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Health

Terbinox

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Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Terbinox is an antifungal agent for local treatment.

The active ingredient of the drug is terbinafine hydrochloride, which has a wide range of antimycotic activity. The pharmacological effect of terbinafine is associated with its ability to inhibit the early phase of sterol biosynthesis inside the fungal cell by slowing down the cell wall enzyme - squalene epoxidase. As a result, a deficiency of ergosterol and accumulation of squalene inside the fungal cell develops, which leads to its death. [ 1 ]

Indications Terbinox

It is used for the following disorders:

  • fungal epidermal lesions associated with drug-sensitive epidermophytes, trichophytes and microspores;
  • yeast epidermal infections associated with the activity of yeast fungi (mainly Candida );
  • pityriasis versicolor.

Release form

The medicinal product is released in the form of a cream - inside tubes of 10 or 15 g. Inside the box - 1 tube.

Pharmacodynamics

Terbinafine exhibits fungicidal activity against dermatophytes, including trichophytons (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitalis, Trichophyton crateriformis, Trichophyton verrucosum, and T.violaceum), Microsporum pubescens, Epidermophyton flocculosa, and certain dimorphic and mold fungi (Aspergillus spp., Aspergillus fuming, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, etc.). Terbinafine exhibits fungistatic and fungicidal activity against yeast fungi (usually Candida) (depending on the type of fungus).

Terbinafine hydrochloride exhibits activity against the Pityrosporum subgroup – for example, it inhibits the reproduction and growth of the bacterium that causes the development of versicolor lichen – Pityrosporum orbiculare. [ 2 ]

Pharmacokinetics

When terbinafine is used in cream form, absorption through the epidermis occurs at a low rate (less than 5% of the portion applied to the epidermis), so it causes almost no systemic effects. [ 3 ]

Dosing and administration

Terbinox is used 1-2 times a day. Before performing the procedure, it is necessary to clean and dry the infected areas of the skin. Taking into account the size of the affected area, apply 2-4 g of the drug (strip size within 3-6 cm), lightly rubbing it into the skin. Both the infected area and the adjacent areas are subject to treatment.

In cases of infections that cause diaper rash (in the area between the fingers or buttocks, under the mammary glands, and also in the groin area), the areas treated with the cream can be covered with a gauze bandage, especially at night.

Therapy for different diseases lasts on average:

  • dermatomycosis in the area of the shin or torso: 7 days (apply once a day);
  • dermatomycosis in the foot area: 7 days (1 time per day);
  • epidermal candidiasis: 7 days (1-2 times a day);
  • pityriasis versicolor: 14 days (1-2 times per day).

The main clinical manifestations often weaken or disappear during the first days of treatment. If there is no improvement after 14 days of therapy, it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis.

  • Application for children

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and therapeutic efficacy of Terbinox in individuals under 12 years of age.

Use Terbinox during pregnancy

Terbinox has virtually no systemic effect, but there is very little information regarding its use during breastfeeding or pregnancy. Because of this, it is prescribed only in situations where the benefit to the woman is likely to outweigh the risk of complications to the fetus or infant.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for use in people with severe intolerance to terbinafine or other components of the medication.

Side effects Terbinox

Local treatment with cream may cause burning, redness and itching, which do not require discontinuation of therapy. Such complications should be distinguished from the development of signs of allergy (they appear rarely), in the event of which it is necessary to cancel the treatment.

Storage conditions

Terbinox must be stored in a place closed to small children. The cream is prohibited to freeze. After the procedure, the tube must be tightly screwed. Temperature values - no more than 30 ° C.

Shelf life

Terbinox can be used within a 3-year period from the date of manufacture of the therapeutic substance.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Atifan, Terbonil, Mikoter with Binafin, Terbinafine and Griseofulvin, as well as Exifin, Lamiphen, Fungotek with Tigal and Fungoterbin.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Terbinox" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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