Brand name: LamISIL
Drug class: Allylamines
- Squalene Epoxidase Inhibitors
Chemical name: (E)-N-(6,6-dimethyl-2-hepten-4-ynyl)-N-methyl-1-naphthalenemethanamine hydrochloride
Molecular formula: C₂₁H₂₅N
CAS number: 78628-80-5

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 10, 2024. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Antifungal; synthetic allylamine structurally and pharmacologically related to naftifine.^{1 2 3 10 11 25}

Uses for Terbinafine

Onychomycosis

Treatment of dermatophyte infections of the toenail or fingernail (onychomycosis, tinea unguium) caused by susceptible fungi.^{1 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 65}

Has been effective in treatment of nail infections caused by most strains of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes.^{1 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35} 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.¹

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.^{1 3 26 27 28 38 39 40} 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.^{1 60 71 72} (See Hepatotoxicity under Cautions.)

Tinea Capitis

Treatment of tinea capitis (scalp ringworm) caused by susceptible dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton, Microsporum).^{52 53 54 55 56 57 60 61 62 63 65 68 75 77 78 78 80 81 82}

Tinea capitis requires treatment with an oral antifungal.^{54 55 61 62 65 68 75 77 78} 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.^{54 55 61 65 68 77 78}

Oral griseofulvin is usual drug of choice;^{55 61 62 63 65 68 75 77 78} alternatives include oral fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine.^{55 61 62 63 65 68 75 77}

Oral terbinafine appears to be as effective as oral griseofulvin for treatment of tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton, and requires a shorter duration of treatment which may increase compliance.^{55 61 62 63 65} However, there is some evidence that griseofulvin may be more effective than terbinafine when M. canis is the causative agent.^{55 56 57 61 62 63}

Tinea Corporis or Tinea Cruris

Treatment of tinea corporis^{† [off-label]} (body ringworm)^{53 55 56 65 75} or tinea cruris^{† [off-label]} (jock itch).^{65 75}

Topical antifungals usually are effective for treatment of uncomplicated tinea corporis.^{55 65 73 74 75 76} An oral antifungal (griseofulvin, fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine) may be necessary if tinea corporis is extensive, dermatophyte folliculitis is present, the infection does not respond to topical therapy, or the patient is immunocompromised because of coexisting disease or concomitant therapy.^{55 65 73 74 75 76}

Terbinafine Dosage and Administration

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally.^{1 60}

Take oral granules with food.⁶⁰ Sprinkle contents of single-dose packet on a spoonful of pudding or other soft, non-acidic food (e.g., mashed potatoes);⁶⁰ do not use applesauce or fruit-based food.⁶⁰ Swallow entire spoonful (without chewing).⁶⁰ If dosage requires 2 packets for each dose, sprinkle contents of both packets on a single spoonful of nonacidic food or sprinkle contents of the packets on 2 spoonfuls of nonacidic food.⁶⁰

Dosage

Available as terbinafine hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of terbinafine.^{1 60}

Pediatric Patients

Tinea Capitis

Oral

Granules in children ≥4 years of age: 125–250 mg once daily for 6 weeks.⁶⁰ Use 125 mg once daily in those weighing <25 kg, 187.5 mg once daily in those weighing 25–35 kg, and 250 mg once daily in those weighing >35 kg.⁶⁰

Some evidence that a longer duration of treatment (e.g., 6–8 weeks) or higher dosage may be necessary when tinea capitis is caused by M. canis.^{57 61 65 68 77}

Adults

Onychomycosis

Fingernails

Oral

Tablets: 250 mg daily given for 6 weeks.^{1 3 10 27} More prolonged treatment generally has not been more effective,³³ although some patients may benefit from extended and/or repeated courses of terbinafine.^{3 29 33 50}

Fingernail infections usually are reevaluated ≥18 weeks after completion of treatment.^{1 10 27 35}

