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Overview: Topical terbinafine is used to treat certain fungal skin infections, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The most common side effect is skin irritation. Wash the infected area with soap and water and dry it well before using topical terbinafine. Wash your hands after using it. 

Uses

What is topical terbinafine used for?

Topical terbinafine is commonly used to treat the following fungal skin infections.

Topical terbinafine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Terbinafine is also available in an oral form that is taken by mouth. See Terbinafine for more information.

How does topical terbinafine work (mechanism of action)?

Topical terbinafine is an antifungal medicine. It stops fungi from growing by preventing the formation of a needed part of their cell membranes.  

How is topical terbinafine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lamisil
  • Lamisil AT

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical cream

How should I store topical terbinafine?

Topical terbinafine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical terbinafine?

The most common side effect of topical terbinafine is skin irritation (see below). Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of topical terbinafine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical terbinafine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical terbinafine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical terbinafine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical terbinafine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Topical terbinafine may cause burning, stinging, dryness, itching, and rash where it is used. Stop using topical terbinafine and tell your health care provider if you have skin irritation that bothers you or is getting worse.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical terbinafine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical terbinafine.

  • Lamisil
  • Lamisil AT
  • Terbinafine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical terbinafine products they stock.

What should I know about topical terbinafine before using it?

Follow the instructions that come with your medicine. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider. 

Keep topical terbinafine out of the reach of children.

Topical terbinafine is for use on the skin only. Do not use this medicine on your nails or scalp. Do not use this medicine in your vagina to treat a vaginal yeast infection.

Keep topical terbinafine away from your mouth or eyes. If you get topical terbinafine in your eyes, wash right away with water. 

Wash the infected area with soap and water and dry well before applying topical terbinafine.

If you are using topical terbinafine for athlete’s foot, wear well-fitting, ventilated footwear. Change your shoes and socks at least once daily.

Wash your hands after applying topical terbinafine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical terbinafine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical terbinafine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical terbinafine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical terbinafine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical terbinafine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical terbinafine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical terbinafine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical terbinafine, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does topical terbinafine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical terbinafine and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical terbinafine?

If you or someone else has used too much topical terbinafine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical terbinafine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

It is important to complete your treatment with terbinafine, even if your symptoms get better or go away. Follow the instructions that come with the product or direction from your health care provider. Using the medicine as directed will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to terbinafine or other similar medicines.