Newfin

General Introduction

Newfin is a synthetic allylamine anti-fungal agent.

Generic composition: Terbinafine

Therapeutic category

• Anti-fungal

Dosage forms available

• NEWFIN 1% cream
• NEWFIN 250mg Tablets

Mechanism of action

Terbinafine inhibits the enzyme squalene monooxygenase (also called squalene epoxidase), preventing the conversion of squalene to 2, 3-oxydosqualene, a step in the synthesis of ergosterol. This inhibition leads to decreased ergosterol, which would normally be incorporated into the cell wall, and accumulation of squalene.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed from GI tract, 

Distribution: extensively distributed to hair follicle, nails, scalp and face

Elimination: Approximately 80% of dose is eliminated in urine and remainder in feces

Half-life: Oral terbinafine has half life of approximate 36 hours

Uses

• Athelet’s foot
• Jock itch
• Ringworm
• Candidiasis
• Onychomycosis

Dosage

• 1 tablet to be taken once a day
• Cream to be applied in affected area once or twice a day.

Side effects

Diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, upset stomach, headache, abnormal liver function test, taste disturbances,

Contraindication

History of allergic reaction to oral terbinafine because of the risk of anaphylaxis.

Pregnancy category: B

Drug Interactions

• increase or decrease in prothrombin times in patients concomitantly taking oral terbinafine and warfarin.

• Terbinafine decreases the clearance of caffeine by 19%. Terbinafine increases the clearance of cyclosporine by 15%.

Precautions

Hepatic insufficiency