Cutis 250mg Tablets

Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine that kills the fungus causing an infection by damaging its outer layer.

It is used for fungal infections such as:

• athlete's foot
• ringworm and jock itch (groin infection)
• pityriasis versicolor (scaly, discoloured patches of skin)
• yeast (candida) skin infections
• fungal nail infections (tablets)

Creams, gels and sprays treat the skin. Tablets are prescribed for nail infections or when skin treatments are unlikely to work.

Use terbinafine as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, or as the pack says.

• Cream, gel or spray: wash your hands, clean and dry the skin (including between the toes), then apply a thin layer. Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and lips. Wash your hands afterwards.
• Tablets: swallow whole with water, with or without food, at the same time each day.
• Finish the full course even if the skin looks better, or the infection may come back. Nail infections can take months to clear.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next one is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

On the skin, the most common side effect is irritation, peeling or itching where it is applied.

Common side effects of the tablets include:

• headache, dizziness, rash
• feeling sick, diarrhoea, indigestion or stomach ache
• smaller appetite, muscle or joint pain
• loss or change of taste or smell, which can sometimes last a long time

Stop the tablets and get medical help straight away if you have:

• yellow skin or eyes, dark pee or pale poo (liver problems)
• easy bruising or frequent infections
• fever with rash, itching or purple spots under the skin
• severe upper stomach pain spreading to the back
• weak or painful muscles, or dark red-brown pee
• swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking the tablets if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to terbinafine or another medicine
• have, or have had, liver or kidney problems
• have lupus, a weak immune system or HIV
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• take antidepressants, beta blockers, amiodarone, ciclosporin, cimetidine, rifampicin, tamoxifen, warfarin, codeine or tramadol

The tablets can increase the effects of caffeine, so avoid too much tea, coffee or cola. Your doctor may arrange liver blood tests during long courses.

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat, moisture and light, and out of the reach of children.

Pregnancy: the tablets are not usually recommended. Speak to your doctor about the cream, gel or spray.

Breastfeeding: skin products can usually be used, but do not apply them to the breasts. Ask your doctor before taking the tablets.

Blood donation: wait at least 7 days after finishing the tablets.

Driving: do not drive if you feel dizzy or tired.

Alcohol: you can drink alcohol while using it.