
Medicine overview
Indications of Terbin
Oral Tablet – Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)
Terbin 250 mg oral tablets are indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis (fungal infection) of the toenail or fingernail caused by dermatophytes (tinea unguium). This is an established, regulatory-approved indication. Appropriate nail specimens should be tested to confirm the fungal diagnosis before Terbin is started, since oral therapy is reserved for confirmed dermatophyte nail infections.
Topical Cream / Gel / Spray – Tinea Pedis, Tinea Cruris, and Tinea Corporis
Terbin 1% topical cream, gel, and spray are indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm) caused by susceptible dermatophytes. This is an established indication supported by the regulatory labeling of topical Terbin products.
Topical Cream / Gel – Cutaneous Candidiasis and Pityriasis Versicolor
Topical Terbin 1% cream/gel is also used for cutaneous candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor), per product labeling of Terbin marketed in Bangladesh. This use is guideline-supported for these specific yeast infections; the exact regimen and expected response can differ from dermatophyte skin infections, so it should be confirmed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Composition
Each formulation contains the active ingredient Terbinafine Hydrochloride as follows:
- Oral Tablet: Terbinafine Hydrochloride 250 mg per tablet.
- Topical Cream/Gel: Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1% w/w.
- Topical Spray: Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1% w/v.
Description
Terbin is an antifungal medicine that belongs to the allylamine class and is used to treat fungal infections of the nails and skin. In Bangladesh, Terbin is available as a 250 mg oral tablet for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) and as a 1% topical cream, gel, or spray for common skin fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Terbin works by stopping fungi from building an essential component of their cell membrane, which leads to fungal cell death. The oral tablet is absorbed into the bloodstream and requires medical supervision because of rare but serious effects on the liver, while the topical forms of Terbin act mainly on the skin surface with only minimal absorption into the body. Because the correct formulation, dose, and treatment duration depend on the type and severity of infection, Terbin should always be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Therapeutic Class
Antifungal (Allylamine)
Pharmacology
Terbinafine Hydrochloride is a synthetic allylamine antifungal. It acts by inhibiting the fungal enzyme squalene epoxidase, blocking an early step in ergosterol biosynthesis. This causes squalene to accumulate within the fungal cell and results in fungal cell death, so Terbinafine Hydrochloride is considered fungicidal against common dermatophytes such as Trichophyton species, depending on concentration and organism.
After oral dosing, Terbinafine Hydrochloride is well absorbed (over 70%) but undergoes significant first-pass hepatic metabolism, giving an absolute bioavailability of about 40%. It is more than 99% bound to plasma proteins, is extensively metabolized by multiple CYP450 enzymes (with a notable inhibitory effect on CYP2D6), and is eliminated mainly in the urine; its effective half-life is roughly 36 hours at steady state, with a much longer terminal half-life reflecting slow release from fat and skin tissue. Terbinafine Hydrochloride concentrates in skin, hair, and nails, which supports its efficacy in cutaneous and nail infections.
When Terbinafine Hydrochloride is applied topically as a cream, gel, or spray, systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal, so the drug acts predominantly at the site of application with limited exposure to the rest of the body compared with the oral tablet.
Dosage & Administration of Terbin
The dose, frequency, and length of treatment with Terbin differ substantially between the oral 250 mg tablet and the topical 1% cream, gel, or spray, and also vary depending on which fungal infection is being treated. The regimens described below are general reference points; the specific dosing schedule for Terbin in any individual patient must always be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
Administration of Terbin
- Oral Tablet: Swallow the Terbin tablet whole with a glass of water, at roughly the same time each day, with or without food.
- Oral Tablet: Complete the full prescribed course of Terbin even if the nail appears to have improved, since regrowth of a healthy nail continues for months after treatment ends.
- Oral Tablet: Attend any liver function tests recommended by the prescriber before and during treatment with Terbin.
- Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Clean and dry the affected skin area before applying Terbin.
- Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Apply a thin layer of Terbin to cover the affected area and a small margin of surrounding healthy skin, then gently rub in (for cream/gel) or spray evenly (for spray).
- Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Wash hands thoroughly after applying Terbin, unless the hands are the area being treated.
- Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Use Terbin for the full recommended duration, even if symptoms improve early, to reduce the chance of relapse.
- Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Terbin topical forms are for external skin use only; avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes, and do not apply to the nails or scalp.
Interaction of Terbin
- CYP2D6-metabolized drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, beta-blockers, class 1C antiarrhythmics, MAOI type B): Oral Terbin is a potent inhibitor of the CYP2D6 liver enzyme. Co-administration with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 can significantly raise their blood levels, so such combinations require careful monitoring and may need a dose reduction of the other drug.
- Rifampin: Rifampin increases the clearance of Terbin by about 100%, which lowers Terbin blood levels and may reduce its effectiveness.
- Cimetidine: Cimetidine decreases the clearance of Terbin by about 33%, which raises Terbin blood levels.
- Fluconazole: Fluconazole increases Terbin exposure (peak level up about 52%, overall exposure up about 69%) due to inhibition of its metabolism.
- Cyclosporine: Terbin increases the clearance of cyclosporine by about 15%.
- Caffeine: Terbin reduces the clearance of caffeine by about 19%, prolonging its effects.
- Warfarin: There have been spontaneous reports of increased or decreased prothrombin time in patients taking Terbin together with warfarin; monitoring of clotting parameters is advisable.
- Topical formulations: Because topical Terbin cream, gel, and spray have minimal systemic absorption through intact skin, the clinically significant drug interactions described above relate specifically to the oral tablet.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to Terbinafine Hydrochloride or any component of the specific Terbinafine Hydrochloride product.
- Chronic or active liver disease — this is an absolute contraindication for the oral Terbinafine Hydrochloride tablet.
Side Effects of Terbin
Common Side Effects
Oral Tablet: Headache, diarrhea, rash, indigestion (dyspepsia), nausea, abdominal pain, flatulence, itching (pruritus), taste disturbance, and mild liver enzyme elevations are the most commonly reported effects of oral Terbin.
Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Application-site irritation, burning, stinging, itching, redness, and dryness of the skin are the most commonly reported effects of topical Terbin.
Serious Side Effects – Seek Medical Attention
- Signs of liver injury with oral Terbin (persistent nausea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, vomiting, pain in the right upper abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools) — see Precautions and Warnings for full details on this hepatotoxicity risk.
- Severe, prolonged, or permanent taste disturbance or loss of smell with oral Terbin.
- Signs of severe neutropenia or other blood disorders (fever, mouth sores, unusual bruising or bleeding, frequent infections) with oral Terbin.
- Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, or DRESS syndrome (widespread rash, blistering, fever, swollen glands) with oral Terbin.
- New or worsening symptoms of lupus erythematosus (joint pain, skin rash on sun-exposed areas) with oral Terbin.
- Signs of thrombotic microangiopathy (unusual bruising, bleeding, extreme fatigue, confusion) — rare, reported with oral Terbin.
- New or worsening low mood, anxiety, or depressive symptoms with oral Terbin.
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; severe rash) with oral or topical Terbin.
- Severe or worsening local irritation, blistering, or allergic contact dermatitis with topical Terbin that does not settle — stop use and consult a doctor.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Oral Tablet: Available data on oral Terbin use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish whether it carries a drug-associated risk. Because onychomycosis is not a medically urgent condition, it is generally recommended that oral Terbin not be started during pregnancy; treatment can usually be postponed until after delivery.
Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Systemic absorption of topical Terbin is minimal, but data specific to pregnancy are limited. Topical Terbin should be avoided during pregnancy unless a healthcare professional judges the benefit to outweigh the potential risk.
Breastfeeding
Oral Tablet: Terbin passes into human breast milk after oral dosing. Data on effects in the breastfed infant are lacking, so oral Terbin is generally not recommended while breastfeeding; a healthcare professional should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risk.
Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Terbin is also excreted into breast milk with topical use, and product labeling advises against use during breastfeeding; if a healthcare professional determines topical Terbin is necessary, application to the breast/chest area should be avoided.
