Terbinafine 250 mg Tablet

Generic Name: Terbinafine hydrochloride
Strength: 250 mg
Form: Oral tablet
Class: Antifungal (allylamine group)
Prescription Status: Prescription-only

Uses / Indications

• Treats fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails, especially:

  • Onychomycosis (fungal nail infections)

  • Tinea corporis (ringworm)

  • Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)

  • Tinea cruris (jock itch)

  • Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)

How It Works

Terbinafine works by inhibiting squalene epoxidase, an enzyme essential for fungal cell membrane synthesis.
This causes a buildup of toxic substances in the fungus and disrupts cell membrane formation, leading to fungal death.
It is fungicidal, meaning it kills fungi (not just stopping growth).

Dosage & Duration

• Typical adult dose: 250 mg once daily

• Duration depends on infection site:

  • Skin: 2–6 weeks

  • Nails: 6 weeks (fingernails) to 12 weeks or longer (toenails)

• Take with or without food

Side Effects

Common:

• Headache, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, rash, taste disturbances
  Serious (rare):

• Liver toxicity (requires regular liver function monitoring during long-term use)

• Allergic reactions, blood disorders

Precautions

• Not recommended in people with liver disease unless monitored

• Avoid alcohol during use to reduce liver strain

• Check for drug interactions (e.g., cimetidine, rifampin, antidepressants)

• Not usually used in children unless directed by a specialist