Terbinafine dosing and blood levels in children with tinea capitis

Population Pharmacokinetics of Terbinafine in Children With Tinea Capitis

Observational Shandong University · NCT07046988

This study will test how oral terbinafine is processed in children aged 2–18 with tinea capitis and whether the weight-based dosing is safe and effective.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorShandong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT07046988 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational population pharmacokinetic study enrolling Chinese children aged 2–18 who receive weight-based oral terbinafine for tinea capitis. Blood samples will be collected during routine treatment to measure terbinafine concentrations and derive PK parameters such as AUC, clearance, and volume of distribution. Investigators will model inter-individual variability and test covariates like age, body weight, CYP enzyme activity, and renal function to explain differences in drug disposition. Clinical outcomes (change in scalp severity score and mycological cure) and adverse events will be recorded to link exposure with safety and effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 2–18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of tinea capitis who are prescribed oral terbinafine and can attend scheduled blood sampling visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with known hepatic or renal impairment, conditions affecting drug absorption, recent use of interacting systemic antimicrobials, or those using topical terbinafine are excluded and may not benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help optimize terbinafine dosing in children to improve cure rates and reduce side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Adult terbinafine pharmacokinetics are well described, but pediatric population PK data are limited, so this approach is partly novel for children with tinea capitis.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 2 to 18 years;
2. Diagnosis of tinea capitis:

   * Typical clinical manifestations, dermatoscopic findings combined with Wood's lamp examination; ② Positive mycological examination, including positive fungal microscopy and/or isolation of dermatophytes by fungal culture; ③ Exclusion of scalp seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, trichotillomania, suppurative perifolliculitis of scalp, syphilitic alopecia, etc.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Concomitant topical treatment with terbinafine;
2. Conditions interfering with gastrointestinal absorption of terbinafine;
3. Documented hepatic/renal impairment or hematological disorders;
4. Receipt of radiotherapy, systemic cytostatic/immunosuppressive therapy, or antibacterial/antiviral/antiparasitic therapy currently or within 2 weeks prior to study initiation;
5. Participation in other clinical trials, or other circumstances deemed inappropriate by the investigator.

Where this trial is running

Beijing

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tinea Capitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.