Terbinafine Tablets

What are Terbinafine tablets?

Terbinafine is an antifungal tablet used to manage a range of fungal infections of the nails, skin and scalp. The active ingredient (terbinafine) attacks the source of fungal nail infections to reduce symptoms and treat infection. The tablets are small and easy to swallow, and a normal course for fungal nail infections can last for a few months.

Terbinafine tablets are also available under the brand name Lamisil. The main difference between Terbinafine and Lamisil is the branding: Terbinafine is a generic treatment, while Lamisil is a branded tablet. So the manufacturers, price and packaging may differ, but the active ingredient is the same.

How does Terbinafine work?

Fungal nail infections happen when yeast or mould from the environment enter small cracks in the skin around your nail.^[1]
This fungus is strengthened by chemicals called sterols. Sterols hold the membrane of the fungi together so that it can grow.

Terbinafine attacks sterols and prevents them from strengthening the fungi. Without these sterols, the fungal membranes break down and the infection is killed.^[2]

What doses of Terbinafine tablets are there?

Terbinafine comes in a single dosage size – 250mg. Typically, you’ll be advised to take it as a daily course. But sometimes it’s prescribed in a regimen called ‘pulse therapy’, where you’ll take it for one week at the start of every month but at a higher dose.

Terbinafine is also available as a cream, and your clinician may suggest a short combined course of tablets and cream.

How to take Terbinafine tablets

There are two ways to take Terbinafine tablets. Typically, you’ll be advised to take one tablet a day.

• Terbinafine tablets are usually taken once a day.
• Depending on the severity of infection, the course of treatment can last between two weeks and six months.
• Swallow your tablet whole with water and take it at the same time each day.

Pulse

• Two tablets are taken each day for seven days, followed by 21 days off.
• This is then repeated for two to three months.
• Swallow your tablet whole with water and take it at the same time on the days you take it.

How long does it take Terbinafine to work?

If taken daily, terbinafine tablets take from two weeks to six months to work. Your treatment time will depend on the severity of your infection. Your clinician will tell you how long to take the tablets for. For pulsed treatment, the tablets are usually taken for three months. You may need to take them for longer if your infection does not go away.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Terbinafine?

Let our clinician know if you forget to take Terbinafine. The best way to avoid making a mistake when taking Terbinafine tablets is to take the tablets at the same time every day. If you forget to take your tablet you should take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. You shouldn’t take two tablets at the same time to make up for the forgotten one as this can increase the risk of side effects. If it’s nearly time to take your next tablet, simply skip the one you missed, and carry on as normal from your next tablet.