Efficacy and Safety of Terbinafine 500 mg Once Daily in Patients with Dermatophytosis

INTRODUCTION: Dermatophytosis are the most common fungal infections globally. Terbinafine is considered to have good potency against dermatophytes, but resistance to terbinafine is on the rise. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of terbinafine 500 mg given once daily in treatment of patients with superficial dermatophytosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective questionnaire-based survey. Each doctor was given survey questionnaire booklet containing survey forms. Clinical response was graded according to the improvement in the affected lesion. Mycological cure was defined as negative microscopy under potassium hydroxide examination and a negative culture in Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the duration of therapy, Group A – terbinafine 500 mg for 2 weeks, Group B – terbinafine 500 mg for 4 weeks, and Group C – terbinafine 500 mg for 6 weeks. RESULTS: Total 50 doctors completed the survey involving 440 patients. In Group A, out of 194 patients, 87% (n = 169) patients showed very good response. In Group B, out of 211 patients, 92% (n = 194) of the patients showed very good response with >75% improvement in their lesion. In Group C, out of 35 patients, 80% (n = 30) patients showed very good response. Adverse drug reactions of mild to moderate intensity related to terbinafine were seen in 57 patients. CONCLUSION: Our survey indicates that terbinafine in a dose of 500 mg given once daily was efficacious and safe in the treatment of patients with dermatophytosis.