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terbinafine hydrochloride
Lamisil

Pregnancy Risk Category B

How supplied
Tablets:
250 mg

Action
Inhibits squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in sterol biosynthesis of fungi. This enzyme inhibition results in a deficiency of ergosterol and a corresponding accumulation of sterol within the fungal cell.

Indications & dosage
Fingernail onychomycosis due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium)-

Adults:
250 mg P.O. once daily for 6 weeks.
Toenail onychomycosis due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium)-

Adults:
250 mg P.O. once daily for 12 weeks.

Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache.
EENT:
taste disturbances, visual disturbances.
GI:
diarrhea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence.
Hepatic
: hepatobiliary dysfunction (including cholestatic jaundice).
Hematologic:
neutropenia, decrease in absolute lymphocyte counts.
Skin:
rash, pruritus, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Other:
hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis.

Interactions
Drug-drug.
Cimetidine: decreases drug clearance by one-third. Avoid concomitant use.
Cyclosporine:
drug increases clearance of cyclosporine. Monitor serum levels.
Rifampin:
increases terbinafine clearance by 100%. Monitor patient.
Drug-food.
Caffeine: I.V. caffeine clearance is decreased. Use cautiously
together.

Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.

Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug.

Nursing considerations

Patient teaching

*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine.  †Canada  ‡Australia  §U.K.  OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING

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