terbinafine Health Article

Generic name(s):

terbinafine

Brand name(s):

Lamisil

What is the most important information I should know about terbinafine?

Before using terbinafine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Terbinafine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Some people taking terbinafine have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether terbinafine actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking terbinafine.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.

What is terbinafine?

Terbinafine is an antifungal antibiotic.

Terbinafine is used to treat infections caused by fungus that affect the fingernails or toenails. Terbinafine oral granules are used to treat a fungal infection of scalp hair follicles in children who are at least 4 years old.

Terbinafine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking terbinafine?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to terbinafine.

Before using terbinafine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease; or

• an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Terbinafine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take terbinafine?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the terbinafine tablet with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Terbinafine granules should be sprinkled into a spoonful of pudding or mashed potatoes (do not mix with applesauce, fruit juice, or other acidic foods). Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.

The terbinafine granule mixture should be taken with a meal. Terbinafine is usually taken for 6 to 12 weeks. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Terbinafine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.

Store terbinafine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep the terbinafine oral granules in their sealed packet until you are ready to use.