Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Terbinafine HCl oral

Terbinafine HCl oral Drug Category TERBINAFINE ORAL

Terbinafine HCl oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. TERBINAFINE ORAL (ter-BIN-uh-feen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lamisil USES: This is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the fingernail or toenail. HOW TO USE: Take this by mouth as directed usually once a day. Treatment may continue for 6 weeks for a fingernail infection or 12 weeks for a toenail infection. Another method of dosing involves using the drug for one week per month until treatment is completed. Continue to take this until the full prescribed amount is finished. Stopping the medication too early may result in ineffective treatment or a relapse of the infection. SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, diarrhea, gas, stomach upset, nausea or rash may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. You may experience a temporary loss or change in taste sensation that will return after the medication is stopped. Tell your doctor immediately if these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding or bruising, persistent sore throat, vision changes, fever. Rarely, serious and possibly fatal liver disease has occurred during oral terbinafine use. Immediately report symptoms such as: dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, extreme fatigue, vomiting. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, drug allergies. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before taking this drug. Because fungal toenail or fingernail infection treatment generally should be postponed until after pregnancy, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and therefore is not recommended for use while breast-feeding. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may take, including: rifampin, rifabutin, cyclosporine, warfarin, cimetidine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include headache, nausea, stomach pain, and dizziness. NOTES: The fungal infection may be cured within several weeks. However, the nail bed may not appear healthy until it grows out completely over a few months. If it does not improve or becomes worse with continued therapy, notify your doctor. This medication is prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it for another infection or share it with others. Another infection later on may require a different medicine. Your doctor may periodically perform lab tests during treatment to monitor your progress. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and light as directed.