Terbinex

Terbinex is an antifungal drug used in treating onychomycosis of toenails or fingernails caused by the fungi Tinea unguium. Onychomycosis is the fungal infection of nails on the fingers or toes, causing them to become thickened and brittle.

Terbinex is a prescription drug. Terbinex tablets can only be used for onychomycosis after tests of nail specimens showed and confirmed the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

Before using Terbinex, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. You cannot take Terbinex if you are allergic to it.

You should not take Terbinafine if you have any disease or conditions affecting the liver. Tell the doctor all your health conditions before taking Terbinex.

The doctor needs to know if you have the following health problems before prescribing Terbinex:

• History or presently having liver problems
• Lupus
• Depression
• Psoriasis
• Anemia and other blood problems
• Weak immune system

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Terbinex. Terbinex is an FDA pregnancy category B drug, which means it may be safe for pregnant mothers. Never breastfeed while receiving Terbinafine because it may be expressed in breast milk.

Note that taking Terbinex may make caffeine stay longer in the bloodstream than usual. If this bothers you, avoid drinking coffee or tea when receiving Terbinafine.

The safety and effectiveness of Terbinafine in patients below 18 years old is not well known.

Terbinex may cause serious drug interactions when taken with certain drugs.

Tell the doctor if you are taking the following medications before taking Terbinex:

• Amiodarone
• Cimetidine
• Fluconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Rifampin
• Flecainide, Propafenone, and other antiarrhythmics
• Beta blockers such as Metoprolol
• Dextromethorphan
• Selegiline and other MAO inhibitor drugs
• Antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, Amitriptyline, and Desipramine
• Warfarin and other drugs that inhibit blood clotting
• Cyclosporine
• Tamoxifen

To use Terbinex properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Terbinex comes with an information leaflet. Make sure to understand the information in this leaflet before using Terbinex. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Terbinex is available in tablets or granules that you take by mouth. Terbinafine tablets can be taken with or without food. Terbinafine granules can be mixed with non-acidic food such as pudding or mashed potatoes, which must be swallowed right away without chewing.

Terbinex tablets are usually taken once daily for 6 weeks for fingernail onychomycosis. For onychomycosis of the toenails, Terbinafine tablets are usually taken for 12 weeks.

Because nails grow and renew slowly, the effects of Terbinex on the nails often takes several months.

If you missed a dose of Terbinex, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original dosing schedule. Do not take more or double the dose of Terbinafine to make up for the missed dose.

Store Terbinafine tablets at room temperature away from heat or light.

Before using Terbinex, there are some precautions you must take. Terbinex may cause dizziness, so do not drive or perform unsafe activities right after taking the drug.

Always finish the whole course of treatment with Terbinex. Interrupting treatment with Terbinafine may cause drug resistance that makes fungi infection more difficult to treat.

You need to have frequent lab tests and clinic appointments while receiving Terbinafine to assess your condition and check for early signs of side effects. Make sure not to miss any of these appointments while receiving Terbinafine.

Terbinafine may lower your resistance to infections. Call the doctor if you experience symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, sore throat, fever, and chills.

If you receive care from a dentist, another doctor, or from emergency medical services, make sure they know you are using Terbinafine.

Terbinafine may make your skin much more sensitive. Your skin may get sunburned more easily, so avoid sun exposure, sunlamps or tanning booths while taking Terbinafine.

Terbinafine may cause liver problems, especially if you have the previous history of liver conditions.

Taking Terbinafine may cause loss of taste and smell, which may last up to a year after last taking the drug. Such changes may cause reduced satisfaction in life due to inability to enjoy food and recreational activities. If such things occur, and if your experience anxiety, depression, poor appetite or weight loss, call the doctor right away.

Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• fever
• redness and irritation of the eyes
• sores in the mouth, throat, and nose
• swollen lymph glands, and redness
• peeling or blistering of the skin

These can be symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are both serious and can be fatal. These conditions are known to happen in patients taking Terbinafine.

If you became pregnant or did breastfeeding while taking Terbinafine, call your doctor right away.

Call the doctor right away if you experienced the following serious side effects while having Terbinex:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, mouth, lips and throat.
• Mental and mood changes such as depression, restlessness, feelings of sadness and worthlessness.
• New or worsening lupus symptoms such as the appearance of butterfly rash on the face, joint pain, seizures, skin color changes and skin sensitivity.
• Symptoms of possible liver problems such as upper right stomach pain, loss of appetite, passing out clay-colored stools or dark urine, unexplained and persistent nausea and vomiting, and jaundice.
• Sensation of numbness, tingling or burning anywhere in the body
• Paleness of skin and nail beds
• Severe muscle or joint pain
• Severe and persistent stomach pain
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Changes in vision or hearing

Terbinex may cause minor side effects such as:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Mild stomach pain
• Nausea