How and when to take or use terbinafine - Brand names: Lamisil, Lamisil Once

The treatment you use will depend on where the infection is on your body and how severe it is.

For large areas of skin, or if the area is hairy, it's best to use the spray.

If you buy terbinafine in a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much terbinafine to use and how long you need to use it for, depending on your infection.

If you're using the cream, gel or spray, you'll usually need to use it once or twice a day.

If you're using the solution, you only use it once.

If you're taking the tablets, the usual dose is 1 tablet, taken once a day. You'll usually take the tablets for 2 to 6 weeks. This depends on the type of infection you have and how serious it is.

How to use terbinafine cream or gel

Put the cream or gel on the infected area once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks.

1. Wash your hands before using the cream or gel.
2. Wash and dry the infected skin where the cream or gel will go. If you're treating your feet, it's also important to wash and dry between your toes first.
3. Unscrew the cap.
4. Squeeze out a small amount of the cream or gel onto your finger (enough to put a thin layer on your skin).
5. Gently rub it into the infected areas. Avoid putting it near your mouth, lips and eyes.
6. Replace the cap.
7. Wash your hands.

If you're using the cream or gel on the area between your toes, or on your bottom or groin, you can cover the skin with a clean strip of gauze afterwards. This type of light dressing is available to buy at pharmacies and is especially helpful to use at night.

How to use terbinafine spray

Put the spray on the infected area once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks.

1. Wash your hands before using the spray.
2. Wash and dry the infected skin before using the spray. If you're treating your feet, it's also important to wash and dry between your toes first.
3. Take the cap off and prepare the spray by pressing the top of the spray down once or twice.
4. Hold the bottle about 10cm away from the infected area and spray until your skin is thoroughly wet. Avoid getting it near your mouth, lips and eyes.
5. Replace the cap.
6. Wash your hands.

If you're using the spray on the area between your toes, or on your bottom or groin, you can cover the skin with a clean strip of gauze afterwards. This type of light dressing is available to buy at pharmacies and is especially helpful to use at night.

How to use terbinafine solution (Lamisil Once)

The solution for athlete's foot comes in a tube with a nozzle. It's a single treatment that you only use once.

Use the solution on both feet even if one of them looks fine. If one foot looks less infected than the other, put the solution on the less infected foot first.

1. Use the solution after a shower or bath. Before using the solution, make sure your feet are dry, including between your toes.
2. Remove the cap.
3. Put the solution all over your toes, including between each toe, and on the sole, top and sides of your foot. This should use about half the tube. Finish treating this foot before treating the other.
4. Do not rub or massage the solution in.
5. Leave the solution to dry on your feet for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Replace the cap and throw the tube away.
7. Wash your hands.
8. Put on your normal shoes and socks.

Do not wash or splash your feet with any water for 24 hours after using the solution.

After 24 hours, wash your feet with warm, soapy water in the bath or shower and gently pat them dry.

How to take terbinafine tablets

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water.

You can take terbinafine tablets with or without food. It's best to take your tablets at the same time each day.

If you have a fungal nail infection, you'll probably need to take the tablets for several months. These infections take a while to clear.

How long to take or use it for

If you're using the cream, gel or spray, you'll usually need to use it for 1 to 2 weeks. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not get better within 2 weeks.

If you're taking the tablets, you'll usually take them for:

• 2 to 4 weeks if you have jock itch
• 2 to 6 weeks if you have athlete's foot
• 4 weeks if you have ringworm
• 6 weeks to 3 months (sometimes longer) if you have a fungal nail infection

It's important to keep taking or using terbinafine until you finish the course, even if your symptoms get better. Follow the instructions from your doctor or on the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

If you stop using your terbinafine too soon, or if you do not use it as recommended, the fungal infection could come back.

Talk to your doctor if you're thinking of stopping your treatment for any reason.

If you forget to take it or use it

If you forget to use your terbinafine cream, gel or spray, just use it as soon as you remember and then keep following your usual routine.

If you forget to take a terbinafine tablet, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time. Then carry on until you have finished the course.

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

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember your medicines.

If you take or use too much

If you use too much terbinafine cream, gel or spray or use it more often than you need to, it may make your skin irritated or red. If this happens, use less of the cream, gel or spray the next time.

Taking 1 or 2 extra terbinafine tablets is unlikely to harm you.

If you take more than this, you may get side effects including stomach pain, feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, headache or feeling dizzy.

If you need to go to A&E do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the terbinafine packet, or the leaflet that came with your medicine, and any remaining medicine with you.