Toenails

Oral

Tablets: 250 mg daily given for 12 weeks.^{1 10 27 28 29 33 46} Some patients who do not respond to the initial 12-week regimen may respond to a second course.²⁹

Toenail infections usually are reevaluated 6–9 months after completion of therapy.^{1 10 28 29}

Tinea Capitis

Oral

Granules: 125–250 mg once daily for 6 weeks.⁶⁰ Use 187.5 mg once daily in those weighing 25–35 kg and 250 mg once daily in those weighing >35 kg.⁶⁰

Some evidence that a longer duration of treatment (e.g., 6–8 weeks) or higher dosage may be necessary when tinea capitis is caused by M. canis.^{57 61 65 68 77}

Tinea Corporis† [off-label] or Tinea Cruris† [off-label]

Oral

Tablets: 250 mg daily for 2–4 weeks has been used.^{65 75}

Special Populations

Hepatic Impairment

Not recommended in patients with preexisting liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis).¹ (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Not recommended in patients with renal impairment (i.e., Cl_cr ≤50 mL/minute) (See Renal Impairment under Cautions.)

Cautions for Terbinafine

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to terbinafine^{1 60} or any ingredient in the formulation.¹

Warnings/Precautions

Warnings

Hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity, including abnormal liver function tests and severe cholestatic hepatitis, reported in some patients receiving oral terbinafine.^{1 60 69 70 71 72}

Liver failure, sometimes leading to death or liver transplant, occurred rarely in patients with or without preexisting liver disease receiving oral terbinafine for treatment of onychomycosis.^{1 60 71 72} Most patients had serious underlying systemic conditions;^{1 60} severity and outcome of hepatotoxicity may be worse in patients with active or chronic liver disease.^{1 60}

Not recommended in patients with chronic or active liver disease.^{1 60}

Assess hepatic function (serum AST and ALT) prior to initiation of oral terbinafine.¹

Discontinue terbinafine if there is biochemical or clinical evidence of liver injury,^{1 60} including increased ALT or AST concentrations, persistent nausea, anorexia, fatigue, vomiting, right upper abdominal pain or jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools.^{1 60}

Hematologic Effects

Transient decrease in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) reported; clinical importance unknown.^{1 60} Severe neutropenia reported rarely; resolved with or without supportive therapy when terbinafine was discontinued.^{1 60}

Thrombocytopenia,^{1 60} agranulocytosis,^{1 60} pancytopenia,⁶⁰ and anemia⁶⁰ reported during postmarketing surveillance; causal relationship not established.⁶⁰

In patients with suspected immunodeficiency, consider monitoring CBCs if oral terbinafine is continued for >6 weeks.^{1 60}

If clinical signs and symptoms suggest secondary infection, perform CBC.^{1 60} If neutrophil count is ≤1000/mm³, discontinue terbinafine and initiate supportive therapy.^{1 60}

Dermatologic Effects

Serious skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) reported rarely.^{1 60}

Psoriasiform eruptions or exacerbation of psoriasis and acute, generalized exanthematous pustulosis reported.^{1 60 47}

If progressive rash occurs, discontinue terbinafine.^{1 60}

Lupus Erythematosus

Precipitation and exacerbation of cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus reported.^{1 60}

If patient develops clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of lupus erythematosus, discontinue terbinafine.^{1 60}

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Angioedema and allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, reported rarely.^{1 60}

General Precautions

Ocular Effects

Visual disturbances, including changes in ocular lens and retina, reported following use of oral terbinafine tablets for treatment of onychomycosis in adults;^{1 60} clinical importance unknown.^{1 60}

Although no ophthalmologic safety signal was identified in clinical trials using terbinafine oral granules, there were some reports of changes in visual acuity and some reports of color confusion in yellow-blue color vision assessments.⁶⁰

GI Effects

Taste disturbances (including taste loss) may occur.^{1 60} Usually resolves within several weeks after terbinafine is discontinued, but prolonged (>1 year) taste disturbance has been reported.^{1 60} May be severe enough to result in decreased food intake leading to substantial and unwanted weight loss.^{1 60}

