Terbinafine (Systemic)

Class: Allylamines
- Squalene Epoxidase Inhibitors
VA Class: AM700
Chemical Name: (E)-N-(6,6-dimethyl-2-hepten-4-ynyl)-N-methyl-1-naphthalenemethanamine hydrochloride
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₂₅N
CAS Number: 78628-80-5
Brands: LamISIL

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 22, 2021. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antifungal; synthetic allylamine structurally and pharmacologically related to naftifine.

Uses for Terbinafine (Systemic)

Onychomycosis

Treatment of dermatophyte infections of the toenail or fingernail (onychomycosis, tinea unguium) caused by susceptible fungi.

Has been effective in treatment of nail infections caused by most strains of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Although usually active in vitro against Epidermophyton floccosum, Candida albicans, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, efficacy in treatment of onychomycosis caused by these organisms has not been established in adequate and controlled studies.

Terbinafine may be particularly useful in patients who cannot tolerate azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole) or when there are concerns regarding possible drug interactions between azoles and other drugs the patient is receiving. However, liver failure (sometimes leading to death or liver transplant) has occurred rarely in patients with or without preexisting liver disease who were receiving oral terbinafine for treatment of onychomycosis. (See Hepatotoxicity under Cautions.)

Tinea Capitis

Treatment of tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) caused by susceptible dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton, Microsporum).

Tinea capitis requires treatment with an oral antifungal. Topical therapies (e.g., shampoos containing selenium sulfide, povidone iodine, or ketoconazole; topical antifungals) sometimes used as adjuncts to an oral antifungal and may reduce fungal shedding and the risk of transmission or reinfection. ..