Terbinafine Tablets - action, side effects, dosage, use

Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus. The action of Terbinafine tablets primarily involves the inhibition of a specific enzyme called squalene epoxidase. This enzyme is essential in the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membranes.

By inhibiting this enzyme, Terbinafine effectively disrupts the fungal cell membrane's structure and function. This action results in a deficiency of ergosterol and an accumulation of squalene within the fungal cell, creating toxic conditions that inhibit fungal growth and replication.

Terbinafine's action is fungicidal, meaning it kills the fungus, rather than merely inhibiting its growth. Its antifungal activity is specific to fungi and does not affect human cells. This selective action reduces the risk of adverse side effects and makes Terbinafine a safe and effective treatment for a variety of fungal infections.

Moreover, due to its lipophilic nature, Terbinafine tends to accumulate in skin, hair, and nails, providing a sustained antifungal activity at the site of infection. This makes it particularly effective in treating conditions like ringworm, athlete's foot, and fungal nail infections.

Terbinafine tablets are commonly indicated for the treatment of several fungal infections. They are specifically used in cases where the infection has affected the skin and nails. The following list details the specific conditions for which Terbinafine tablets are prescribed:

• Athlete's foot: This is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is also known as tinea pedis.
• Jock itch: Also known as tinea cruris, this fungal infection affects the skin of the genitals, inner thighs, and buttocks.
• Ringworm: Terbinafine tablets are used to treat ringworm infections, also known as tinea corporis, which is characterized by a red, ring-shaped rash on the skin.
• Nail fungus: Terbinafine is effective in treating onychomycosis, a fungal infection that affects the nails.

It is important to note that Terbinafine is not used for the treatment of yeast infections (such as Candida species). The medication works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, thereby treating the infection.

Terbinafine tablets are generally well-tolerated, but they are not suitable for everyone and some people should never use them. Other people should only use them with special care. It is important that the person prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history.

• People with an allergy or hypersensitivity to terbinafine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
• People with chronic or active liver disease. Terbinafine is broken down by the liver and can cause liver problems.
• People with lupus erythematosus - an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, skin rashes and fever.
• People with psoriasis. Terbinafine can trigger a flare-up of psoriasis or make it worse.

Terbinafine should not be used in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Terbinafine tablets if a doctor decides it is necessary and the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Although Terbinafine is not known to harm the baby, its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established.

Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with Terbinafine tablets as it may increase the risk of liver damage.

While Terbinafine tablets effectively treat a variety of fungal infections, they may also cause several side effects. Not everyone experiences these side effects, and in most cases, they are temporary and subside as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it is essential to be aware of these potential side effects and contact your healthcare provider if they persist or become troublesome.

Possible side effects of Terbinafine tablets include:

• Headache: This is a common side effect that usually subsides as your body adjusts to the medication. If it persists, contact your healthcare provider.
• Upset stomach or nausea: To minimize this, it is recommended to take Terbinafine tablets with food.
• Rashes: Some people may develop skin rashes. If the rashes are severe, causing itching or blistering, seek medical attention immediately.
• Changes in taste: Some patients have reported a change or loss of taste while taking Terbinafine. This usually returns to normal after discontinuing the medication.
• Liver problems: Symptoms such as persistent nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine should be reported to the doctor promptly as these are signs of liver problems.

In rare cases, Terbinafine tablets may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Remember, your doctor has prescribed Terbinafine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about these side effects.

The dosage of Terbinafine Tablets depends on the specific medical condition for which it is being used and the patient's response to therapy. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully and not to adjust your dosage without their consent.

For treating fungal infections such as Tinea Pedis (athlete's foot), Tinea Corporis (ringworm), and Tinea Cruris (jock itch), the usual adult dosage is 250 mg once a day. Duration of treatment can range from 2 weeks to 6 weeks, depending on the severity and location of the infection.

In the case of Onychomycosis, a nail infection, the dosage remains the same (250 mg daily), but the duration of treatment is significantly longer, often up to 12 weeks for fingernails and 24 weeks for toenails. This is because the fungus needs to be eradicated from the nail bed, and new, healthy nail growth needs to be ensured before stopping treatment to prevent relapse.

Terbinafine tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably at the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a meal may improve absorption and efficacy.

Please remember that the duration of your treatment depends on your clinical response and the type of fungal infection you have. Do not stop taking Terbinafine Tablets until the prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the fungus to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection.

Terbinafine tablets are primarily used to treat various types of fungal infections, particularly those affecting the skin and nails. These include but are not limited to ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and fungal nail infections.

