Terbinafine hydrochloride is a synthetic drug which is very hydrophobic in nature. This is the reason it tends to accumulate inside nails, skin and fatty tissues.

The drug is available in the form of a white crystalline powder. It is very soluble in dichlromethane, methanol and ethanol and is only slightly soluble in water.

How does it work at the cellular level?

This drug falls under the category of allylamines. Its basic function is to inhibit ergosterol synthesis by preventing the formation of an integral part of the fungal cell wall. This changes the permeability of the cell wall and causes fungal cells to die.

When is Terbinafine prescribed?

This medicine is recommended especially for the treatment of the dermatophyte group of fungi. It is available both in oral and topical form for the treatment of:

• Fungal nail infections
• Jock itch
• Athlete’s foot
• Ringworm infections

The effectiveness of this medicine can be judged by the fact that it takes only half the time in producing results when compared to other antifungals.

You can find out more about its proper use at the Mayo Clinic website.

What is the prescribed dose for fungal nail infections?

The dose for oral administration is 250 mg tablets in case of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection). Topical creams are also effective in fighting away the successive deposition of fungal layers within the deep layers of the skin. This is available online from Private Doctor Direct.

What is the epidemiology of fungal nail infections?

Onychomycosis which is also known by the name of tinea unguium and dermatophytic onychomycosis is the most commonly occurring nail disease. It is responsible for causing more than half the nail abnormalities amongst all factions of the population. It is prevalent in more than ten percent of the population.

This infection is characterized by the presence of thickening and discoloration of the nail. This means that the nail may turn yellow, white or black. It may start chipping away and may start to come off in pieces. In some cases, the finger can become affected too.

If the infection is not treated, the skin of the finger and the nail bed may become inflamed causing pain to the sufferer. Additionally, the presence of foul smell only aggravates the discomfort of the situation. The sufferer is most likely to suffer from psychosocial problems due to the appearance and the smell of the nail. Since this infection is deep rooted inside the nail bed, the response to oral treatment is more profound as compared to topical treatment.

Fungal nail infections are more fully described at the NHS Choices website.

How to use Terbinafine Orally?

This medicine can be taken with or without food once or twice a day or as prescribed by your doctor. It may take many months for the infection to completely disappear. Likewise, it will take time for new nail tissue to replace the old one. Discontinuing or altering treatment doses is strictly ill advised.

How to use tropical Terbinafine?

The topical form of this medicine should not be ingested. Before application, the affected area should be cleaned. A very thin layer of the medicine should be applied on the affected area. Washing hands immediately after application of the medicine is strongly suggested. Contact your doctor if there is no improvement in the state of the disease after two weeks of treatment.

Keeping the medicine away from sensitive areas such as the nose, eyes, vagina and mouth is advised.