Terbinafine Medications

Terbinafine is an allylamine antifungal used to treat common skin and nail infections caused by dermatophytes. It belongs to the class of antifungal agents that target the fungal cell membrane by inhibiting the enzyme squalene epoxidase. The drug is available both as a topical cream for conditions such as athlete’s foot and as an oral tablet for stubborn nail fungus. Branded versions like Lamisil® are widely recognized, but generic terbinafine tablets and creams can be sourced from our online pharmacy at a lower cost. While its primary indications focus on tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and onychomycosis, clinicians sometimes prescribe terbinafine off-label for recalcitrant cutaneous fungal infections when other agents fail. The medication’s rapid onset of action and relatively favorable safety profile make it a mainstay in everyday dermatological practice.

What is Terbinafine?

Terbinafine is classified as an allylamine antifungal. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) granted its first approval in 2002 for oral treatment of onychomycosis, and later expanded the label to include topical therapy for tinea infections. The drug works by blocking the fungal enzyme squalene epoxidase, a key step in ergosterol synthesis, which cripples the cell membrane and leads to fungal cell death. Available under the brand name Lamisil® and numerous generic equivalents, terbinafine can be ordered from our pharmacy service in tablet strengths of 250 mg and as a 1 % cream. Its widespread availability in Singapore makes it a convenient option for adults seeking effective antifungal therapy.

How Terbinafine Works

Mechanism of Action

Terbinafine inhibits squalene epoxidase, preventing the conversion of squalene to lanosterol. This blockade causes squalene to accumulate to toxic levels while simultaneously depleting ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The loss of membrane integrity halts fungal growth and triggers cell lysis.

Therapeutic Effects

By disrupting ergosterol production, terbinafungal therapy reduces the viable fungal load on the skin or nail bed. In practice, this translates to clearing of erythema, scaling, and nail discoloration within weeks for superficial infections and visible nail improvement after several months for onychomycosis.

Onset and Duration

Topical terbinafine begins to relieve symptoms of tinea pedis within 2-4 days, with complete resolution typically seen after 2-4 weeks of twice-daily application. Oral tablets require a longer treatment course: clinical trials show that 12 weeks of daily 250 mg dosing yields cure rates of 70-80 % for toenail onychomycosis, while the antifungal effect persists for several weeks after discontinuation.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

• Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) - topical 1 % cream applied twice daily.
• Tinea cruris (jock itch) - topical cream or spray for 2-4 weeks.
• Tinea corporis (ringworm) - topical formulation for 2-4 weeks.
• Onychomycosis (nail fungus) - oral 250 mg tablet once daily for 6 weeks (fingernails) or 12 weeks (toenails). These indications are endorsed by the HSA and reflected in the product labeling of both branded and generic preparations.

Off-Label Uses

Terbinafine has been explored off-label for chronic cutaneous candidiasis and for certain cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis where standard antiprotozoal therapy is unavailable. Such applications remain outside the official label and should be considered only under specialist supervision.

Clinical Efficacy

A randomized, double-blind trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported a 78 % complete cure rate for toenail onychomycosis after 12 weeks of oral terbinafine versus 30 % with itraconazole. For tinea pedis, a multicenter study in Lancet Infectious Diseases demonstrated symptom relief in 92 % of patients within two weeks of topical therapy, outperforming azole comparators.

Buying Terbinafine from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Accessing terbinafine in Singapore can be hampered by limited stock in local pharmacies. Our online pharmacy bridges that gap, offering discreet ordering, secure payment, and delivery straight to your door.

Brand Names and Generic Options

• Lamisil® tablets - 250 mg (branded)
• Lamisil® cream - 1 % (branded)
• Generic terbinafine tablets - 250 mg (cost-effective)
• Generic terbinafine cream - 1 % (affordable)

Choosing a generic version from our pharmacy can reduce the price by up to 40 % without compromising quality.

Quality & Safety

Our platform partners with licensed international pharmacies that adhere to WHO Good Manufacturing Practices and are inspected by national regulatory bodies.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing is highlighted on each product page. For repeat customers, we provide a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders, making long-term therapy more manageable.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) services. Every package is placed in unmarked, tamper-evident packaging to protect your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

• Oral tablets: 250 mg film-coated tablets, 30-day supply per bottle.
• Topical cream: 1 % terbinafine cream, 30 g tube.
• Topical spray: 1 % solution, 100 mL canister.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adult onychomycosis, clinicians often start oral therapy at 250 mg once daily for 12 weeks (toenails) or 6 weeks (fingernails). Topical treatment of tinea pedis generally involves applying a thin layer twice daily for 2-4 weeks. Dosing may be adjusted based on liver function tests and tolerability.

