Terbinafine tabs (Lamisil)

Like other allylamines, terbinafine inhibits ergosterol synthesis by inhibiting squalene epoxidase, an enzyme that is part of the fungal cell wall synthesis pathway (NB: the fungal cell wall, not the cell membrane). In layman's terms, it inhibits fungal and bacterial cell wall growth, causing the contents of the cell to be unprotected and eventually die.

Indications: Terbinafine is mainly effective on the dermatophytes group of fungi.

As a 1% cream or powder it is used for superficial skin infections such as jock itch (Tinea cruris), athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) and Ringworm.

Oral 250mg tablets are often prescribed for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail or fingernail due to the dermatophyte Tinea unguium. Fungal nail infections are located deep under the nail in the cuticle to which topically applied treatments are unable to penetrate in sufficient amounts. The tablets may rarely cause hepatotoxicity, so patients are warned of this and may be monitored with liver function tests. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided while taking terbinafine.