Home Drug Guide Tavaborole

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tavaborole

Brand Names Kerydin

Classification

Therapeutic: Antifungal

Pharmacological: Topical Oxaborole antifungal agent

FDA Approved Indications

  • Onychomycosis (fungal infections of the toenails or fingernails) caused by dermatophytes

Mechanism of Action

Tavaborole inhibits fungal leucyl-tRNA synthetase, disrupting fungal protein synthesis, leading to fungal cell death.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin layer to affected nails once daily for 48 weeks.

Pediatric: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustments, but monitor closely for adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: No dosage adjustment necessary.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily localized in the nail tissue.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally in the nail keratin.

Excretion: Excreted in nail tissue; systemic excretion not significant.

Half Life: N/A (local topical use).

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to tavaborole or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.
  • Use with caution in patients with nail trauma or conditions that may facilitate systemic absorption.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Application site erythema (Common)
  • Itching (Common)
  • LBU (onychomycosis) persistence or worsening without improvement (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Allergic contact dermatitis (Uncommon)
  • Unusual systemic adverse effects: very rare. (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

N/A

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Assess nail condition and response to therapy periodically.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired skin integrity related to topical application.
  • Knowledge deficit regarding treatment application.

Implementation: Instruct patient on proper nail cleaning and application technique.

Evaluation: Monitor for signs of improvement or adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply medication as directed, focusing on affected nails.
  • Keep nails dry and clean.
  • Notify healthcare provider if irritation, allergic reactions, or worsening occurs.
  • Complete the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings: N/A

Genetic Factors: None identified.

Lab Test Interference: Minimal systemic absorption; unlikely to affect lab tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local irritation or allergic reactions.

Treatment: Discontinue use and provide supportive care; no specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

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

Stability: Stable when stored properly.

🛡️ 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.