Administration Guidelines

• Oral tablets should be taken with a full glass of water, preferably after a meal to enhance absorption.
• Topical cream is applied to clean, dry skin; wash hands after use to avoid inadvertent spread.
• Avoid concurrent use of potent CYP2D6 inhibitors unless directed by a clinician, as they can raise terbinafine plasma concentrations.

A qualified healthcare professional must individualize the exact regimen, considering comorbidities and concomitant medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

• Taste disturbance (dysgeusia) - reported in 8-12 % of oral users.
• Gastrointestinal upset - nausea, abdominal discomfort in ≈ 10 % of patients.
• Headache - mild to moderate, occurring in 5-7 % of cases.
• Skin rash - mild erythema or pruritus in 4-6 % of topical applications.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare but severe hepatotoxicity has been documented, with incidence < .1 %. Signs include jaundice, dark urine, and elevated transaminases; immediate medical evaluation is required. Hematologic abnormalities such as neutropenia have also been reported sporadically.

Contraindications

• Known hypersensitivity to terbinafine or any allylamine.
• Pre-existing severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).
• Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors is contraindicated due to potential drug-interaction risk.

Drug Interactions

Terbinafine is metabolized primarily by CYP2D6 and can inhibit this enzyme, raising levels of drugs such as metoprolol, tramadol, and certain antidepressants. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, quinidine) may increase terbinafine exposure, necessitating dose adjustment or monitoring. Warfarin levels are generally unaffected, but clinicians should remain vigilant.

Special Populations

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Animal studies show no teratogenic effect, but human data are limited; it is categorized as pregnancy category B in Singapore. Use only if the benefit outweighs potential risk.
• Elderly: Age-related decline in hepatic function may increase plasma concentrations; dose reduction may be considered.
• Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Moderate hepatic dysfunction warrants close monitoring of liver enzymes; severe impairment is a contraindication.
• Pediatric Use: Not approved for children under 18 years for oral therapy; topical use may be considered in older children under specialist guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does terbinafine differ from itraconazole? Terbinafine targets squalene epoxidase, leading to rapid fungicidal activity, while itraconazole inhibits lanosterol 14α-demethylase, a step later in the ergosterol pathway. This mechanistic distinction often results in a shorter treatment duration for terbinafine in nail infections.

• How long before terbinafine produces noticeable effects for onychomycosis? Visible improvement of nail appearance generally appears after 6-12 weeks of therapy, but complete cure may require up to 9 months as the nail grows out fully.

• What should I do if I experience a persistent taste disturbance while taking terbinafine? Report the symptom to your clinician; they may assess liver function, consider dose adjustment, or switch to an alternative antifungal if the side effect is intolerable.

• Can I take terbinafine with alcohol? Moderate alcohol consumption is not contraindicated, but both alcohol and terbinafine are metabolized by the liver. Excessive drinking can increase the risk of hepatotoxicity, so limiting alcohol intake during treatment is advisable.

• Are there foods I should avoid while on terbinafine? No specific dietary restrictions are required, but a balanced diet supports hepatic health. Grapefruit juice does not significantly affect terbinafine metabolism, unlike some other antifungals.

• Is terbinafine safe for people with chronic liver disease? It is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. Patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction should undergo baseline and periodic liver enzyme monitoring.

• How does topical terbinafine compare to oral therapy for athlete’s foot? Topical application delivers the drug directly to the skin, providing rapid symptom relief with minimal systemic exposure. Oral therapy is reserved for extensive or refractory cases due to higher systemic risk.

• What are the most common drug interactions I need to be aware of?

  • CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, quinidine)
  • Certain antidepressants and antipsychotics that increase serotonergic activity
  • Medications with a narrow therapeutic index metabolized by CYP2D6

• Can I use terbinafine while pregnant? Use is permitted only when the expected benefit justifies potential risk. Discuss with a obstetrician to weigh alternatives and monitoring needs.

• What information should I provide my doctor when discussing terbinafine?

  • Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
  • History of liver disease or abnormal liver function tests
  • Prior antifungal treatments and their outcomes
  • Any known drug allergies or previous adverse reactions

Disclaimer

The information provided about terbinafine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing terbinafine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing terbinafine.

External Resources about Terbinafine

• Terbinafine Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com
• Terbinafine Overview - Active Ingredient - RxReasoner
• Terbinafine - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
• Lamisil DESCRIPTION AND COMPOSITION - Novartis
• 20846S001LBL.PDF - Food and Drug Administration