Clinical Overview
Terbinafine Hydrochloride is an oral synthetic allylamine broad-spectrum fungicidal agent on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It non-competitively inhibits squalene epoxidase, an essential early enzyme in fungal ergosterol biosynthesis. This induces intracellular accumulation of toxic squalene and depletion of ergosterol, causing fungal cell membrane lysis. Highly lipophilic and keratophilic, accumulating in stratum corneum, hair follicles, and nails. Indicated for tinea unguium (onychomycosis of toenails/fingernails), extensive tinea corporis/cruris, and severe tinea pedis.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally once daily with a glass of water, with or without food. Standard duration: 2-6 weeks for tinea corporis/cruris/pedis; 6 weeks for fingernail onychomycosis; 12 weeks for toenail onychomycosis. Baseline liver function tests (LFTs) are required before starting.
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Dyspepsia, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, taste disturbance (dysgeusia/ageusia, usually reversible), headache, rash. Rare/Severe: Severe idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity (acute liver failure), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, severe neutropenia, and depression.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Contraindicated in chronic or active liver disease. Obtain baseline serum transaminases (ALT/AST); instruct patients to report persistent nausea, anorexia, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, or jaundice immediately. Taste or smell disturbances can persist for months after stopping.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a registered dermatologist or qualified medical practitioner before initiating, altering, or substituting any topical or systemic dermatological treatment.