Sometimes it's a little difficult to cure some fungal infections that occur on our skin and nails, isn't it? Maybe the doctor has given you or your child a powder-like medicine. Today we are talking about one such antifungal medicine, Terbinafine. Let's talk clearly about how to use it exactly and what things to be careful about.
What is Terbinafine?
Simply put, Terbinafine is an antifungal medication. It is used to control and cure certain types of fungal or yeast infections that occur in our body. When this medication comes in the form of granules, it is easier to give, especially to children or those who have difficulty swallowing pills. It can be found in the market under names like `(Lamisil)`. However, it is not good to use such medications without a doctor's prescription.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important to give you a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- If you are an alcoholic .
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have an allergy to terbinafine or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is the most important part. There is a specific method for using this herbal medicine. Following it exactly will greatly affect the success of the medicine.
1. How to prepare: Hold the medicine packet with the cut line facing up. Then shake the packet several times to let the powder flow down. Now tear the packet open along the cut line. Or you can cut it with scissors.
2. Mixing: Carefully spoon the entire amount of powder from the packet into a non-acidic, bland food. For example, you can use something like pudding or mashed potatoes.
3. The most important warning:
Never mix this with a sour-tasting food made from fruit, such as applesauce. Doing so may affect the effectiveness of the medicine.
4. Swallowing: The mixture of food and medicine powder should be swallowed directly without chewing .
5. Dosage: If you have to take two packets at a time, you can put the powder from both packets in the same spoonful. Or you can put it in two separate spoons.
Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better. Finish the entire dose of medicine.
When to give this medicine to children?
Doctors prescribe this medicine for children as young as 4 years old for some conditions. But you need to be especially careful about it. Therefore, give it to children only as directed by the doctor . Remember to mix it with a non-sour food as mentioned above.
What if I take too much medicine or miss a meal?
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Terbinafine is a medication that can interact with other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken with this medicine | |
| Medications for mental illness | thioridazine |
| Other medications that may cause problems | |
| Medications for irregular heartbeat | amiodarone, flecainide, propafenone |
| Some medications for high blood pressure | Beta-blockers |
| Medications for depression | SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline), Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline), MAOIs |
| Other fungicides | fluconazole, ketoconazole |
| Other medications | caffeine, cimetidine, cyclosporine, rifampin, warfarin (a blood thinner) |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of taking this medicine?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Symptoms that may affect the liver | Loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the eyes or skin , dark urine , pale stools, unusual tiredness. |
| Severe skin allergies | Symptoms include fever or cold-like symptoms, including red or purple skin rashes, blistering and peeling skin (even inside the mouth), swelling of the face, lips, and lumps in the neck or armpits. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, fever, signs of infection. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Digestive system | Stomach upset, diarrhea, changes in taste. |
| Other | Hair loss, muscle or joint pain. |
Take-Home Message
- Terbinafine powder should always be mixed with a non-acidic food (e.g. pudding, mashed potatoes) and swallowed without chewing.
- Never take this with fruit-based foods.
- Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- If you develop symptoms of liver damage (yellowing of the skin, dark urine, pain in the right side of the stomach) or a severe skin rash (hives accompanied by fever) , see your doctor immediately.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
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