Terbinafine (Oral)

Terbinafine (By Mouth)

Terbinafine (TER-bin-a-feen)

Treats fungal infections of the toenails or fingernails.

Brand Name(s):

Lamisil
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to terbinafine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

     
  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.  
  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.  
  • It may take several months for your infection to clear up completely and for healthy nails to grow out and replace the infected nails.  
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed::

     
  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.  
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

     
  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.  
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

     
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cimetidine (Tagametreg;), rifampin (Rifadenreg;, Rifamatereg;, Rifaterreg;), blood pressure medicine (carvedilol, metoprolol, timolol, Blocadrenreg;, Coregreg;, Toprolreg;), an MAO inhibitor (Eldeprylreg;, Marplanreg;, Nardilreg;, Parnatereg;), or medicine for depression (amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, venlafaxine, Anafranilreg;, Aventylreg;, Effexorreg;, Luvoxreg;, Pamelorreg;, Paxilreg;, Prozacreg;, Norpraminreg;, Tofranilreg;).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

     
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or HIV infection (AIDS).  
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

     
  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing  
  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash  
  • Dark-colored urine  
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach  
  • Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat  
  • Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

     
  • Diarrhea, stomach pain, or upset stomach  
  • Mild skin rash or itching  
  • Unusual or bad taste in your mouth

Johns Hopkins patient information

Copyright 1996-2014 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 16.02.
Revision date: July 5, 2011
Last revised: by Andrew G. Epstein, M.D.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.