From the Guidelines
Terbinafine oral is not the first-line treatment for a 7-year-old female with tinea capitis, as it is not licensed for use in children under 12 years in the U.K. However, according to the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of tinea capitis 2014 1, terbinafine can be considered as a treatment option. For a child weighing less than 20 kg, the recommended dose of terbinafine is 62.5 mg per day for 2-4 weeks, for a child weighing 20-40 kg, the dose is 125 mg per day for 2-4 weeks, and for a child weighing more than 40 kg, the dose is 250 mg per day for 2-4 weeks 1. Some key points to consider when treating a 7-year-old female with terbinafine include:
- The treatment should be directed by the causative dermatophyte and/or local epidemiology 1
- Terbinafine is more efficacious against Trichophyton species, and griseofulvin is more effective against Microsporum species 1
- The child should be properly diagnosed by a healthcare provider to confirm the type of fungal infection, as different infections require different treatments
- Liver function tests may be recommended before starting therapy
- Parents should ensure the full prescribed course is completed, even if symptoms improve earlier, to prevent recurrence of the infection
- Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset, rash, and rarely liver function abnormalities. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as they will determine the best course of action based on the child's specific condition and medical history.
From the Research
Terbinafine Oral for 7-Year-Old Female
- The efficacy and safety of terbinafine in children have been demonstrated in several studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Terbinafine has been shown to be effective in treating superficial fungal infections, including tinea capitis, in children 2, 4, 5, 6.
- The length of therapy for terbinafine in treating tinea capitis may be 2 or 4 weeks, depending on the causative organism 2.
- A study comparing terbinafine with griseofulvin in children with tinea capitis found that terbinafine had higher cure rates and was better tolerated 4.
- Another study found that terbinafine was effective in treating tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton species, with a cure rate of 94% 5.
- A comparative study of terbinafine, griseofulvin, and fluconazole in children with tinea capitis found that terbinafine had a cure rate of 88% and was the second best agent after griseofulvin 6.
- The dosage of terbinafine for children is typically 5-8 mg/kg/day, and it is recommended to use a weight-based dose 3, 4.
- Terbinafine has been found to be safe and well-tolerated in children, with few adverse effects reported 2, 4, 5, 6.