Terbinafine Treatment for Foot Fungal Infections

Introduction to Terbinafine

The British Journal of Dermatology recommends oral terbinafine 250mg daily as the first-line treatment for dermatophyte foot infections, with superior efficacy compared to other antifungals 1, 2
Terbinafine has a fungicidal mechanism of action against dermatophytes, making it more effective than fungistatic medications 3

For tinea pedis, terbinafine 250mg daily for 1-2 weeks can effectively treat the infection with mycological cure rates of approximately 80-90% 4
For onychomycosis, a longer course of 12-16 weeks is recommended 1, 5

The British Journal of Dermatology reports that potential side effects of terbinafine may include gastrointestinal disturbances (49% of reported side effects) and dermatological reactions (23% of reported side effects) 1, 2
Rare but serious adverse events including hepatotoxicity and taste disturbance can occur 1, 2
Baseline liver function tests and complete blood count are recommended for patients with a history of heavy alcohol consumption, pre-existing liver disease, or history of hepatitis 1, 2

The Pediatrics journal advises patients to take preventive measures for tinea pedis recurrence, including thorough drying between toes after bathing, daily changes of socks, and periodic cleaning of footwear 4, 6

The British Association of Dermatologists identifies terbinafine as the oral antifungal of choice for diabetic patients with onychomycosis due to low risk of drug interactions and hypoglycemia 7