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

U.S. Brand Names

  • Terazol® 3
  • Terazol® 7
  • Zazole™ [DSC]

Canadian Brand Names

  • Terazol®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antifungal Agent, Vaginal

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Vaginal Antifungal Agent

Use: Labeled Indications

Local treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

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

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Fever, chills

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain

Genitourinary: Vulvar/vaginal burning, dysmenorrhea

<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Vulvar itching, soreness, edema, or discharge; polyuria; burning or itching of penis of sexual partner; flu-like syndrome

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Storage

Store at room temperature of 13°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

Adults: Female:

Terazol® 3, Zazole™ 0.8% vaginal cream: Insert 1 applicatorful intravaginally at bedtime for 3 consecutive days

Terazol® 7, Zazole™ 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

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. [DSC] = Discontinued product

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

Terazol® 7: 0.4% (45 g)

Terazol® 3: 0.8% (20 g)

Zazole™: 0.4% (45 g [DSC]); 0.8% (20 g [DSC])

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)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision March 2011

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