Terbinafine (Lamisil)

What terbinafine is for

Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine. It's used to treat:

• skin infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, or jock itch (around the groin, top of the legs and buttocks)
• nail infections

How to take terbinafine and how much to take

Terbinafine usually comes as cream, gel or spray you put on your skin, or as tablets you swallow.

Which type you need and how long you use it for depends on why you're using it.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

How to use or take terbinafine

If you miss a dose of terbinafine

If you're taking terbinafine tablets and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

If you forget a dose of terbinafine cream, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next application. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and carry on applying it as usual.

Do not take 2 doses of terbinafine to make up for a missed dose.

If you take or use too much terbinafine

Do not worry if you accidentally use more terbinafine cream, gel or spray than you should, or have taken an extra dose of terbinafine tablets. It's unlikely to cause problems, but avoid doing it too often as it can increase the chance of side effects.

Side effects of terbinafine

Like all medicines, terbinafine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Possible side effects of terbinafine cream, gel or spray include:

• itchy, irritated or peeling skin
• pain or a burning feeling on your skin
• redness or other changes to your skin colour (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

Possible side effects of terbinafine tablets include:

• headache
• diarrhoea
• a rash
• joint or muscle pain
• stomach ache, indigestion, feeling bloated or not feeling as hungry as usual
• loss of taste or a change in how things taste
• feeling dizzy

Terbinafine will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but if you feel dizzy or very tired after taking it, wait until this stops.

Serious side effects

Terbinafine can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of terbinafine include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• a severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) – causing flu-like symptoms, a rash, blisters and sores
• problems with your blood – causing symptoms such as a sore throat, sudden high temperature (you may feel hot, cold or shivery), bruising easily, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, feeling breathless, or small red or purple spots on your skin (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• pancreatitis – causing symptoms such as severe pain in the upper part of your tummy, which may spread to your side and back
• liver problems – causing symptoms such as itchy skin, darker pee than normal, pale poo and yellowing of the eyes or skin (this may be harder to see on black or brown skin)

If you're taking terbinafine tablets, you will need regular blood tests to monitor your liver.

Who can and cannot take or use terbinafine

Most adults and children aged 16 and over can take or use terbinafine. It's only available on prescription for children under 16.

But terbinafine is not suitable for some people.

For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from terbinafine or other antifungal medicine.

Terbinafine tablets may also not be suitable if:

• you have severe liver problems or kidney problems
• you have psoriasis or lupus
• you have joint pain

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if you can take or use it.

Breastfeeding and terbinafine

Terbinafine is not usually recommended if you're breastfeeding. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Pregnancy and terbinafine

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking or using terbinafine if you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant. They may suggest a different medicine.

Terbinafine is not usually recommended in pregnancy but may be used if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Taking terbinafine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with terbinafine.

If you're taking terbinafine tablets, this includes:

• antidepressants
• other medicines used to treat fungal infections, such fluconazole
• medicines containing caffeine, such as some cold remedies or painkillers
• medicines for heart problems, such as beta blockers or anti-arrhythmics (like amiodarone)
• opioid painkillers, such as codeine or tramadol

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for you. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure you can take it.

Food, drink and alcohol with terbinafine

It's best not to drink too much caffeine while taking terbinafine tablets. The medicine can increase the effects of caffeine.

Otherwise, you can eat and drink as normal.