Which antifungal is specifically indicated for treating tinea infections?

Which antifungal is specifically indicated for treating tinea infections?

• A. Fluconazole
• B. Voriconazole
• C. Terbinafine
• D. Amphotericin B

Answer: (C)

Terbinafine is specifically indicated for treating tinea infections, which are dermatophyte infections commonly affecting the skin, hair, and nails. This includes conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. Terbinafine works by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is crucial for the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By disrupting ergosterol production, terbinafine effectively compromises the integrity of the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death. Fluconazole and voriconazole are both azole antifungals that, while effective against certain fungal infections, are primarily used for systemic mycoses rather than localized dermatophyte infections. Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal typically reserved for severe systemic fungal infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus and Candida species, but it is not indicated for tinea infections. Therefore, terbinafine stands out as the most appropriate choice for treating tinea due to its targeted mechanism of action and efficacy against dermatophytes.

Terbinafine is specifically indicated for treating tinea infections, which are dermatophyte infections commonly affecting the skin, hair, and nails. This includes conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. Terbinafine works by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is crucial for the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. By disrupting ergosterol production, terbinafine effectively compromises the integrity of the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death.

Fluconazole and voriconazole are both azole antifungals that, while effective against certain fungal infections, are primarily used for systemic mycoses rather than localized dermatophyte infections. Amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal typically reserved for severe systemic fungal infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus and Candida species, but it is not indicated for tinea infections. Therefore, terbinafine stands out as the most appropriate choice for treating tinea due to its targeted mechanism of action and efficacy against dermatophytes.