Home Drug Guide Butenafine Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Butenafine Hydrochloride

Brand Names Mentax, Lotrimin Ultra, Mentax-tc

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Allylamine antifungal

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of dermatophyte infections of the skin (tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis)

Mechanism of Action

Butenafine inhibits squalene epoxidase, an enzyme involved in ergosterol synthesis in fungi, leading to accumulation of squalene and disruption of fungal cell membrane synthesis.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin layer to affected area once daily for 2-4 weeks.

Pediatric: Dosage based on weight and clinical judgment; follow adult regimen unless directed otherwise.

Geriatric: Use with caution; monitor for efficacy and adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily localized in skin tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized in the skin; systemic metabolism not well-documented.

Excretion: Excretion pathways not well-documented due to topical use.

Half Life: N/A for topical application.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to butenafine or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in individuals with scalp or hair-bearing areas due to potential for increased absorption.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Local skin irritation (Uncommon)
  • Itching, burning sensation (Uncommon)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (Rare)
  • Excessive skin irritation or allergic reaction (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Inspect affected areas for extent and severity of infection.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for skin integrity impairment related to fungal infection.

Implementation: Instruct patient on proper topical application, hand hygiene, and duration of therapy.

Evaluation: Monitor for resolution of symptoms and signs of infection.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes.
  • Complete full course of therapy even if symptoms improve.
  • Report any signs of allergic reaction or skin irritation.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: N/A

Lab Test Interference: None reported.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local skin irritation or allergic reaction if overdose occurs.

Treatment: Discontinue use and manage symptoms supportively.

Storage and Handling

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

Stability: Stable for the duration of labeled expiry date.

🛡️ 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.