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
Your notes
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.