Terbinafine how does it work

But if taking terbinafine makes you feel dizzy, tired or very unwell, do not drive or ride a bike until you feel OK again. Page last reviewed: 7 May Next review due: 7 May Terbinafine - Brands: Lamisil On this page About terbinafine Key facts Who can and cannot take terbinafine How and when to take terbinafine Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About terbinafine Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat skin infections caused by a fungus yeast , including: athlete's foot fungal nail infections ringworm jock itch sometimes called dhobie itch, an infection in the groin area pityriasis versicolor this causes small patches of scaly and discoloured skin, often on your back, chest, upper arms, neck and tummy Terbinafine comes as a cream, gel or spray for treating athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and pityriasis versicolor.

Terbinafine tablets are only available on prescription. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Many fungal infections get better within 7 days of treatment with terbinafine — nail infections can take 3 months or more. When using terbinafine on your skin, the most common side effect is irritation in the area where you apply it. If you're taking the tablets, the most common side effects are having a smaller appetite than usual, pain in your joints or muscles, or upset stomach.

The cream, gel and spray usually start to work within a week, and the tablets can take between 2 weeks and a few months to work.

Brand names for terbinafine tablets and cream include Lamisil. Brand names for the solution for athlete's foot include Lamisil Once. To make sure terbinafine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: have had an allergic reaction to terbinafine or any other medicines in the past To make sure the tablets are safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you: have ever had liver or kidney problems are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

How to use terbinafine cream or gel Put the cream or gel on the infected area once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Wash your hands before using the cream or gel. Wash and dry the infected skin where the cream or gel will go.

If you are treating your feet, it's also important to wash and dry between your toes first. Unscrew the cap. Squeeze out a small amount of the cream or gel onto your finger enough to put a thin layer on your skin. Gently rub it into the infected areas. Avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes. Replace the cap. Wash your hands. How to use terbinafine spray Put the spray on the infected area once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Wash your hands before using the spray. Wash and dry the infected skin before using the spray.

Take the cap off and prepare the spray by pressing the top of the spray down once or twice. Hold the bottle about 10cm away from the infected area and spray until your skin is thoroughly wet. Avoid getting it near your mouth, lips and eyes. How to use terbinafine solution Lamisil Once The solution comes in a tube with a nozzle. Use the solution after a shower or bath. Before using the solution, make sure your feet are dry, including between your toes.

Remove the cap. Put the solution on the sole, top and sides of your foot and all over your toes, including between each toe. This should use about half the tube. Finish treating this foot before treating the other. Leave the solution to dry on your feet for 1 to 2 minutes.

Replace the cap and throw the tube away. Put on your normal shoes and socks. How to take terbinafine tablets Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. What if I forget to take it or use it? Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. What if I take too much? Taking 1 or 2 extra terbinafine tablets is unlikely to harm you. Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:. You take a lot of terbinafine tablets at the same time 4 or more even if you have no side effects.

You take 2 or more terbinafine tablets and have side effects. Side effects usually go away when you stop using or taking the medicine. Common side effects These common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. If you're using the cream, gel, spray or solution, talk to your pharmacist or doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away: peeling or itching skin If you're taking the tablets, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: rash headache diarrhoea feeling or being sick nausea or vomiting a smaller appetite than usual stomach ache indigestion muscle or joint pain Serious side effects Some people can have serious side effects when using or taking terbinafine.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. What to do about: Rash, peeling or itching skin — if you're using the cream, try using smaller amounts or stop using it completely. Avoid clothes that irritate your skin, such as wool or manmade fabrics. If the rash is itchy, pat or tap the area rather than scratching. It may help to take an antihistamine, which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is suitable for you.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Conclusion: Oral terbinafine has demonstrated greater effectiveness than itraconazole, fluconazole and griseofulvin in randomized trials involving patients with onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes. The drug is generally well tolerated and has a low potential for drug interactions.

Therefore, terbinafine is the treatment of choice for dermatophyte onychomycosis. Abstract Terbinafine, an orally and topically active antimycotic agent, inhibits the biosynthesis of the principal sterol in fungi, ergosterol, at the level of squalene epoxidase. Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of terbinafine tablets.

If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website? It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with terbinafine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking terbinafine, to make sure that the combination is safe.

If you need to take a painkiller while you're taking terbinafine it's fine to take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Terbinafine doesn't affect hormonal contraceptives such as the pill. However, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea while taking this antifungal, this can potentially make your pill less effective at preventing pregnancy. If this happens to you, follow the instructions for vomiting and diarrhoea described in the leaflet provided with your pills.

Terbinafine may increase the blood levels of the following medicines. If you are taking one of these, tell your doctor if you get any new or increased side effects after starting terbinafine as your doses may need adjusting:. Rifampicin, a medicine for tuberculosis, may make terbinafine less effective. If you are taking rifampicin your doctor may need to prescribe a larger than normal dose of terbinafine to treat your fungal infection.