Terbinafine

Definition

Terbinafine is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It works by interfering with the synthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes, effectively inhibiting the growth and spread of fungal pathogens within the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terbinafine is classified as an allylamine antifungal drug, which inhibits the enzyme squalene epoxidase, a key step in the biosynthesis of ergosterol.
2. Terbinafine has a broad spectrum of antifungal activity, effectively treating a wide range of dermatophyte infections, including tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea corporis (ringworm), and onychomycosis (nail fungus).
3. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver and has a long half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing and extended fungicidal activity.
4. Terbinafine has been investigated for its potential use as an antiviral agent, particularly against the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19, due to its ability to disrupt viral entry and replication.
5. Topical formulations of terbinafine are available for the treatment of superficial fungal infections, while oral formulations are used for more systemic or deep-seated fungal infections.

Review Questions

• Explain how terbinafine functions as an antifungal agent by disrupting the biosynthesis of ergosterol.
  • Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal drug that specifically targets the enzyme squalene epoxidase, a key step in the biosynthesis of ergosterol. Ergosterol is an essential component of fungal cell membranes, responsible for maintaining cell structure and function. By inhibiting squalene epoxidase, terbinafine disrupts the production of ergosterol, leading to the weakening and eventual collapse of the fungal cell membrane, ultimately resulting in the inhibition of fungal growth and proliferation.
• Describe the broad-spectrum antifungal activity of terbinafine and its applications in treating various fungal infections.
  • Terbinafine has a wide range of antifungal activity, allowing it to effectively treat a variety of dermatophyte infections, including tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea corporis (ringworm), and onychomycosis (nail fungus). The drug's ability to disrupt the biosynthesis of ergosterol, a crucial component of fungal cell membranes, makes it effective against a diverse array of fungal pathogens. Terbinafine is available in both topical and oral formulations, with the topical formulations used for the treatment of superficial fungal infections and the oral formulations used for more systemic or deep-seated fungal infections.
• Analyze the potential use of terbinafine as an antiviral agent, particularly in the context of COVID-19, and discuss the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to its antiviral activity.
  • Recent studies have investigated the potential of terbinafine as an antiviral agent, particularly in the context of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While terbinafine's primary mechanism of action is as an antifungal agent, targeting the biosynthesis of ergosterol, it has also been shown to disrupt viral entry and replication processes. The drug's ability to interfere with the cellular pathways involved in viral entry and the inhibition of viral RNA synthesis may contribute to its potential antiviral properties. Additionally, terbinafine's long half-life and broad-spectrum activity against a range of pathogens make it an interesting candidate for further exploration as a possible treatment option for COVID-19 and other viral infections.

Related terms

Ergosterol: A sterol compound that is an essential component of fungal cell membranes, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell structure and function.

Allylamine: A class of synthetic antifungal compounds, including terbinafine, that target the biosynthesis of ergosterol in fungal cells.

Onychomycosis: A fungal infection of the nails, commonly known as nail fungus, which terbinafine is often used to treat.