Terbinafine Topical

About Terbinafine Topical

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antifungals.

It is used to treat tinea (fungal) infections of the skin. Tinea infections are also known as ringworm.

Tinea infections may be caught from another person, from an animal, from soil, from the floors of showers, or from household objects, such as chairs or carpets.

The word tinea is sometimes followed by the Latin term for the affected part of the body e.g. tinea pedis (feet), tinea cruris (groin), tinea corporis (body) and tinea manuum (hands).

The appearance and symptoms of tinea vary according to the site. The most common type is tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot, which causes cracking and itching between the toes. Tinea corporis is characterised by itchy patches on the body that are usually circular with a prominent edge. Tinea cruris (also commonly called jock itch) produces a reddened, itchy area spreading from the genitals outwards over the inside of the thigh. This form of tinea is more common in males.

Terbinafine is available in cream, gel and spray form.

It is also sometimes known as: Lamisil; Lamisil AT. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Terbinafine topical

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Terbinafine topical

• Use Terbinafine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Apply Terbinafine cream thinly to the affected area once or twice a day, as directed, until the infection has cleared. If the infection is within folds of skin, you should cover the affected area with a gauze strip, especially at night. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Terbinafine treatment usually lasts one to two weeks.
• This preparation is not recommended for use in children.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before and after handling Terbinafine.
• Do not allow Terbinafine to come into contact with the eyes, ears, or mucous membranes (eg. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.), unless you are advised to do so by your doctor.
• Complete the full course of treatment with Terbinafine, otherwise your infection may come back.
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside Terbinafine.
• You should see an improvement in your condition after one week in the case of foot infections, and after two weeks in groin infections. If your condition does not seem to be getting better after the recommended period of time, consult your doctor for advice.
• Fungal infections often occur in warm, moist areas of the body. After washing make sure that areas such as between the toes and in skin folds are dried well.

Can Terbinafine topical cause problems?

Terbinafine occasionally causes skin irritation such as redness, itching, stinging or a burning sensation. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using Terbinafine and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Terbinafine topical

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 18/05/2005