Selection and Use of Antifungals for Onychomycosis

Prior to administration of oral terbinafine for treatment of onychomycosis, appropriate nail specimens for microbiologic studies (e.g., potassium hydroxide [KOH] preparation, fungal culture, or nail biopsy) should be obtained to confirm the diagnosis.¹

When selecting an antifungal for treatment of onychomycosis, consider reported adverse effects and risk of serious effects, need for prolonged therapy, cost, and risk of relapse.^{27 48}

Toenail infections generally require more prolonged antifungal therapy than fingernail infections.^{1 3 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35}

The optimal clinical effect of terbinafine in treatment of onychomycosis is not seen until several months after mycologic cure and completion of treatment, and is related to the period required for outgrowth of healthy nail.^{1 28 34 35}

Possible Prescribing and Dispensing Errors

Ensure accuracy of prescription; similarity in spelling of lamotrigine (Lamictal) and terbinafine (Lamisil) may result in errors.^{58 59}

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category B.^{1 60}

Postpone use of oral terbinafine until after pregnancy is completed.^{1 60}

Lactation

Distributed into milk.^{1 60} Use not recommended.^{1 60}

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of terbinafine tablets not established in children¹ <18 years of age.⁵¹

Safety and efficacy of terbinafine oral granules not established in children <4 years of age.⁶⁰

Geriatric Use

Terbinafine oral granules not studied in geriatric patients.⁶⁰

Hepatic Impairment

Clearance may be decreased substantially (about 50%) in adults with hepatic cirrhosis.^{1 3 60}

Not recommended in patients with chronic or active liver disease.^{1 27 60} (See Hepatotoxicity under Cautions.)

Renal Impairment

Clearance may be decreased substantially (about 50%) in adults with renal impairment (Cl_cr ≤50 mL/minute).^{1 3 60}

Not adequately studied in patients with Cl_cr ≤50 mL/minute;^{1 27 60} use in such patients not recommended.¹

Common Adverse Effects

GI effects (diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, taste disturbances),^{1 60 63} headache,^{60 63} fever,^{60 63} upper respiratory tract infection or symptoms (cough, nasopharyngitis, nasal congestion, pharyngolaryngeal pain, influenza),^{60 63} liver test abnormalities,¹ dermatologic effects (rash, urticaria, pruritus).^{1 60}

Drug Interactions

Inhibits CYP2D6.^{1 60}

Drugs Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Pharmacokinetic interactions possible with drugs that are substrates for CYP2D6 (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, β-blockers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], monoamine oxidase [MAO] inhibitors); may be clinically important if the drug has a narrow therapeutic window.^{1 60} Monitor carefully if terbinafine is used concomitantly with such drugs; dosage of the drug metabolized by CYP2D6 may need to be reduced.^{1 60}

Specific Drugs and Foods

Terbinafine Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Granules: Peak serum concentrations and AUC (systemic exposure) in children 4–8 years of age exhibit considerable interindividual variability (36–64%).⁶⁰

Tablets: Peak plasma concentrations attained within 1.4–2 hours.^{1 64} Bioavailability is 40% as the result of first-pass metabolism.¹ Following multiple doses, steady-state peak concentrations and AUC are 25% higher than those reported following a single dose.¹ Considerable interindividual variability in systemic exposure reported in adults or children.⁶⁴

Food

Granules: Effect of food not studied.⁶⁰

Tablets: Food increases AUC by <20%;¹ not considered clinically important.^{3 50 51}

Distribution

Extent

Terbinafine is highly lipophilic and keratophilic and distributes in high concentrations into stratum corneum, sebum, hair, and nail matrix, bed, and plate; persists in these tissues for several weeks to months after discontinuance.^{3 10 27 34 41 42 43}

