From the Guidelines
The dosage of Terbinafine for a pediatric patient is 625 mg per day if weight is < 20 kg, 125 mg per day for 20–40 kg weight, and 250 mg per day for > 40 kg.
Key Considerations
- The dosage is based on the patient's weight, with different doses recommended for different weight ranges 1.
- The treatment duration is 6 weeks for fingernail infection and 12 weeks for toenail infection 1.
- It is essential to monitor baseline liver function tests and a complete full blood count in pediatric patients, as Terbinafine is unlicensed for use in children 1.
- The evidence suggests that Terbinafine is well tolerated in pediatric populations, with common adverse reactions including headache, taste disturbance, and gastrointestinal upset 1.
Treatment Guidelines
- The British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines recommend Terbinafine as a first-line treatment for dermatophyte onychomycosis in pediatric patients 1.
- The guidelines also suggest that pulse itraconazole therapy and fluconazole may be considered as alternative treatments, depending on the specific circumstances 1.
From the Research
Dosage of Terbinafine for Pediatric Patients
The dosage of Terbinafine for pediatric patients varies based on weight and the specific fungal infection being treated.
- For children weighing less than 20 kg, a dose of 62.5 mg/day is recommended 2.
- For children weighing between 20-40 kg, a dose of 125 mg/day is recommended 2.
- For children weighing more than 40 kg, the adult dose of 250 mg/day is appropriate 2.
Treatment Duration
The treatment duration for Terbinafine in pediatric patients also varies based on the specific fungal infection being treated.
- For tinea capitis, a treatment duration of 4 weeks is recommended 3, 2, 4.
- For other dermatophyte infections, the treatment duration may be shorter or longer, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment 5.
Efficacy and Safety
Terbinafine has been shown to be effective and safe in pediatric patients, with cure rates of over 90% reported in some studies 2, 4, 5.
- The most common adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and diarrhea, and skin reactions, such as rash and itching 4.