Antimicrobial
Terbinafine (allylamine)
Squalene epoxidase inhibitor
ter-BIN-uh-feen
High-yield clue
Terbinafine blocks squalene epoxidase, so squalene accumulates while ergosterol is depleted, a step upstream of the azole target.
Overview
An allylamine antifungal studied for inhibiting squalene epoxidase early in ergosterol synthesis, causing ergosterol depletion and toxic squalene accumulation.
Classification
- Allylamine antifungal
- Inhibits squalene epoxidase (Erg1)
- Blocks ergosterol synthesis
- Fungicidal against dermatophytes
Lab & identification clues
- Squalene accumulation / ergosterol depletion concept
- Upstream of azole lanosterol demethylase target
- Keratin and nail accumulation vocabulary
Associations
- Dermatophyte and onychomycosis study association
- Hepatic and taste-disturbance monitoring concept
- Distinct target from azoles avoids cross-resistance concept
Commonly confused with
- Azoles
- Griseofulvin
Frequently asked questions
What is Terbinafine (allylamine)?
An allylamine antifungal studied for inhibiting squalene epoxidase early in ergosterol synthesis, causing ergosterol depletion and toxic squalene accumulation.
What is the high-yield clue for Terbinafine (allylamine)?
Terbinafine blocks squalene epoxidase, so squalene accumulates while ergosterol is depleted, a step upstream of the azole target.
What is Terbinafine (allylamine) associated with?
Terbinafine (allylamine) is associated with Dermatophyte and onychomycosis study association, Hepatic and taste-disturbance monitoring concept, and Distinct target from azoles avoids cross-resistance concept.
What is Terbinafine (allylamine) commonly confused with?
Terbinafine (allylamine) is commonly confused with Azoles and Griseofulvin.
Original mechanism summary for microbiology study. Sources checked: CDC antimicrobial-resistance guidance, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and standard coursework frameworks; reviewed 2026-06. Covers class, mechanism, and resistance vocabulary only; no prescribing, dosing, or patient-specific treatment guidance.