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| indications | Treatment of superficial fungal infections, including athlete's foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), jock itch (tinea cruris), and nail infections (onychomycosis). |
| safety in pregnancy | | category c | Terbinafine is pregnancy category C. There is limited data on its use during pregnancy, and potential risks to the fetus need to be assessed by a healthcare professional. Its use should be avoided unless the potential benefit outweighs potential risk. | | comments | Not sufficient data to confidently determine the effect on pregnancy. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | possible excretion | Terbinafine may be excreted into breast milk. However, the levels are likely low and the potential risk to the infant is thought to be minimal. A decision to use the drug during breastfeeding should be made on a case-by-case basis, consulting with a doctor who can weigh the potential risks and benefits. | | comments | Further research needed. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Skin reactions (e.g., rash, itching) | | 4 | Liver problems (e.g., elevated liver enzymes) | | 5 | Neurological problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy) | | 6 | allergic reactions |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity to terbinafine or any of its components | | 2 | Severe liver disease | | 3 | Known or suspected myopathy |
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| interactions | | 1 | Possible interactions with certain medications, especially those metabolized by the liver. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. | | 2 | Grapefruit juice may increase blood levels of terbinafine. Limit or avoid grapefruit juice consumption. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor liver function tests, especially if the patient has a history of liver problems. | | 2 | Advise the patient to stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat). | | 3 | Patients with impaired renal function may require dose adjustments. |
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| additional information | | 1 | Important to complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve. Skipping doses can diminish effectiveness and lead to recurrence of the infection. | | 2 | Advise patient to follow specific directions provided by the prescribing physician. |
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| patient profile | |
