THE MERCK MANUAL MEDICAL LIBRARY: The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy
Print This Topic

Terconazole Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

-
-

This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Terconazole may be confused with tioconazole

International issues:

Terazol® may be confused with Theradol® which is a brand name for tramadol in the Netherlands

Pronunciation

(ter KONE a zole)

U.S. Brand Names

  • Terazol® 3
  • Terazol® 7
  • Zazole™

Index Terms

  • Triaconazole

Generic Available

Yes: Cream

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.

Special populations:

• Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

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

Complete full course of therapy as directed. Insert vaginally as directed by prescriber or see package insert. Sexual partner may experience irritation of penis; 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 discharge. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

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

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess knowledge/teach patient appropriate administration, possible side effects/interventions, and adverse symptoms to report.

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) [packaged with measured-dose applicator]

Terazol® 3: 0.8% (20 g) [packaged with measured-dose applicator]

Zazole™: 0.4% (45 g) [packaged with measured-dose applicator]; 0.8% (20 g) [packaged with measured-dose applicator]

Suppository, vaginal:

Terazol® 3: 80 mg (3s) [may contain coconut and/or palm kernel oil]

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

Cream (Terazol 3)

0.8% (20): $55.99

Cream (Terazol 7)

0.4% (45): $51.99

Cream (Terconazole)

0.4% (45): $38.07

0.8% (20): $34.99

Suppository (Terazol 3)

80 mg (3): $51.99

Suppository (Terconazole)

80 mg (3): $45.99

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 August 2009