Terbinafine

Molecule Description

Terbinafine is an antifungal used against fungal infections.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Terbinafine

Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine used for fungal infections
It is used to treat ringworm infections of the scalp, foot and nails

Contraindications of Terbinafine

When should one not use Terbinafine

Allergic reaction to Terbinafine
Liver disease
Breastfeeding

Side effects of Terbinafine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea
Itching
Dark-colored urine
Clay-colored stools
Loss of appetite
Stomach pain
Weakness
Headache
Diarrhea

Precautions and Warnings of Terbinafine

Pregnancy

Can I take Terbinafine during pregnancy?

Limited data were available about its safety in pregnancy. Doctor's discretion required.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Terbinafine while breastfeeding?

Avoid application around the nipple area and ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream, gel or liquid products should be applied on the breast; otherwise, the ointments might expose the infant to the high levels of mineral paraffin via licking. Oral consumption of the tablet is unsafe during breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Terbinafine?

While taking the oral tablet, some people feel dizzy or giddy; in such a case, caution is advised while driving.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Have Psoriasis
Terbinafine can make you more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid excessive exposure to sunlight when on treatment

Mode of Action of Terbinafine

How Does It Work?

Terbinafine interferes with fungal cell membrane synthesis. This leads to the death of the fungus.

Interactions of Terbinafine

Interactions with other medicines

Blood pressure-lowering medicines such as Atenolol, Metoprolol and Propranolol
A blood thinner such as Warfarin
Rifampicin for infections
Antidepressants including Tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), or MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
Oral contraceptives (as irregular periods and breakthrough bleeding may occur in some female patients)
Beta-blockers or anti-arrhythmic for heart problems
Medicines to treat heart problems (e.g. Propafenone, Amiodarone)
Ciclosporin
Medicines used to treat fungal infections (e.g. Fluconazole, Ketoconazole)
Medicines used to treat cough (e.g. Dextromethorphan)
Caffeine

Interactions with food items

Terbinafine may also interact with coffee, cola, tea or other drinks that contain caffeine.

Dosage of Terbinafine

Overdose

Overdose is rare with Terbinafine. Doses as high as 5-20 times of actual recommended dosage do not show severe adverse effects. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, frequent urination...

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose & do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose. Avoid missing the dosages as it causes resistance in the microorgani...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Arpit Verma

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before starting the medication of Terbinafine?

A: Terbinafine is not to be used in patients with liver diseases. It is known to exacerbate (or at times cause) psoriasis. Hence, you must share the history of all existing and past skin diseases. It is advisable to share information on your ongoing medications with your doctor so that the risk of medicine interactions is minimal and optimum results can be achieved with this therapy.

References

View All

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

Share This With Your Friends

Recent articles

See All

High Cholesterol Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid!

Introduction Heart disease is the primary cause of deaths around the world. Having too much cholesterol can lead to severe cardiac issues. Thankfully, you can control and reduce the cholesterol levels by watching what you eat, i.e. the right cholesterol foods. Everything that you ingest has an impact on your cholesterol levels. Here is our

Your Ultimate Guide To A Balanced Diet For Diabetes

Introduction Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting more than 100 million people in India. Diabetes occurs either due to insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or both which results in high levels of glucose in blood. Managing diabetes is crucial because uncontrolled diabetes can have serious complications like vision loss, kidney failure,

Benefits of Figs Soaked in Water Overnight: Exploring Nutritional Advantages

Key Highlights: Introduction Figs are versatile and scrumptious fruit that has been revered for its proposed nutritional benefits since ancient times. This little fruit, filled with a burst of sweetness, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients that may enhance your well-being. When soaked in water overnight, figs can make a valuable addition to your daily

Is Dry Ice Dangerous?

Introduction: Recently, dry ice has been in the news due to an unfortunate incident that occurred at a cafe in Gurugram, Haryana. Five diners unwittingly consumed dry ice, mistaking it for mouth freshener. As per news reports, the diners suffered serious injuries to their food pipe and oral cavity after accidentally ingesting the dry ice.

Bubonic Plague Reported: Are We In Danger?

Bubonic plague, which became notorious during the 14th Century in Europe and swept through India from the 1890s to 1910s, is caused by bacteria called Yersinia pestis. Contrary to popular belief, this plague isn’t caused by rat bites. The cause of bubonic plague is the bite of infected fleas. These fleas live in the hairs

Simple and Effective Skin Care Routine

Introduction Healthy skin is indicative of the quality of diet and lifestyle one follows. The largest organ of the human body and often overlooked, the skin acts as a barrier and prevents the external components from entering the inside of the body. This entails that, at times, it is exposed to critically harsh conditions, and

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.