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Terbinafine

Brand names: Lamisil

Terbinafine is an antifungal. The cream treats athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm; the pills treat nail fungus.

Brand namesLamisil
Type of medicineAntifungal
Prescription?Pills by prescription; creams over the counter
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

Nail fungus needs pills for 6 to 12 weeks, and the new nail takes months to grow out.

What it's used for

  • Nail fungus (pills)
  • Scalp ringworm (granules)
  • Athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm (cream)

How to take it

  • Pills: take once a day, with or without food, for the full course.
  • Cream: apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin and a little beyond, for as long as the label says, even after it looks better.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea or upset stomach
  • Change in taste or smell (pills)
  • Skin irritation (cream)
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stool, nausea, or tiredness (possible liver injury, pills)
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call your provider todayLoss of taste or smell that lasts
Call your provider todayDepressed mood

Warnings

  • Pills aren't used with liver disease; a liver blood test is usually done first.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Pills raise levels of some medicines, including some antidepressants and metoprolol.
  • Rifampin lowers its level; cimetidine raises it.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pills are usually delayed until after pregnancy. Ask about creams.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.