What is Terbinafine?
Terbinafine is an antifungal drug that combats the effects of fungi.Terbinafine tablets can be used to treat fungus-related infections that affect fingernails as well as toenails.
Terbinafine oral capsules are used to treat the fungal infection of the hair follicles in children who are at least 4 years old.Terbinafine can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Terbinafine
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you notice symptoms warning signs of an allergic response (hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever or burns of your eyes, skin irritation, and the skin is red or purple that causes blisters as well as peeling),
Get medical attention in the event of a serious drug reaction that affects various parts of your body. Symptoms may include an itch and fever, swelling of the glands, influenza-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakening, unusual bruising, or a yellowing of the eyes or skin. The reaction could occur a few weeks after the start of your treatment with terbinafine.
Certain people who take terbinafine have experienced serious liver damage that can lead to liver transplants or even death. It isn't clear if the terbinafine used in these cases actually caused liver damage in the patients. In the majority of cases, the patient was suffering from a medical issue that was severe prior to taking terbinafine.
Consult your doctor immediately if you are experiencing signs of damage to your liver, for example, nausea and stomach pains, vomiting, lack of appetite, fatigue, dark urine, clay-coloured stool, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). These symptoms can happen regardless of whether you've been diagnosed with liver issues before.
Contact your doctor if you suffer from:
- Changes in your sense of smell or taste.
- Depression, insomnia, and a lack of interest in everyday activities; being anxious or restless;
- Pale skin, mild bruising, uncommon bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, rectum, or nose), and red or purple small spots on your skin;
- Swelling and weight gain are rapid, with few or no urinations.
- The blood in your urine, or in your stools
- Losing weight because of changes in taste as well as a loss in appetite
- Skin sores and butterfly-shaped pimples on your cheeks as well as the nose (which worsen when exposed to sunlight).
Common adverse effects of terbinafine could include:
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach pain, or an upset stomach;
- Rash;
- Headache;
- Unusual liver function tests.
This is not a comprehensive list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Certain people who take terbinafine have experienced severe liver damage, leading to liver transplants or even death.
Consult your doctor at any time whenever you feel that there are indications of liver disease such as stomachaches, nausea on the upper side of your body, a disorder of eating nausea, fatigue or darkness urine, stools that are clay-coloured, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). These symptoms can happen regardless of whether or not you've previously had liver issues.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to use terbinafine when you have an allergy to it or are suffering from:
- Liver disease.
To ensure that terbinafine is suitable for you, ask your physician if you've ever experienced:
- Problems with the liver;
- An immune system that is weak (caused by illness or taking certain medicines) or
- Lupus.
It isn't known if the terbinafine ingredient can harm an unborn baby. You must wait until after the birth of your baby to begin treating the scalp or nail infection by using terbinafine. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to get pregnant while you are receiving treatment.
Terbinafine is a drug that can be passed into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
How to Take Terbinafine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for longer than the recommended time.You can take the tablet containing terbinafine in combination with food or not.
Terbinafine granules are best sprinkled onto a spoonful of pudding or mashed potatoes (do not mix it with fruit sauce, applesauce, or any other acidic or fruit-based food items). Consume the mixture immediately without chewing. Don't save the mixture for use later.Terbinafine is generally used for 6 weeks to treat fingernail or scalp infections as well as for 12 weeks to treat a nail problem.
Take this medication for the entire prescribed duration. The symptoms could improve before the infection is completely eliminated. The absence of doses can increase your chance of developing a new infection that is not able to be treated with antifungal medications. Terbinafine does not treat viral illnesses like the flu or the typical cold.When you are using terbinafine, it is possible that you will require regular blood tests.
It can take several months before your nails get back to their normal shape after treatment with terbinafine.Store at room temperature, away from heat, humidity, and light. Store the terbinafine oral granules in their original sealed package until you're ready to make use of them.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Do the missed dose as quickly as you can remember. Avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Do not take any additional medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, headache, dizziness, redness, and an increase in urination.
What Should be Avoided?
Beware of tea, coffee, cola, energy drinks, and other sources that contain caffeine when taking terbinafine.
Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Terbinafine may cause burns more quickly. Be sure to wear protective gear and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.
Interaction with Other Drugs
Other drugs can interact with terbinafine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor all the medications you currently use and any medications you begin or stop taking.
