Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that comes as a cream, gel or spray. This medication treats fungal infections on your skin. Common brands of this medication include Desenex Max® and Lamisil AT®. Terbinafine is for external use only, so follow the application instructions on the label.
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TERBINAFINE (TER bin a feen) treats fungal infections of the skin. It belongs to a group of medications called antifungals. It will not treat infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Desenex Max, Lamisil AT, Lamisil AT Athletes Foot, Lamisil AT Jock Itch
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the prescription label. Do not use it more often than directed. Use the medication for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early.
Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without telling your care team.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
After bathing, make sure your skin is very dry. Fungal infections like moist conditions. Do not walk around barefoot.
To help prevent reinfection, wear freshly washed cotton, not synthetic, clothing. Tell your care team if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. If your skin infection returns after you stop using this medication, contact your care team.
If you are using this medication for jock itch, do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic fibers such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Dry the area completely after bathing.
If you are using this medication to treat athlete's foot, carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes after bathing. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Wear clean cotton socks and change them at least once a day. Wear sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated. An absorbent powder, such as talcum powder, may be used to keep the skin dry. Apply the powder to the affected skin in between applications of this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.