Generic Name: terbinafine (ter BIN na feen)Brand Names: Lamisil
Terbinafine is an antifungal antibiotic.
Terbinafine is used to treat infections caused by fungus that affect the fingernails or toenails. Terbinafine oral granules are used to treat a fungal infection of scalp hair follicles in children who are at least 4 years old.
Terbinafine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before using terbinafine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Terbinafine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Some people taking terbinafine have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether terbinafine actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking terbinafine.Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take the terbinafine tablet with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.Terbinafine granules should be sprinkled into a spoonful of pudding or mashed potatoes (do not mix with applesauce, fruit juice, or other acidic foods). Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.
The terbinafine granule mixture should be taken with a meal. Terbinafine is usually taken for 6 to 12 weeks. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Terbinafine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.
Store terbinafine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.Keep the terbinafine oral granules in their sealed packet until you are ready to use.
See also: Terbinafine dosage in more detail
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, or urinating more than usual.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using terbinafine.
Some people taking terbinafine have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether terbinafine actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking terbinafine.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.
Stop taking terbinafine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:joint pain or swelling, swollen glands, patchy skin color, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
changes in your vision;
weight loss due to taste changes;
scaly, itchy, and flaky skin rash; or
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Less serious side effects may include:
stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea;
headache;
tired feeling;
runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cold symptoms;
mild skin rash or itching;
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or
decreased taste sensation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous Candidiasis:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Corporis:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Cruris:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis -- Fingernail:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 6 weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Pedis:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 6 weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis -- Toenail:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 12 weeks.
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Capitis:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day. Therapy should be continued for 4 weeks, although, longer therapy maybe necessary to effectively treat tinea capitis caused by Microsporum species. The optimal clinical effect will generally not be observed for several weeks to months after mycological cure and completion of treatment.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Capitis:
Granules: Greater than or equal to 4 years: Give orally once a day with food for 6 weeks based upon body weight:Less than 25 kg: 125 mg25 to 35 kg: 187.5 mg Greater than 35 kg: 250 mg
Before taking terbinafine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane);
another antifungal antibiotic, such as fluconazole (Diflucan);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
a heart rhythm medication such as propafenone (Rythmol) or flecainide (Tambocor);
an "SSRI" antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or paroxetine (Paxil);
a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others;
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), bisoprolol (Zebeta, Ziac), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), timolol (Blocadren), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with terbinafine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.