Terbinafine

1 medicine

Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine for skin and nail infections that can, in rare cases, cause serious liver injury, so liver function is checked before and during treatment.

Lamisil

Terbinafine

250mg

Lamisil is a antifungals medication containing Terbinafine, available as 250mg tablets.

from $3.12 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal that kills fungi causing skin, hair, and nail infections by blocking an enzyme they need to build their cell membrane.
  • Taken as a tablet once daily, usually for 2 to 6 weeks for skin infections or 6 to 12 weeks for nail infections; a cream is also available for mild skin infections.
  • Oral terbinafine can injure the liver, sometimes severely; liver function is usually checked before treatment and periodically during longer courses.
  • Seek urgent care for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea and fatigue.

What terbinafine treats

Terbinafine treats fungal infections of the skin and nails: athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), and fungal nail infection (onychomycosis). Topical terbinafine treats mild, localised skin infections; oral tablets are used for nail infections and for more extensive or stubborn skin infections.

How terbinafine works

Terbinafine blocks squalene epoxidase, an enzyme fungi need to build ergosterol, a key part of their cell membrane. Without it, squalene builds up to toxic levels inside the fungal cell and the membrane cannot form properly, so the fungus dies.

Before you take it

  • Tell your prescriber about any history of liver disease; oral terbinafine is generally avoided if you have active or chronic liver disease.
  • Liver function tests are usually taken before starting and during any course longer than six weeks.
  • Tell your prescriber about all other medicines, since terbinafine can raise the levels of some antidepressants and other drugs broken down by the same liver enzyme.
  • Your dose may need adjusting if you have significant kidney impairment.

Side effects

Common effects include stomach upset, headache, a metallic taste or loss of taste, and mild rash.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools.
  • Persistent nausea or unusual tiredness, which can signal liver injury.
  • A severe rash with blistering or peeling skin.
  • Unexplained fever or chills lasting more than a day.

Safety essentials

  • Oral terbinafine carries a risk of liver injury, including rare cases of liver failure. Your prescriber may check liver function before and during treatment, and you should stop the medicine and seek care immediately if signs of liver trouble appear.
  • Loss or distortion of taste is a recognised effect of terbinafine and can last for weeks after stopping; tell your prescriber if it affects your eating or does not improve.
  • Complete the full prescribed course, especially for nail infections, since fungus can persist under the nail even after visible symptoms fade.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.