Terbinafine
Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, and fungal nail infections. The medication is available in both oral and topical formulations.
Terbinafine is an antifungal medication used to treat skin and nail fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D01AE15
- RxNorm
- 37801
- Generic
- Terbinafine
- Class
- atc-d01
- Brands
- Silka Cream, Lamisil, Simplera, Duotic, Osurnia, Klentz
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- otic, topical, oral
- Forms
- gel, solution, cream, spray, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 125mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
generalavoid if possible
avoid oral terbinafine during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; topical formulation may be considered with caution
regular prenatal monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
terbinafine is excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 1 week after discontinuation
monitor infant for potential adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno standard dose adjustment
use with caution; monitor hepatic function due to potential age-related decline
periodic liver function tests recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
oral terbinafine not recommended in children under 12 years; topical preparations may be used with caution for superficial infections
monitor for adverse effects if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose to 250mg once daily
use with caution in patients with creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min; dose reduction recommended
monitor renal function regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
use with caution in mild to moderate hepatic impairment; contraindicated in chronic or active liver disease
regular liver function tests required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for oral terbinafine for onychomycosis
Drug class
ATC classification system - D01AE16
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacological action blocking ergosterol synthesis
Common therapeutic uses
FDA-approved and off-label indications for superficial fungal infections
Terbinafine is used to treat dermatophyte infections including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). It is effective against fungi such as Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton species.
Terbinafine inhibits the fungal enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is essential for synthesizing ergosterol, a critical component of fungal cell membranes. By blocking ergosterol production, the medication disrupts the fungal cell membrane, leading to cell death.
Oral terbinafine may rarely cause serious liver toxicity; liver function monitoring is recommended during treatment. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, taste disturbances, and headache. Topical formulations are generally well-tolerated with minimal systemic absorption. Terbinafine may interact with certain medications including antidepressants and antiarrhythmics; inform your healthcare provider of all current medications.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy