Terbinafine
Is it effective against hair loss?
Even now, there are a substantial number of studies examining the link between Terbinafine and hair loss. Since Terbinafine is a powerful antifungal medication, research has largely focused on its efficacy in treating hair loss triggered by fungal infections, most notably Tinea Capitis. This condition leads to scarring alopecia as a result of a fungal infection of the scalp.
Terbinafine in the treatment of Tinea Capitis
Some forms of scarring alopecia are caused by fungal infections and can take on very severe forms. Generally, oral antifungals are used along with antifungal shampoos such as ciclopirox.
Here is an example of cicatricial alopecia of the Tinea Capitis type :
Terbinafine is considered the gold standard treatment for Tinea Capitis. Along with griseofulvin, another antifungal agent, it is regarded as a first-line therapy.
We have numerous studies, but I will just mention a few since the conclusion is always the same: Terbinafine is highly effective in the treatment of Tinea Capitis, especially when the infection is caused by Trichophyton-type fungi.
2009 study : Iranian study on Terbinafine for Tinea Capitis
In a 2009 Iranian study, researchers investigated the use of terbinafine as a treatment for Tinea capitis. They conducted tests on 30 Iranian children and discovered that it effectively treated the condition without leading to significant side effects.
The study revealed that full healing typically took place between the 6th and 8th weeks of treatment. However, they also observed a remarkable 90% reduction in the infection within just 4 weeks of treatment. This is why, in most cases, we consider a 4-week treatment duration to be the optimal choice.
2020 study : 1% encapsulated terbinafine hydrochloride for Tinea Capitis
In this study, researchers tested a gel containing 1% terbinafine hydrochloride for treating tinea capitis. They applied the gel twice a day for 4 weeks to 10 children. After the treatment, 80% of the children were completely cured, and 20% showed significant improvement. There were no significant side effects.
Even though Terbinafine is typically used orally, this study demonstrates that a well-absorbed solution can also prove to be effective. However, it’s important to note that a solution specifically designed for good absorption is required, as topical antifungals are not very effective otherwise.
2017 study : Griseofulvin vs Terbinafine for Tinea Capitis
In a study from 2017, researchers compared Grisofulvin and Terbinafine in the treatment of Tinea Capitis.
They looked at various studies and found that overall, there was no significant difference between the two drugs at the specified doses. However, when they looked at the specific types of fungi causing the infection, they found that :
- griseofulvin worked better for Microsporum infections
- terbinafine was better for Trichophyton infections
In conclusion, the study suggests that the choice between griseofulvin and terbinafine should consider the type of fungus causing the infection since they have different effectiveness against different species of fungi.
Can Terbinafine treat seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky, dry, white to yellowish scales on oily areas of the skin. It commonly affects the scalp, causing red, itchy, and greasy flaking that can lead to seborrheic alopecia – a form of hair loss due to inflammation from seborrheic dermatitis.
The prevailing theory posits that seborrheic dermatitis springs from an inflammatory response to the overproduction of Malassezia fungus. As an antifungal agent, one could hypothesize Terbinafine may successfully treat the underlying Malassezia fungi overgrowth.
However, there is currently an absence of concrete research examining Terbinafine’s efficacy against Malassezia fungus specifically. While a handful of studies suggest it may help, robust evidence is lacking. Given this large gap, we cannot definitively state whether Terbinafine could mitigate Malassezia fungus overproduction and thereby improve seborrheic dermatitis.
Nonetheless, the potential exists for Terbinafine to be an effective treatment. But more targeted research is critically needed to substantiate if administering Terbinafine can disrupt the key fungal-inflammatory pathway believed to fuel seborrheic dermatitis flares. This remains an open question requiring future investigation.
Closing thoughts and verdict
I believe that Terbinafine is an excellent treatment for Tinea Capitis, especially in cases of infection caused by Trichophyton-type fungi.
Other alternatives such as Griseofulvin, Fluconazole, or Itraconazole are also valid options depending on the type of infection. For instance, Griseofulvin is more effective than Terbinafine against Microsporum-type fungi.
If you are suffering from Tinea Capitis, it’s ideal to request an examination to identify the species of fungus causing your infection. This will help you choose the most appropriate treatment.
How to use : dosage and application
For Tinea capitis
- Oral: Granules: 250 mg once daily for 6 weeks. Missed doses: If a dose is missed, take as soon as remembered, unless it is less than 4 hours before the next dose is due.
- Cream: Apply to affected area once daily for 1 week.
- Gel: Apply to affected area once daily for 1 week.
- Solution: Apply to affected area once daily for 1 week.
Precautions & side effects
Side Effects:
- Nausea, diarrhea or other digestive issues
- Headache
- Skin reactions like rash, itching or redness
- Loss of taste or smell
- Liver damage (rare)
Precautions:
- Monitor liver function
- Avoid alcohol consumption
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women use caution
- Interacts with some medications like antidepressants and heart medications
- Not suitable for people with chronic or active liver disease or blood disorders
- Monitor for allergic reactions or new skin changes
- Complete prescribed duration of treatment