terbinafine at a glance
Medicine class
Topical allylamine antifungal
Licensed skin infections
Athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm
How it is used
Applied to clean, thoroughly dried skin; external use only
Age restriction
The selected product is not for people under 16 years
What is terbinafine used for?
The selected gel is licensed for dermatophyte fungal infections of the skin.
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
Jock itch (tinea cruris)
Ringworm (tinea corporis)
How does terbinafine work?
Terbinafine blocks fungal squalene epoxidase, disrupting production of ergosterol needed for the fungal cell membrane. Ergosterol depletion and squalene accumulation cause susceptible fungal cells to die.
terbinafine preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1%
How to take terbinafine
Use the gel only on the skin and follow the pack or prescriber’s directions.
Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area before application.
Rub the gel lightly into the affected and nearby skin.
Wash your hands afterwards unless they are being treated.
Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes. Rinse an exposed eye thoroughly with running water.
A light gauze covering may be used over infections within skin folds.
terbinafine side effects
Common or expected effects
- Peeling or flaking skin
- Itching at the application site
Get urgent medical advice
- Widespread rash, hives or blistering eruption suggesting hypersensitivity
- Swelling of the mouth or throat, breathing difficulty or collapse
- Marked worsening of the treated condition
terbinafine in pregnancy
Experience in pregnancy is limited. Although NHS information reports no evidence that topical terbinafine harms the baby, the selected gel should be used only when clearly indicated. Discuss its use with a doctor or pharmacist.
terbinafine while breastfeeding
The selected gel’s product information advises against use while breastfeeding. NHS general guidance considers transfer from topical products into milk very unlikely, so obtain product-specific advice. Never apply it to the breast or allow an infant to contact treated skin.
terbinafine interactions
Systemic interactions are unlikely with topical terbinafine, but products applied to the same skin area require caution.
Other topical medicines
No interactions are known for the selected gel, but other medicinal products should not be applied to the treated area as a precaution.
Common questions about terbinafine
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is terbinafine gel a steroid?
No. It is an antifungal that acts directly against susceptible fungi, not a corticosteroid.
Can terbinafine gel treat a fungal nail infection?
The selected gel is licensed for specified skin infections, not fungal nail infection. Nail symptoms need an appropriate diagnosis and formulation.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.