How long does it take for terbinafine to work? (+3)

In this article, we will discuss how long it takes for terbinafine to work after administration. We will also discuss the mechanism of terbinafine to understand its effective usage and duration of action.

How long does it take for terbinafine to work?

Terbinafine may take a few days to a few weeks to work based on the condition it is being used to treat. The variation is also because it is utilized in different dosage forms which are prescribed according to the severity and area of infection (1).

Terbinafine is available as:

The solution of terbinafine usually shows its effects within a few days. The cream, spray, and gel show results within a week (2).

However, if there is no progress within a week of using the solution, and 2 weeks of the usage of spray, cream, or gel; you should consult your healthcare provider (2).

The tablets will take 2 to 4 weeks to treat jock’s itch, 2-6 weeks to treat athlete’s foot, and 4 weeks to treat ringworm. It could even take up to 6 weeks to 3 months or more if you have a fungal toenail infection (1).

The medication has a relatively slow pace of eradication from your system as well, lasting up to months even after stopping administration.

No matter what condition you have, you should finish the course of your medication as recommended by your doctor. Even if your symptoms resolve, it is advised to take the prescribed medication or the infection might come back.

How does terbinafine work?

Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that has a fungicidal mode of action. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called squalene epoxidase in the fungi (3).

The inhibition leads to the accumulation of squalene and deficiency of ergosterol which is a key component in cell membranes and cell walls of the fungi (3).

This imbalance and high concentrations of intracellular squalene end up eradicating the fungal infection and hence stop its spread (3).

How to take terbinafine for maximal effect?

Various factors might affect the way terbinafine works and its duration. You must be aware of the following while taking terbinafine.

Be aware of the interactions:

You must inform your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking as terbinafine can interact with different drugs. Terbinafine can interact with the following medications (4):

• cimetidine
• fluconazole
• cyclosporine
• rifampin
• paroxetine
• codeine
• metoprolol
• digoxin

If you take any of the above-mentioned medications, contact your healthcare provider. Concomitant use may influence the effectiveness of medications or result in adverse effects.

Do not miss doses:

Terbinafine works best when there is a certain concentration or dosage present in the blood for a required period. This constant amount is what helps the patient to recover faster and become fully infection-free.

To keep this needed amount in your system, you should not miss any of the doses. You should also take them in the prescribed manner and it is best to take them at the same time every day.

Avoid caffeine:

Terbinafine may increase the effects of caffeine on the body. Thus, it is best to avoid the intake of caffeine often while on this medication. Concomitant use can agitation, sleep disturbances, and frequent urination (5).

What to do if terbinafine does not work?

Different medications can be used if terbinafine is not effective for you. If terbinafine does not work within the specified duration, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may consider the following alternatives:

• ketoconazole
• itraconazole
• ciclopirox
• efinaconazole
• tavaborole

In my experience:

As per my understanding, the duration of action of terbinafine depends on its dosage form and the condition it is being used to treat. Terbinafine solution works within a few days and topical formulations work within a week.

Terbinafine tablets may take up to 2 weeks to 6 months based on the condition it is being used for. Terbinafine is an antifungal medication and should be taken appropriately to achieve maximal effects.

References