Home Drug Guide Acrisorcin

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Acrisorcin

Brand Names Akrinol

Classification

Therapeutic: Antiseptic, topical antifungal

Pharmacological: Allylamine antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of fungal infections of the skin and nails

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits squalene epoxidase, an enzyme involved in the ergosterol synthesis pathway in fungi, leading to increased cell membrane permeability and fungal cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin layer to affected area once or twice daily, as directed by a healthcare professional.

Pediatric: Use as directed by a healthcare professional; safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been fully established.

Geriatric: Use with caution; consider potential for impaired skin integrity and absorption.

Renal Impairment: No specific dose adjustment needed, but monitor for local irritation.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific data; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily localized in skin and nail tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally at the application site; systemic metabolism data are limited.

Excretion: Excreted via skin and nail keratin.

Half Life: Not applicable for topical use; systemic half-life not established.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to terbinafine or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
  • Discontinue if hypersensitivity reactions occur.
  • Use cautiously in patients with extensive or severe fungal infections.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Local irritation (e.g., redness, itching, burning) (Common)
  • Skin dryness or peeling (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Severe allergic reaction (rare) (Rare)
  • Liver enzyme abnormalities (rare, typically with systemic terbinafine, but monitor if systemic absorption occurs) (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well-established for topical use.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • None

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • None known

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess for signs of skin or nail fungal infection, allergies, and skin integrity.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection
  • Impaired skin integrity

Implementation: Instruct patient on proper application technique, hygiene, and adherence.

Evaluation: Monitor for resolution of symptoms and absence of adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply as directed, do not use on open wounds or mucous membranes.
  • Report any signs of allergic reactions or irritation.
  • Complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None currently issued.

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: N/A

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local irritation or allergic reaction; systemic toxicity is unlikely with topical use.

Treatment: Remove the medication, apply soothing topical agents, and seek medical advice if needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.

Stability: Stable when stored properly, check expiration date before use.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.