THE MERCK MANUAL: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
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Terconazole Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Pronunciation

(ter KONE a zole)

Generic Available (U.S.)

Yes

Index Terms

  • Triaconazole

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Terazol® 3
  • Terazol® 7

Brand Names: Canada

  • Terazol®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antifungal Agent, Vaginal

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Vaginal Antifungal Agent

Use: Labeled Indications

Local treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Following vaginal administration, terconazole is absorbed systemically; use should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Lactation

Excretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to terconazole or any component of the formulation

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Irritation: If irritation or sensitization occurs, discontinue use.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Petrolatum-based: Petrolatum-based vaginal products may damage rubber or latex condoms or diaphragms; separate use by 3 days.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Lack of response: Microbiological studies (KOH smear and/or cultures) should be repeated in patients not responding to terconazole in order to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other pathogens.

Adverse Reactions

>10%: Central nervous system: Headache

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Chills, fever, pain

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain

Genitourinary: Dysmenorrhea; vulvar/vaginal burning, irritation, or itching

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Burning or itching of penis of sexual partner, flu-like syndrome

Metabolism/Transport Effects

None known.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Storage

Store at room temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Mechanism of Action

Triazole ketal antifungal agent; involves inhibition of fungal cytochrome P450. Specifically, terconazole inhibits cytochrome P450-dependent 14-alpha-demethylase which results in accumulation of membrane disturbing 14-alpha-demethylsterols and ergosterol depletion.

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Extent of systemic absorption after vaginal administration may be dependent on presence of a uterus; 5% to 8% in women who had a hysterectomy versus 12% to 16% in nonhysterectomy women

Dosage

Intravaginal: Adults: Females:

Terazol® 3 (0.8%) vaginal cream: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime for 3 consecutive days

Terazol® 7 (0.4%) vaginal cream: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime for 7 consecutive days

Terazol® 3 vaginal suppository: Insert 1 suppository intravaginally at bedtime for 3 consecutive days

Administration: Other

Intravaginal:

Vaginal cream: Use applicator provided by manufacturer. Insertion should be as far as possible into the vagina without causing discomfort. Wash applicator after each use; allow to dry thoroughly before putting back together.

Vaginal suppository: Remove foil package prior to use. Insertion should be as far as possible into the vagina without causing discomfort. If the provided applicator is used for insertion, wash and dry thoroughly prior to additional use.

Patient Education

Sexual partner may experience irritation; best to refrain from intercourse during period of treatment. Suppositories may cause breakdown of rubber/latex products such as diaphragms; avoid concurrent use. Report persistent vaginal burning, itching, irritation, or rash.

Geriatric Considerations

Assess patient's ability to self-administer; may be difficult in patients with arthritis or limited range of motion.

Additional Information

Watch for local irritation; assist patient in administration, if necessary; assess patient's ability to self-administer, may be difficult in patients with arthritis or limited range of motion

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Cream, vaginal: 0.4% (45 g); 0.8% (20 g)

Terazol® 7: 0.4% (45 g)

Terazol® 3: 0.8% (20 g)

Suppository, vaginal: 80 mg (3s)

Terazol® 3: 80 mg (3s) [contains coconut oil (may have trace amounts), palm kernel oil (may have trace amounts)]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Cream (Terazol 3)

0.8% (20): $51.99

Cream (Terazol 7)

0.4% (45): $53.99

Cream (Terconazole)

0.4% (45): $39.99

0.8% (20): $34.99

Suppository (Terazol 3)

80 mg (3): $53.99

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010," MMWR Recomm Rep, 2010, 59(RR-12):1-110.

International Brand Names

  • Fungistat (CO, MX, VE)
  • Fungistat 3 (BB, BM, BS, BZ, GY, JM, PR, SR, TT)
  • Gyno-Fungix (AR, BR)
  • Gyno-Terazol (BE, CH, CZ, LU, NL, PL)
  • Terazol (DK, FI)
  • Terconal (IT)
  • Terconer (TW)

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Last full review/revision February 2012

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