The tablets work by inhibiting the growth of the fungi causing the infection, allowing the body's immune system to effectively fight off the remaining fungi and clear the infection.

It's important to note that terbinafine tablets are not suitable for all types of fungal infections. For instance, they are not typically used to treat yeast infections. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, preferably at the same time each day to ensure a consistent level of the medication in your body. The usual dose is 250mg once a day, although this may be adjusted by your doctor based on the severity of your infection and your overall health status.

Terbinafine tablets should be used continuously, without interruption, until the prescribed course is completed, even if symptoms improve before then. This is to ensure that the infection is fully cleared and to prevent it from returning.

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it's near the time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

When using Terbinafine Tablets, certain precautions should be taken to ensure safe and effective use. It is important to firstly inform your doctor if you are allergic to Terbinafine or to any other medications before starting the treatment. The doctor needs to know about all the medications, vitamins, or herbs you're currently taking, to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Patients with liver disease should use Terbinafine Tablets with caution. Your doctor might perform a liver function test before you start the treatment and periodically during the treatment. This is because Terbinafine Tablets can cause liver problems.

Terbinafine Tablets can also affect your sense of taste or smell. If there are any changes in these senses, it is crucial to notify your doctor immediately. Additionally, Terbinafine may cause skin reactions. If you develop a rash, make sure to get immediate medical attention.

It's not recommended to consume alcohol while on Terbinafine as it could exacerbate potential liver problems. Also, it is advised to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds as Terbinafine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in sunburn more easily.

Lastly, it is vital to complete the full course of treatment even if the symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow the infection to continue, leading to a return of the infection.

Interactions refer to the way in which a drug interacts with substances in the body, or with other drugs. In the case of Terbinafine tablets, there are several interactions to consider.

Firstly, it's important to note that Terbinafine can interact with certain medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or affect how well the treatments work. These include but are not limited to: blood thinners (such as warfarin), antidepressants, beta-blockers, and certain antifungal medications.

Secondly, Terbinafine can interact with certain substances and conditions. For example, it's not recommended for use in individuals with liver or kidney disease, as these conditions can affect how the drug is metabolized in the body. In addition, the medication should not be taken with alcohol, as this can increase the risk of liver damage.

It's also important to mention that Terbinafine can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods, such as pills, patches, or rings, making it possible to get pregnant while using these forms of contraception. Therefore, it's advisable to use an additional method of contraception while on this medication.

Lastly, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you're currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, as well as any dietary supplements. This will help to avoid any unwanted interactions and ensure the safe and effective use of Terbinafine.

The price of Terbinafine Tablets can vary depending on the dosage, the brand, and where they are purchased. However, it's important to note that the cost is usually affordable, making this medication accessible for most patients needing antifungal treatment.

On average, the price range for Terbinafine Tablets can be anywhere from $10 to $100 for a month's supply. This range takes into account different strengths of the medication, from 250mg to 500mg tablets.

It's also worth mentioning that some health insurance plans may cover the cost of Terbinafine Tablets, which can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense for patients. Therefore, it's recommended to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for this medication.

For those without insurance or those who find the cost prohibitive, there are also patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies and non-profit organizations that may help decrease the cost. In addition, generic versions of Terbinafine Tablets are usually less expensive than the brand-name version, providing another cost-saving option for patients.

In conclusion, while the price of Terbinafine Tablets can vary, there are several options available to help make this medication more affordable. It's always best to discuss these options with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure you're getting the best price for your medication.

When it comes to substituting Terbinafine Tablets, it's important to note that different brands and drugs may have the same active ingredient. This means they serve the same purpose as Terbinafine Tablets but are marketed under different names.

Some commonly known substitutes for Terbinafine Tablets are:

• Zimig
• Sebifin
• Fungotek
• Mycofin
• Terbicip

These substitutes don't differ significantly in terms of their antifungal effects. However, their prices and manufacturers can vary. Therefore, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before switching from Terbinafine Tablets to any of these substitutes.

Each of these substitutes has Terbinafine as their active ingredient, ensuring the same level of treatment for fungal infections. However, one should remember that the dosage and duration of the treatment will depend on the specific condition and individual patient's response to the medication.

While these substitutes might provide convenience in terms of availability and price, it's crucial to remember that they should not be used without the advice of a healthcare professional. Terbinafine is a potent antifungal medication, and any change in the brand or dosage can result in varied outcomes.