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Proper Use
Terbinafine may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.
To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up or you begin to feel better after a few days. Since fungus infections may be very slow to clear up, you may need to take this medicine for several weeks or months. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.
This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at the same times every day. If you need help in planning the best time to take your medicine, check with your doctor.
If you are using the oral granules, you may sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of pudding or other soft, non-acidic food such as mashed potatoes, and then swallow. Do not chew. Do not use applesauce or fruit-based foods. If you will need two packets of oral granules with each dose, you may sprinkle the content of both packets on one spoonful or two spoonfuls of non-acidic food .
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (granules):
- For tinea capitis (fungus infections of the scalp):
- Adults and teenagers—250 mg once a day for six weeks.
- Children 4 years of age and older—125 or 187.5 mg once a day for six weeks.
- Children below 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor .
- For tinea capitis (fungus infections of the scalp):
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For onychomycosis (fungus infections of the fingernails or toenails):
- Adults and teenagers—250 milligrams (mg) once a day for six to twelve weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
- For tinea corporis (ringworm of the body):
- Adults and teenagers—250 mg once a day for two to four weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
- For tinea cruris (ringworm of the groin; jock itch):
- Adults and teenagers—250 mg once a day for two to four weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
- For tinea pedis (ringworm of the foot; athlete's foot):
- Adults and teenagers—250 mg once a day for two to six weeks.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
- For onychomycosis (fungus infections of the fingernails or toenails):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
