Healthy toenails

Terbinafine hydrochloride belongs to a class of medications called antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungi, which helps treat the infection.

It is effective in treating a variety of fungal infections of both the skin and nails.

Terbinafine is the active ingredient in the brands Lamisil and Terbinex.

Doctors often prescribe terbinafine tablets to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails (onychomycosis).

The medicine is also available as a cream, gel or spray. This is usually used to treat fungal infections on your skin such as tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and tinea cruris (jock itch).

The dosage form you are prescribed depends on the type of fungal infection and where it is on the body.

Terbinafine works by killing or stopping the growth of the fungus that is causing the infection. It does this by stopping the cells from making ergosterol, which is the main component of the cell wall.

This means that there are holes in the fungal cell membrane allowing the contents to leak out. This kills the fungus and treats the infection.

This medicine is available in 250mg strength tablets. Take the tablets exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.

How long you take this medicine for depends on the infection being treated:

• Fingernail infections: Take one Terbinafine 250mg tablet once daily for 6 weeks
• Toenail infections: Take one Terbinafine 250mg tablet once daily for 12 weeks

You can take this medicine with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is less than 4 hours before your next dose is due. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Caffeine

Terbinafine tablets may increase the effects of caffeine. Try to avoid sources of caffeine such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks when taking this medication.

Having too much caffeine can result in headaches, may keep you awake at night, make you feel agitated and it can make you go to the toilet more often.

Sunlight

This medication can make your skin more sensitive to both natural and artificial sunlight. If possible, avoid exposing your skin to too much sunlight or using tanning beds. Cover up your skin by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen when you go outside.

Can I take Terbinafine and alcohol together?

Yes. You can drink alcohol when taking this medication or when using Terbinafine cream.

It may take a few months to see the full benefits after you finish treatment. This is because growing new healthy nails, which replace the infected nails, takes time.

To help clear up your infection completely, you must keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return and your infection won’t be properly treated.

You should not take this medication if you have a history of allergic reactions to Terbinafine or any other added ingredients.

To ensure this medicine is safe and suitable for you, tell your doctor if you:

• Have or had liver problems
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have an autoimmune disease (such as lupus)
• Have kidney problems
• Have any other medical conditions
• Have skin conditions such as psoriasis
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

Terbinafine tablets should not be taken during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Some of this medication can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. Your doctor may recommend other antifungals that may be better suited for you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Terbinafine may affect the way other medicines work and vice versa. Terbinafine may interact with the following medicines:

• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medicine
• Medicines for heart problems (such as abnormal heart rhythm)
• Desipramine
• Caffeine
• Cyclosporine
• Fluconazole
• Rifampin
• Cimetidine
• Warfarin

For a full list of medication interactions consult the patient package insert included with your order.

Terbinafine is a relatively safe drug. Not everyone taking this medication experiences side effects, and if they do, they are usually minor.

Common side effects

Some of the most common side effects of Terbinafine include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea and gas
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• A headache
• Dizziness
• Taste disturbance
• Allergic skin rash

If you experience any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away, contact your healthcare professional.

Rare side effects

Very rarely, Terbinafine can affect your liver or cause an allergic reaction. If this happens, you should stop taking this medication and contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Serious side effects include:

• Liver problems (signs include: yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in your tummy, nausea and vomiting)
• Allergic reaction
  • swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue
  • trouble swallowing
  • breathing very fast or difficulty breathing
  • you develop a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
  • sudden confusion, drowsiness or dizziness

These are not all of the possible side effects. For information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are prescribed Terbinafine tablets, your liver function will be measured before treatment. Your doctor will do this with a simple blood test.