Nail matrix kinetics of oral terbinafine in onychomycosis and normal nails

AbstractNail matrix kinetics were studied in 12 patients with onychomycosis taking terbinafine (Lamisil) 250 mg daily for up to 48 weeks. Terbinafine was first detected in distal nail clippings from affected nails 3–18 weeks after starting therapy. During the study the mean terbinafine nail levels ranged from 0.25 to 0.55 ng/mg, rapidly reaching a stable level within this range. The kinetics profile of terbinafine in unaffected fingernails was not significantly different from that of affected nails. The kinetics of demethyl terbinafine in nail plate closely paralleled that of terbinafine.