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Terbinafine

  • Terbinafine is to treat fungal infections.
  • Your doctor has prescribed a course of treatment for you. It's important that you complete the full course.
  • Side-effects of treatment may include feeling sick, diarrhoea, and stomach ache. These effects are usually mild and don't last long.

About terbinafine

Type of medicine Antifungal
Used for Fungal infections
Also called Lamisil®
Available as Tablets

Terbinafine is used to treat fungal infections of the nails, the skin and athlete's foot. It works by killing the fungus or yeast causing the infection.

Before taking terbinafine

Before taking terbinafine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from psoriasis (a skin disorder).
  • If you have an autoimmune disorder (a disorder where the body's immune system reacts against some of its own tissue).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take terbinafine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take terbinafine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. Swallow with a small glass of water.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It's important that you complete the full course of treatment otherwise your infection may re-occur.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with terbinafine.

Can terbinafine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer
Indigestion, feeling bloated, loss of appetite, stomach ache, skin rashes and itching If any of these are troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience a severe skin rash or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) speak with your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store terbinafine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3436		 DocRef:
dils2549		 Last Updated:
7 Jul 2008		 Date of Next Review:
7 Jul 2010		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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