Terbinafine

How Does Terbinafine Work?

Terbinafine hydrochloride, also known as the brand Lamisil, is an antifungal treatment used to treat fungal nail infections on the fingernails and toenails. Terbinafine tablets have been proven to be more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams and solutions in treating fungal nail infections.

Terbinafine works by directly destroying the infected cells and clearing the infection.

What is Terbinafine Used For?

Terbinafine 250 mg tablets are used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and infections of the finger and toenails. The required course of treatment will depend on the nature and severity of your condition. Our clinicians will advise you on exactly how long to take the medication.

In general, the treatment duration of Terbinafine is as follows:

It’s important that you complete your course of Terbinafine treatment, even if you notice an improvement in symptoms. Failing to do so could result in the infection returning. If you’re considering stopping the tablets earlier than scheduled, please speak to our clinicians beforehand. 

How to Take Terbinafine Tablets

Take one Terbinafine tablet daily, with or without food. Ensure to swallow it whole with a glass of water; never chew or break it apart. It’s a good idea to take your medication at the same time each day to establish a routine. Remember that fungal nail infections can take several months to treat, in some cases. 

Who Should Not Use Terbinafine Cream and Tablets?

Some medications are not suitable for people with certain conditions, while in other cases, a treatment can only be taken with extreme care. It’s therefore important to consult with our clinicians before taking Terbinafine tablets and cream.

In general, you should not use Terbinafine if you:

• are allergic to terbinafine or any of its ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• have chronic or active liver disease
• are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

Terbinafine interactions

Terbinafine is predicted to increase the exposure to:

• Amitriptyline
• Aripiprazole
• Atomoxetine
• Clomipramine
• Dapoxetine
• Doxepin
• Eliglustat
• Imipramine
• Lofepramine
• Nortriptyline
• Tamoxifen
• Trimipramine

This is not an exhaustive list of terbinafine interactions. You can find more information regarding interactions terbinafine has at Nice.org.uk

Side Effects and Cautions

Before taking Terbinafine, it's essential to read the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

The patient information leaflet contains instructions on how to take the medicine, as well as vital safety information.

The patient information leaflets for Terbinafine Cream or Tablets can be found below:

• Terbinafine 250mg Tablets PIL (PDF)
• Terbinafine 1% Cream PIL (PDF)

Terbinafine tablets can cause side effects, though not everybody gets them. If you experience the signs of an allergic reaction after taking Terbinafine, cease treatment and seek emergency medical attention.

Storing your medication

Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Never take Terbinafine past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Do not discard Terbinafine or any medicines via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to discard it safely on your behalf.

Terbinafine's Effects on the Liver

Terbinafine can cause damage to the liver (hepatotoxicity), regardless of whether you have a pre-existing hepatic condition. In very rare cases, serious liver failure has been reported in people being treated with the tablets. For this reason, the medication is not prescribed and should not be used by anyone who has chronic or active liver disease. 

How to Buy Terbinafine Online from Prescription Doctor

To be eligible to buy Terbinafine online from Prescription Doctor, you’ll first need to take a liver function test (LFT). This is a precautionary measure to check for any signs of liver conditions. We’ll provide you with a test when you place an order, so you can have everything you need to provide the necessary information from the comfort of your own home.

Once you’ve taken the test, you can upload the results to your Prescription Doctor account. To do this, go to the ‘My Profile’ option in your account and select ‘Verify Identity’, then ‘Add Documents’. You’re also able to submit documents via the ‘My Chats’ option, by selecting ‘View Messages’ and then ‘Upload File/Image’. If you’ve already been provided with a liver function test by your GP or elsewhere, add this to your account. In addition to your liver function test, we’ll also need you to provide a photo of your nail infection or ringworm. This again can be done via your Prescription Doctor account.

With the required information uploaded, our clinicians will assess your information and determine whether the medication is suitable for you. If so, we will prescribe the treatment and send out your order in discreet packaging. 

How to Order Terbinafine Repeat Prescriptions

To obtain a repeat prescription of Terbinafine tablets, you’d first of all need to provide us with a new liver function test, so we can ensure no damage has been done to the organ. This is required after 4-6 weeks of the initial treatment. If anything is discovered, it’s essential to stop taking the medication immediately. An updated photo of your nail or skin infection is also required. Additional liver function tests can be purchased from Prescription Doctor if necessary. 

Do I need a prescription for Terbinafine tablets?

Terbinafine tablets are only available on prescription (POM), which is a term used to describe a medication that a doctor prescribes. Terbinafine tablets to cure fungal nail infections can be prescribed in the UK after an online consultation with a doctor. Here at Prescription Doctor, you have the option to upload an image of the affected area to your consultation form, which will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions