Terbinafine
Also known as: Lamisil, Terbinex, Alamil, Daskil, Daskyl, DesenexMax, Finex, Maditez, Micosil, Terekol, Osurnia
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Administration:** It is highly recommended to **give this medication with food**. This helps increase absorption and significantly reduces the chance of stomach upset or vomiting. * **Treatment Duration:** Fungal infections (like ringworm) take time to heal. You may need to give this medication for several weeks or months. **Do not stop early**, even if your pet looks better, unless instructed by your veterinarian. * **What to Watch For:** Terbinafine is generally very safe. However, contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, or extreme tiredness. * **Rare but Serious Signs:** In very rare cases, this drug can affect the liver. Call your vet immediately if you notice a yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin (jaundice). * **Cost:** Be aware that a full course of treatment can be relatively expensive, though generic options have made it more affordable.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Dermatophytic infections (Pulse therapy)
- Dermatophytic infections
- Dermatophytic infections (when other drugs are not tolerated)
- Dermatophyte (M. canis) mycetomas
- Cryptococcal infections (azole-resistant)
- Antifungal (Systemic/Dermatophytosis)
- Localized Malassezia infections
- Avian mycotic infections (Aspergillus)
- Avian mycotic infections (Aspergillus)
- Avian mycotic infections
- Avian mycotic infections
- Aspergillosis (suspected via leukocytosis and pulmonary nodules)
- Dermatophytic infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy (reported in cats)
- Hepatotoxicity / Liver failure (very rare, reported in humans)
- Neutropenia (very rare, reported in humans)
- Serious skin reactions like Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rare, reported in humans)
- Diarrhoea
- Increased liver enzymes
- Pruritus (cats)
- Topical irritation (due to alcohol content in topical solutions)
- Transient deafness or impaired hearing (in elderly dogs after administration of ear gel)
Cautions & contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to terbinafine
- Active or chronic liver disease
- Significantly impaired renal function
- Perforated eardrum (for ear gel administration)
- Generalized demodicosis (topical or systemic use)
- Pregnant animals
- Breeding animals
- > **Hepatic and Renal Warning:** Use with extreme caution, if at all, in patients with markedly impaired liver or renal function. Dosage adjustments should be considered if use is unavoidable. * **Pregnancy/Nursing:** Definitive safety in pregnancy has not been established (FDA Category B in humans). The manufacturer recommends against use in pregnant or nursing individuals, as the drug concentrates in maternal milk at levels 7 times higher than plasma. Use with caution in nursing veterinary patients.
Drug interactions
- Cyclosporine: Terbinafine may increase the elimination and decrease the efficacy of cyclosporine.
- Rifampin: May increase terbinafine clearance, potentially requiring higher terbinafine doses.
- Beta-blockers: Terbinafine shares the CYP2D6 metabolic pathway and could theoretically alter the metabolism of beta-blockers.
- MAO Inhibitors (e.g., amitraz, selegiline): Terbinafine shares the CYP2D6 metabolic pathway and could theoretically alter the metabolism of MAOIs.
- SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine): Terbinafine shares the CYP2D6 metabolic pathway and could theoretically alter the metabolism of SSRIs.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Terbinafine shares the CYP2D6 metabolic pathway and could theoretically alter the metabolism of TCAs.
- Cimetidine: May decrease the clearance of terbinafine, potentially increasing plasma concentrations (Clinical Pearl)
Frequently asked questions
What is Terbinafine used for in pets?
### Important Information for Pet Owners * **Administration:** It is highly recommended to **give this medication with food**. This helps increase absorption and significantly reduces the chance of stomach upset or vomiting. * **Treatment Duration:** Fungal infections (like ringworm) take time to heal. You may need to give this medication for several weeks or months. **Do not stop early**, even if your pet looks better, unless instructed by your veterinarian. * **What to Watch For:** Terbinafine is generally very safe. However, contact your veterinarian if your pet experiences persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, severe diarrhea, or extreme tiredness. * **Rare but Serious Signs:** In very rare cases, this drug can affect the liver. Call your vet immediately if you notice a yellowing of the eyes, gums, or skin (jaundice). * **Cost:** Be aware that a full course of treatment can be relatively expensive, though generic options have made it more affordable.
Is Terbinafine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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