Distributed into milk.^{1 60}

Plasma Protein Binding

>99%.^{1 60}

Elimination

Metabolism

Rapidly and extensively metabolized by at least 7 CYP isoenzymes, including 2C9, 1A2, 3A4, 2C8, and 2C19.⁶⁰

No metabolites with antifungal activity have been identified to date.^{1 60}

Elimination Route

Approximately 70% of an oral dose eliminated in urine.^{1 60}

Half-life

Terminal half-life of 200–400 hours; may represent slow elimination from tissues (e.g., skin, adipose).¹

Following multiple doses of oral granules in children 4–8 years of age, mean effective half-life obtained from the observed accumulation was 26.7 or 30.5 hours for 125- or 187.5-mg doses, respectively.⁶⁰

Special Populations

Clearance decreased by about 50% in adults with renal impairment (Cl_cr ≤50 mL/minute) or hepatic cirrhosis.^{1 3 60}

Stability

Storage

Oral

Granules

25°C; may be exposed to 15–30°C.⁶⁰

Tablets

<25°C in tight container.¹ Protect from light.¹

Actions and Spectrum

• May be fungicidal or fungistatic in action, depending on concentration of the drug and specific fungal species tested.^{1 2 3 25 60}

• Appears to interfere with sterol biosynthesis in susceptible fungi by inhibiting the enzyme squalene monooxygenase (squalene 2,3-epoxidase).^{1 2 3 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 27 60} The resulting accumulation of squalene (the usual substrate of the enzyme) in the cells and decreased amounts of sterols, especially ergosterol,^{1 3 14 16 17 19 22 25 27 50 60} may contribute to the antifungal effects.^{2 3 10 25 27}

• Active against many fungi, including dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton), filamentous (e.g. Aspergillus), dimorphic (e.g., Blastomyces), and dematiaceous fungi and yeasts.^{3 25 27} Antifungal spectrum of activity similar to that of naftifine.^{3 4 10 13}

• Dermatophytes: Active against most Trichophyton, including T. mentagrophytes,^{1 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35} T. rubrum,^{1 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35} T. tonsurans,⁶⁶ and T. violaceum.⁶⁶ Also active in vitro against E. floccosum^{3 6 8 13 44} and Microsporum,^{3 6 8 13 44} including M. audouinii⁶⁶ and M. canis.⁶⁶ More active than azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole) against dermatophytes.^{3 6 8 13 44}

• Other fungi: Active in vitro against Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Histoplasma, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis.¹ and some Candida,^{3 4 5 10 13} including C. albicans and C. parapsilosis.^{3 10 18 22 23 25} Less active than azole antifungals against Candida.^{3 9 10 44}

Advice to Patients

• Importance of using terbinafine for the full, prescribed treatment period.⁶⁰

• If using oral granules, importance of taking once daily with food.⁶⁰ Advise patients to sprinkle contents of packet containing granules on a spoonful of pudding or other soft, nonacidic food (e.g., mashed potatoes) and to swallow the food and granules without chewing.⁶⁰ Importance of not to taking with applesauce or fruit-based foods.⁶⁰

• Advise patients of the risk of hepatotoxicity and importance of discontinuing the drug and contacting a clinician if they experience persistent nausea, anorexia, fatigue, vomiting, right upper abdominal pain or jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools.^{1 60}

• Advise patients to discontinue terbinafine and contact a clinician if a progressive rash occurs.^{1 60}

• Advise patients to contact a clinician if they experience prolonged taste disturbances severe enough to result in decreased food intake since this may lead to substantial and unwanted weight loss.⁶⁰

• When used to treat onychomycosis, advise patients that optimal clinical effect of terbinafine is delayed for several months after mycologic cure and completion of treatment because of the time required for outgrowth of healthy nail.^{1 28 34 35}

• Importance of informing clinician of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, and other concomitant illnesses.^{1 60}

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.^{1 60}

• Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information.^{1 60} (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Frequently asked questions

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