About terbinafin
Antifungal medicine (allylamine)
Used for
- Treats fungal nail infections.
- Treats certain fungal skin infections when oral treatment is appropriate.
Usual adult dose
Usually 250 mg once daily; nail treatment commonly lasts 6 weeks for fingernails or 12 weeks for toenails.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 4 years and older, dosing is weight-based, usually once daily; duration depends on infection.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea, or stomach discomfort.
- Rash or itching.
- Headache or changes in taste or smell.
- Abnormal liver tests.
Important warnings
- Rarely causes serious liver injury; avoid use with active or chronic liver disease.
- Stop and seek urgent assessment for jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, or persistent nausea.
- Taste or smell changes can sometimes persist after treatment.
- Oral treatment is generally reserved for infections confirmed or strongly suspected to be fungal.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited; oral terbinafine is generally avoided unless treatment is clearly necessary.
Breastfeeding
Terbinafine passes into breast milk; oral treatment is generally avoided during breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Rifampicin may reduce terbinafine levels; cimetidine may increase them.
- Can affect levels of some antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antiarrhythmics.
- May increase caffeine effects or alter warfarin response.
- Other medicines affecting liver enzymes can change terbinafine levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.