Uses of Terbinafine

Terbinafine is used in the treatment of fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails.

Therapeutic Category

Terbinafine: Antifungal agents

How Terbinafine works

Terbinafine is an antifungal medication. It effectively controls fungal infections within the body. It disrupts the fungal cell membrane by blocking the production of certain chemicals (ergosterol) within the cell which is required for its survival. As a result, it stops the fungal cell from multiplication, thereby preventing the further spread of infection.

Common side effects of Terbinafine

• headache, tiredness
• nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, indigestion, bloating
• diarrhea
• muscle pain, joint pain
• skin rash, itching, redness, peeling and swelling

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of liver problems (such as unexplained persistent nausea, stomach problems, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or weakness with yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine and pale faeces)
• If you experience inflammation of blood vessels causing purple spots under the skin
• If you experience severe skin reactions with swelling, blistering and peeling of the skin, increased skin sensitivity towards light
• If you experience inflammation of the pancreas causing severe stomach pain which radiates towards the back side
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, itching, blisters, fever, swelling of face and throat, flushing, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, enlarged lymph nodes)
• If you experience signs of muscle breakdown (such as unexplained muscle weakness and dark or red urine)
• If you experience signs of low blood count (such as weakness, unusual bleeding, bruising, abnormal pale skin, unusual tiredness, or weakness or breathlessness on exertion or frequent infections)

Health Tips for Terbinafine

• Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent the growth and spread of the fungus. Avoid prolonged exposure to water or sweating, as it can promote fungal growth
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers with others to prevent the spread of fungal infections
• Complete the full course of treatment as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve before completing it. Stopping the treatment too soon may allow the infection to return or become resistant to the medication
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication unless the treated area is on the hands. This helps prevent accidental transfer of the medication to other areas of the body or to other people