Terbinafine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Lamisil (cream/gel/spray/tablets), Lamisil Once (solution), Lamispor (tabs), Terbane (tabs), Terbaspor (cream), Terbicil (tabs/cream)

Drug group:

Antifungal drug

Prescription needed?

Yes (except for some skin preparations)

What does it do?

Terbinafine is an antifungal drug used to treat:

• Fungal infections of the skin and nails - particularly tinea (ringworm)
• Candida (yeast) infections

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tinea infections: 250mg once daily (tablets); 1–2 x daily (cream or gel); once only (solution) - Usually for 2-6 weeks, but nail infections may take up to 6 months
• Candida infections As directed (cream)

How quickly will it start to work?

Depends on the type and severity of your infection.     
   

How long will the effects last?

24 hours    
              

When should I stop using it?

Complete the course as prescribed.  

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use of oral terbinafine may rarely cause severe liver damage.

You may need blood tests to monitor the effect of the drug on the liver.

What are the possible side effects?

Most side effects are mild and transient.

The following have been reported:

• More common: nausea, indigestion, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, headache
• Less common: loss/disturbance of taste, dizziness, tiredness, pins and needles, muscle/joint pain
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe skin rash, sore mouth and/or throat, bruising/bleeding in the mouth, jaundice, dark urine or pale stools

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, psoriasis, autoimmune disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Other medicines: rifampicin, cimetidine, oral contraceptives, ciclosporin
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established, discuss with your doctor
• Children: Safety not established, discuss with your doctor
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems