Terbinafine - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Terbinafine is used to treat fungal infections of the nails and skin such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Terbinafine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.

Take Terbinafine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have chronic or active liver disease as Terbinafine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Terbinafine.

Do not take Terbinafine if you are breastfeeding.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • lupus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
  • psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
  • weakened immune system
  • kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Maintain good hygiene as this is important in managing fungal infections.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Routine tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
What side effects could I experience?
Terbinafine may cause any of the following side effects: decreased appetite, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, stomach wind, taste or smell disturbance, diarrhoea, fever, headache, depression, muscle and joint pain, itchy skin, hives and rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • persistent nausea, lack of appetite, tiredness, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes with abdominal pain, dark urine or pale stools
  • rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
  • severe rashes, especially with multiple tiny red or purple spots on the skin and sometimes on the inside of the mouth
  • unusual bleeding or bruising, extreme fatigue
  • frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
Terbinafine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.

Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • cimetidine (gastric medicine)
  • fluconazole (another medicine for fungal infection)
  • amiodarone (medicine for heart problems)
  • rifampicin (medicine to treat a lung infection known as TB)
  • medicines for depression e.g. desipramine, selegiline
  • medicine for high blood pressure e.g. atenolol
  • ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Terbinafine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea and certain soft drinks.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Keep tablets in their original package to protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on terbinafine - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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