This medication is used to treat a variety of fungal
skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch. This
medication is also used to treat a skin condition known as pityriasis
(tinea versicolor), a fungal infection that causes a lightening or
darkening of the skin of the neck, chest, arms, or legs. Terbinafine is an
antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.
Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and
thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the medication
on and around the affected area, usually once or twice daily as directed on
the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist. Wash your hands after using unless the area being treated
includes the hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed
to do so by your doctor.
Do not apply the medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth,
or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush
with plenty of water.
Do not apply this medication on the scalp or nails
unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The dosage and length of treatment depends on the type
of infection being treated.
Do not apply more often or use longer than directed.
This may increase the risk of side effects.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each
day.
Continue to use this medication until the full treatment
period is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping
the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Your condition may continue to improve after the full
treatment is finished. It may take several weeks after treatment for the
infection to completely heal. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse
or if it does not get better within 2 weeks for jock itch and ringworm and
within 4 weeks for athlete's foot.
Burning, irritation, or itching at the application site
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- blistering/swelling/oozing at the application site
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using terbinafine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to other allylamine antifungals (such as
naftifine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any health problems, consult your doctor or
pharmacist before using this product.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk when
applied to the skin. Other forms of this medication pass into breast milk
when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you are treating athlete's foot, make sure to wear
well-fitting, ventilated shoes. Also, change shoes and socks at least once
daily.
When this medication is used to treat pityriasis, your
normal skin color may not return right away. It may take several months
after treatment is completed for your natural skin color to
return.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.