Terbinafine for nail fungus

Terbinafine tablets can be prescribed for adults. Your doctor may recommend tablets if they think creams or sprays are not likely to work on the fungal infection.

Terbinafine works by killing the fungus which treats the infection and symptoms. For nail infections, treatment usually lasts for between 6 weeks and 3 months, although some patients with toenail infections may need to be treated for much longer.

To make sure terbinafine is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to terbinafine or any other medicines in the past
• Have ever had liver or kidney problems, as the terbinafine might not be the most appropriate treatment for you, or the dose may need to be reduced
• If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

The most common side effects of terbinafine tablets are having a smaller appetite than usual, pain in your joints or muscles, or an upset stomach. Some people have reported feeling dizzy or giddy while they are taking terbinafine tablets.

Stop taking them and call a doctor immediately if you are experiencing serious side effects: yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, you bruise more easily, have a high temperature with a rash, experience severe pain near the top of your stomach that spreads to your back, or if your muscles feel weak or painful, or your pee changes color to a dark red-brown.