Terbinafine

Antifungal
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Terbinafine is a antifungal found in 11 medicines sold in India, such as Terbicip 250, Lamisil 250, Terbest 250. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats fungal nail and skin infections such as ringworm.

How it works

An antifungal that kills the fungi causing ringworm, athlete's foot and nail infections. Cream for skin, tablets for nails and widespread infection.

How to take it

Cream once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Tablets 250 mg once a day: 2 to 6 weeks for skin, 6 to 12 weeks for nails.

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Stomach upset
  • Loss of taste (tablets)
  • Skin irritation (cream)

Get medical help straight away if

  • Yellow skin, dark urine, severe tiredness (liver)
  • Severe rash
  • Loss of taste lasting weeks

Be careful

Tablets need weeks of use; rarely affects the liver.

Other medicines and interactions

Raises levels of some antidepressants and beta blockers (via CYP2D6). Rifampicin lowers it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Cream is acceptable in pregnancy; tablets are usually delayed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Brands of Terbinafine (11)

FintrixIfinLamisil 250SebifinTebinaTerbest 250Terbicip 250TerbinaforceTerbitotalTyza 250Zimig 250

Common questions

What is Terbinafine used for?

Treats fungal nail and skin infections such as ringworm.

How does Terbinafine work?

An antifungal that kills the fungi causing ringworm, athlete's foot and nail infections. Cream for skin, tablets for nails and widespread infection.

How should I take Terbinafine?

Cream once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Tablets 250 mg once a day: 2 to 6 weeks for skin, 6 to 12 weeks for nails.

What are the side effects of Terbinafine?

Common: Headache, stomach upset, loss of taste (tablets), skin irritation (cream). Get help straight away for: Yellow skin, dark urine, severe tiredness (liver), severe rash, loss of taste lasting weeks.

Does Terbinafine interact with other medicines?

Raises levels of some antidepressants and beta blockers (via CYP2D6). Rifampicin lowers it.

Is Terbinafine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Cream is acceptable in pregnancy; tablets are usually delayed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Terbinafine need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Terbinafine?

Fintrix, Ifin, Lamisil 250, Sebifin, Tebina, Terbest 250, Terbicip 250, Terbinaforce, Terbitotal, Tyza 250, Zimig 250.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.