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 should not be used by people with liver disease. Treatment with terbinafine can sometimes raise liver function tests. Your provider will check your liver status before beginning treatment and throughout treatment to be sure that terbinafine is not damaging your liver.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Oral terbinafine tablets and cream should be avoided during pregnancy. Nail fungus can be safely treated after pregnancy and breastfeeding has concluded. If you need a topical antifungal, there are safer options available OTC.

For nail fungus, terbinafine 250 mg tablets are taken once a day. If you have fungus of the fingernails, it is typically used for 6 weeks, while it is taken for 12 weeks if you have toenail fungus.

Topical terbinafine (Lamsil) cream is usually applied one to two times a day. Depending on your condition and health needs, it may need to be used for 1 to 2 weeks. Apply enough medication to cover the affected area and the immediate surrounding skin.

Terbinafine should be stored in the container it was supplied in. It should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light.

Keep all medicines away from children and pets. They should be stored out of sight and reach, and all lids should be tightly closed or locked.

Terbinafine cream is available OTC and can be purchased at most stores where OTC medicines are sold. It can also be purchased online for home delivery.

Terbinafine tablets require a prescription from a licensed provider. You can get an oral terbinafine prescription online, if appropriate, following a telehealth appointment with Sesame.

Simply schedule an online appointment with the provider of your choice. Following the appointment, a prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy for same-day pickup.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of the provider.

Be sure to tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, vitamins, and OTC medications you take, as well as your medical history.

Terbinafine is processed through the liver, so it is recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while using terbinafine. Terbinafine may also make you more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. While you don’t need to avoid caffeine, you should be mindful of your intake.

Specifically, tell your provider if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Antiarrhythmic medications
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Beta-blockers
• Blood thinners
• Calcium channel blockers
• Cimetidine
• Cyclosporine
• Opioid pain medications
• Rifampin
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Tamoxifen
• Tricyclic antidepressants

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with terbinafine.

How long you use terbinafine will depend on your individual health needs and the condition you have.

Topical terbinafine cream usually clears up skin infections within 2 weeks, though some will need longer treatment.

Treatment with oral terbinafine can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on whether you have fingernail or toenail fungus.