What is terbinafine (Lamisil)
Terbinafine is a topical medication used to treat fungal infections in various parts of the body. It kills fungus and prevents it from spreading to other body parts.
Terbinafine is available in its generic form or under the brand name Lamisil. It is available both over the counter and via prescription. Prescription strength terbinafine is used for the advanced treatment of fungal infections.
What are the common side effects of terbinafine (Lamisil)?
Using terbinafine has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.
Common side effects include diarrhea, indigestion, and headaches.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.
Terbinafine is a topical medication used to treat fungal infections in various parts of the body. It kills fungus and prevents it from spreading to other body parts.
Terbinafine is available in its generic form or under the brand name Lamisil. It is available both over the counter and via prescription. Prescription-strength terbinafine is used for the advanced treatment of fungal infections.
Terbinafine is used for the treatment of fungal infections in various areas of the body. It is particularly effective against the types of fungi that cause athlete's foot (tinea pedis), and jock itch (tinea cruris).
Athlete's foot primarily affects the feet, especially between the toes. It can cause symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes even blisters. This condition is often associated with sweating, tight shoes, and humid environments.
Jock itch typically occurs in the groin and inner thigh area. It presents with symptoms like itching, redness, and a rash that may spread in a circular or ring-like pattern. This condition is more common in men and is often associated with moisture and friction in the groin area.
Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, can affect various parts of the body, excluding the feet, groin, and scalp. It typically appears as a red, circular, or ring-shaped rash with raised edges. Tinea corporis can occur on the arms, legs, trunk, or face and is highly contagious.
Terbinafine belongs to a class of medications known as antifungal agents. It works by interfering with specific functions within a fungal cell, weakening the cell, and eventually killing it. This action eliminates an existing infection while preventing its spread to other body parts.
Terbinafine has been shown to cause mild side effects. Talk to a health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away after a few days.
Mild side effects reported from terbinafine use include:
More serious side effects include:
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.
As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with terbinafine. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.
You should tell your provider if you are taking:
Warfarin and Other Blood Thinners: Terbinafine may increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Some SSRIs, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, can interact with terbinafine, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs, like amitriptyline and nortriptyline, may interact with terbinafine and increase the risk of side effects.
Beta-Blockers: Terbinafine may enhance beta-blockers’ effects, potentially causing bradycardia (slow heart rate) or other cardiovascular issues.
Calcium Channel Blockers: Terbinafine may interact with calcium channel blockers, potentially leading to blood pressure or heart rhythm changes.
Cimetidine: Cimetidine, a medication used to treat stomach ulcers and acid reflux, may increase terbinafine levels in the blood.
Rifampin: Rifampin, an antibiotic, may decrease the levels of terbinafine in the blood, reducing its effectiveness.
Antidepressants and Antipsychotics: Some antidepressants and antipsychotic medications may interact with terbinafine, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.
This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with terbinafine. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.
You should also tell your health care provider about any medical conditions you manage.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with terbinafine. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your health care provider immediately.
Terbinafine should be used by adults and children one to two times daily. Apply enough medication to cover the affected area and some of the surrounding skin. Adhere to your health care provider’s directions regarding how much terbinafine to use, and how often to apply it.
Do not apply terbinafine near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Do not discontinue or increase your terbinafine dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of terbinafine.
Terbinafine should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.
Do not freeze this medication.
Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).
Certain formulations of terbinafine can be purchased over the counter. This means that it can be purchased without a prescription. Lamisil, the common brand name for terbinafine, is widely available at most pharmacies and medical supply retailers.
Stronger formulations of terbinafine are only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug for severe fungal infections.
Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not terbinafine might be right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.
Terbinafine can be purchased without a prescription, so you can get it at most stores where OTC medicines are sold. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Terbinafine can also be purchased online for delivery.
If you need a stronger formulation of terbinafine, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for terbinafine to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.
Terbinafine is a generic drug. It’s available in its generic form or under brand names like:
