Tavaborole

Tavaborole.svg

Tavaborole is a topical antifungal medication used for the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails. It is marketed under the brand name Kerydin. Tavaborole is notable for its ability to penetrate the nail plate and reach the site of infection, which is essential for effective treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Tavaborole works by inhibiting an enzyme called leucyl-tRNA synthetase, which is essential for fungal protein synthesis. By blocking this enzyme, tavaborole disrupts the production of proteins necessary for the growth and survival of the fungus, leading to its eventual death.

Indications

Tavaborole is specifically indicated for the treatment of onychomycosis of the toenails caused by Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It is applied once daily to the affected toenail(s) for a period of 48 weeks.

Application

The medication is available as a 5% topical solution. Patients are advised to apply tavaborole to the entire surface of the affected toenail, including the undersurface of the nail tip, using the provided dropper. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment duration to achieve optimal results.

Side Effects

Common side effects of tavaborole include application site reactions such as erythema, dermatitis, and exfoliation. These side effects are generally mild and transient. Serious side effects are rare but may include severe allergic reactions.

Clinical Studies

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of tavaborole in treating onychomycosis. In these studies, a significant percentage of patients achieved a complete or almost complete cure of their fungal nail infection after 48 weeks of treatment.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Tavaborole is one of several topical treatments available for onychomycosis. Other treatments include ciclopirox and efinaconazole. Compared to these alternatives, tavaborole offers the advantage of a different mechanism of action, which may be beneficial for patients who do not respond to other treatments.

History

Tavaborole was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. It was developed by Anacor Pharmaceuticals, which was later acquired by Pfizer.

See Also

• Onychomycosis
• Antifungal
• Trichophyton rubrum
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes

External Links

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