Meridam 1%

Uses

Meridam 1% cream is used for the topical treatment of the following superficial dermatophytosis: Interdigital tinea pedis (athlete's foot); Tinea corporis (ringworm); Tinea cruris (jock itch) due to E. floccosum, T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and T. tonsurans.

Meridam 1% is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Pityriasis versicolor, Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Pedis

How Meridam 1% works

Although the mechanism of action has not been fully established, it has been suggested that butenafine, like allylamines, interferes with sterol biosynthesis (especially ergosterol) by inhibiting squalene monooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for converting squalene to 2,3-oxydo squalene. As ergosterol is an essential component of the fungal cell membrane, inhibition of its synthesis results in increased cellular permeability causing leakage of cellular contents. Blockage of squalene monooxygenase also leads to a subsequent accumulation of squalene. When a high concentration of squalene is reached, it is thought to have an effect of directly kill fungal cells.

Dosage

Meridam 1% dosage

In the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis, Meridam 1% should be applied twice daily for 7 days or once daily for 4 weeks. Patients with tinea corporis or tinea cruris should apply Meridam 1% once daily for two weeks. Sufficient Meridam 1% cream should be applied to cover affected areas and immediately surrounding skin of patients with interdigital tinea pedis, tinea corporis and tinea cruris.

Side Effects

Common side effects are Burning/ stinging sensation, contact dermatitis, erythema, pruritus, skin irritation.

Precaution

Meridam 1% cream is not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. This is for external use only. If irritation or sensitivity develops with the use of Meridam 1% cream, treatment should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

Interaction

Potential drug interactions between butenafine HCl cream and other drugs have not been evaluated.

Food Interaction

Elimination Route

The total amount absorbed through the skin into the systemic circulation has not been quantified.

Half Life

Following topical application, a biphasic decline of plasma butenafine concentrations was observed with the half-lives estimated to be 35 hours initial and over 150 hours terminal.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category C. As no adequate and well-controlled studies have been conducted, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Lactation: It is not known if butenafine HCl is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised in prescribing butenafine HCl to a nursing woman.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to butenafine.

Special Warning

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been studied.

Acute Overdose

Overdosage of butenafine HCl in humans has not been reported to date.

Storage Condition

Store between 5-30° C.

Innovators Monograph

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