Precautions & Warnings
- Hepatotoxicity with oral Terbin (important — read carefully): Rare cases of liver failure, sometimes leading to liver transplantation or death, have occurred with oral Terbin, including in patients with no pre-existing liver disease. Liver function tests should be performed before starting oral Terbin and monitored periodically during treatment. Oral Terbin should be discontinued immediately if there is biochemical or clinical evidence of liver injury. Patients should be told to report persistent nausea, loss of appetite, unusual fatigue, vomiting, right upper abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools without delay. Oral Terbin is contraindicated in patients with chronic or active liver disease.
- Taste and smell disturbance: Oral Terbin can cause taste disturbance that may be severe, prolonged, or even permanent, sometimes leading to reduced food intake, weight loss, anxiety, or low mood; disturbance or loss of smell has also been reported and may likewise be prolonged or permanent. Terbin should be discontinued if either effect develops (see Side Effects).
- Depressive symptoms: Depressive symptoms have been reported with oral Terbin; patients and caregivers should watch for new or worsening low mood and report it promptly.
- Severe neutropenia and blood disorders: Rare but serious drops in white blood cell count (severe neutropenia) and other blood disorders have been reported with oral Terbin; unexplained fever, sore throat, or infection during treatment should be reported immediately.
- Serious skin reactions: Oral Terbin has rarely been associated with serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and DRESS syndrome; Terbin should be stopped if a progressive skin rash develops.
- Lupus erythematosus: Oral Terbin may rarely trigger or worsen cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus; treatment should be discontinued if signs develop.
- Thrombotic microangiopathy: Rare, sometimes fatal, cases of thrombotic microangiopathy have been reported with oral Terbin; discontinue promptly if suggestive symptoms occur.
- External use only (topical forms): Topical Terbin cream, gel, and spray are for external skin use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes, and do not use inside the vagina, on the nails, or on the scalp.
- Hypersensitivity: Discontinue Terbin and seek medical care if signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face/throat, severe rash, difficulty breathing) occur.
Overdose Effects of Terbin
Reported experience with oral Terbin overdose is limited. Doses of up to 5 grams (about 20 times the usual daily therapeutic dose) have been taken without causing serious adverse reactions; reported symptoms after overdose have included nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, rash, frequent urination, and headache. Specific toxic-dose thresholds beyond this have not been established.
If an overdose of Terbin is suspected, do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor or poison control service. Contact emergency medical services or a poison control center immediately, and take the Terbin package or container along for reference. Accidental ingestion of topical Terbin products should also be treated as a medical emergency requiring prompt professional advice.
Storage Conditions
Oral Tablet: Store Terbin tablets below 25°C, in a tightly closed container, protected from light.
Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Store Terbin topical products at controlled room temperature, generally 20–25°C.
For any Terbin product, always keep out of reach of children and confirm storage instructions on the specific product's label, as conditions can vary slightly by manufacturer.
Use In Special Populations
Children
Oral Tablet: The safety and effectiveness of oral Terbin have not been established in children for onychomycosis; oral Terbin tablets are generally not used in pediatric patients for this indication without specific medical justification.
Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Topical Terbin is used in adults and children 12 years of age and older per product labeling; use in children under 12 years should only occur under the direction of a healthcare professional.
Elderly
Clinical experience with Terbin in patients 65 years and older is limited. No clinically important age-related change in blood levels has been identified, but because elderly patients more often have reduced liver, kidney, or heart function, oral Terbin should be used cautiously, generally starting at the lower end of the dosing range and with attention to concurrent illnesses and medications.
Renal Impairment
Oral Terbin has not been adequately studied in patients with creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less; clearance of Terbin is reduced by roughly half in this population, so oral Terbin should be used with caution and under close medical supervision in significant renal impairment. Topical Terbin has minimal systemic absorption and is not generally restricted on renal grounds, but should still be used as directed by a healthcare professional.
Hepatic Impairment
Oral Terbin is contraindicated in patients with chronic or active liver disease; clearance of Terbin is reduced by roughly half in patients with cirrhosis. See the Hepatotoxicity entry under Precautions and Warnings for full detail. Topical Terbin is not systemically restricted in liver disease because of its minimal absorption, but patients with significant liver disease should still discuss any use of Terbin, including topical forms, with their doctor.
