Generic Name: terbinafine (ter BIN na feen)
Brand Names: LamISIL
What is terbinafine?
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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about terbinafine?
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. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. 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, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, 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 medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking terbinafine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to terbinafine.
To make sure you can safely take terbinafine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
a history of depression; or
an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Terbinafine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take terbinafine?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller 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. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Terbinafine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
To be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.
Store 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)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, or urinating more than usual.
What should I avoid while taking terbinafine?
Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking this medication. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Lamivudine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Terbinafine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, 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:
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
joint pain or swelling, swollen glands, patchy skin color, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose;
changes in mood or behavior;
weight loss due to taste changes;
raised, silvery flaking of the skin; or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Less serious side effects may include:
upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, mild nausea or stomach pain;
headache;
mild skin rash or itching; or
unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.
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.
Terbinafine Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis -- Fingernail:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 6 weeks
The optimal clinical effect is observed some months after mycological cure and completion of treatment. This is related to the time required for outgrowth of healthy nail.
Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis -- Toenail:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 12 weeks
The optimal clinical effect is observed some months after mycological cure and completion of treatment. This is related to the time required for outgrowth of healthy nail.
Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Capitis:
Oral granules: 250 mg orally once a day for 6 weeks
Some evidence suggests that a longer duration of therapy (e.g., 6 to 8 weeks) or higher dosage may be necessary when tinea capitis is caused by Microsporum canis.
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 Tinea Pedis:
Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 6 weeks
Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Capitis:
Oral granules:
4 years or older:
Less than 25 kg: 125 mg orally once a day
25 to 35 kg: 187.5 mg orally once a day
Greater than 35 kg: 250 mg orally once a day
Duration: 6 weeks
Some evidence suggests that a longer duration of therapy (e.g., 6 to 8 weeks) or higher dosage may be necessary when tinea capitis is caused by Microsporum canis.
What other drugs will affect terbinafine?
Before taking terbinafine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifamate);
another antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), or voriconazole (Vfend);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
a heart rhythm medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), propafenone (Rythmol) or flecainide (Tambocor);
an "SSRI" antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or paroxetine (Paxil);
a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), 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 betaxolol (Kerlone), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal), or timolol (Blocadren).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with terbinafine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More terbinafine resources
- Terbinafine Dosage
- Terbinafine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Terbinafine Drug Interactions
- Terbinafine Support Group
- 45 Reviews for Terbinafine - Add your own review/rating
- terbinafine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Terbinafine Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Terbinafine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Terbinafine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Lamisil Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Lamisil Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Lamisil Consumer Overview
Compare terbinafine with other medications
- Cutaneous Candidiasis
- Onychomycosis, Fingernail
- Onychomycosis, Toenail
- Tinea Capitis
- Tinea Corporis
- Tinea Cruris
- Tinea Pedis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about terbinafine.
