Oral terbinafine (Lamisil) in the short-term treatment of fungal infections of the skin: results of a post-marketing surveillance study.

Abstract

Oral terbinafine (Lamisil, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland) is an effective therapy for fungal infections of the skin and nails. A post-marketing surveillance study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of oral terbinafine. A total of 454 patients with clinically and mycologically confirmed superficial fungal infections of the skin were enrolled from 79 dermatology clinics. Patients received oral terbinafine (250 mg day-1) for 2 weeks. Specific signs and symptoms were assessed by standard questionnaire before, immediately after, and 4 weeks after treatment. Observed improvements in patients after 2 weeks treatment were: erythema 81%, blistering 33%, exudation 50%, scaling 89%, pruritus 83%. After 4 weeks treatment, erythema was absent in 85% of patients, blistering and exudation in 99.7%, scaling in 82%, and pruritus in 94%. Overall clinical efficacy was assessed as good to excellent in 97% of patients. Adverse effects--mainly gastrointestinal and minor skin rashes--were reported in 5.3% of patients. The results of this study confirm that oral terbinafine is safe and highly effective for the short-term treatment of fungal skin infections.

• Authors: M Binder, G Nell
• Journal: Mycoses (Mycoses) Vol. 42 Issue 9-10 Pg. 555-8 ( 1999) ISSN: 0933-7407 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 10592700 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study)

Chemical References

• Antifungal Agents
• Naphthalenes
• Terbinafine

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Antifungal Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Child
• Dermatomycoses (drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Naphthalenes (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Product Surveillance, Postmarketing
• Terbinafine
• Time Factors