Duration Of Treatment
Oral Tablet: Fingernail onychomycosis is typically treated with Terbin for 6 weeks; toenail onychomycosis is typically treated for 12 weeks. Visible improvement of the nail continues for several months after the course of Terbin ends, as it takes time for healthy nail to grow out.
Topical Cream/Gel: Tinea pedis between the toes is typically treated with Terbin for 1 week, and tinea pedis on the soles/sides of the foot for 2 weeks; tinea cruris and tinea corporis are typically treated for 1–2 weeks; cutaneous candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor are typically treated for 2 weeks.
Topical Spray: Tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis are typically treated with Terbin spray for 1 week; pityriasis versicolor is typically treated for 1 week with twice-daily application.
Actual duration of Terbin therapy should always be confirmed by the prescribing healthcare professional, as it can vary with infection severity and response to treatment.
Drug Classes
Allylamine antifungal
Mode Of Action
Terbinafine Hydrochloride inhibits the fungal enzyme squalene epoxidase, an early and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane. This inhibition leads to a deficiency of ergosterol and an accumulation of squalene inside the fungal cell, which increases membrane permeability and results in fungal cell death.
Pediatric Uses
Oral Tablet: Safety and efficacy of oral Terbin have not been established in children for the treatment of onychomycosis; oral Terbin is generally reserved for adults for this indication.
Topical Cream/Gel/Spray: Topical Terbin is labeled for use in adults and children 12 years of age and older for tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis. Use of topical Terbin in children younger than 12 years should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules used for?
A: Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules is an antifungal medicine used to treat fungal infections of the nails and skin. The 250 mg oral tablet form of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules treats fungal nail infections (onychomycosis), while the 1% cream, gel, and spray forms of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis), cutaneous candidiasis, and pityriasis versicolor.
Q: How long does Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules treatment usually take?
A: With the oral tablet, Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules is usually taken once daily for 6 weeks for fingernail infections and 12 weeks for toenail infections. With the topical cream, gel, or spray, Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules is usually applied for 1 to 2 weeks depending on the specific skin infection being treated. A healthcare professional will confirm the exact duration for each patient.
Q: Can I stop Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules once my symptoms improve?
A: No. Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules should be used for the full course recommended by the prescriber, even if symptoms improve earlier, because stopping Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules too soon can allow the fungal infection to return.
Q: Does Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules interact with other medicines?
A: Yes, particularly the oral tablet. Oral Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules inhibits the CYP2D6 liver enzyme and can raise blood levels of drugs such as certain antidepressants and beta-blockers that are broken down by this enzyme. Rifampin lowers Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules levels, while cimetidine raises them. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take before starting Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules.
Q: Is Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules safe during pregnancy?
A: Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Because fungal nail infections are not urgent, oral Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules is usually postponed until after pregnancy. Topical Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules should also be avoided in pregnancy unless a healthcare professional decides the benefit outweighs the risk.
Q: Can children use Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules?
A: The oral tablet form of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules has not been established as safe and effective for children with fungal nail infections. The topical cream, gel, and spray forms of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules may be used in children 12 years and older for common fungal skin infections; use under 12 years should be directed by a healthcare professional.
Q: What are the most serious side effects of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules?
A: The oral tablet form of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules carries a rare but serious risk of liver injury, which is why liver function is checked before and during treatment. Oral Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules can also cause severe or long-lasting taste or smell disturbance, low blood cell counts, and rare serious skin reactions. Anyone taking Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules who develops signs of liver problems, severe rash, or unusual bruising/bleeding should seek medical attention immediately.
Q: Does Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules cause taste changes?
A: Yes. Oral Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules is recognized to cause taste disturbance that can be severe and, in some cases, prolonged or even permanent; disturbance or loss of smell can also occur. This should be reported to a doctor promptly if it happens while taking oral Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules.
Q: How should I apply topical Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules?
A: Clean and dry the affected skin, then apply a thin layer of Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules cream or gel (or spray evenly) to cover the infected area and a small margin of surrounding skin, as directed on the product label or by a healthcare professional. Wash your hands after applying Terbin 125 mg/sachet Oral Granules, and avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.