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Topical antifungal (allylamine)

Terbinafine 1% Topical

Brand names: Lamisil Once (single-application film for tinea pedis), Lamisil (1% cream / spray)

A topical allylamine antifungal cream used to treat superficial dermatophyte skin infections such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris and tinea corporis, and cutaneous candidiasis.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Terbinafine inhibits fungal squalene epoxidase, impairing ergosterol synthesis in the cell membrane and causing accumulation of squalene, which is fungicidal against dermatophytes at the skin surface.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is for external cutaneous use only and should be kept away from the eyes; localised skin irritation, redness or itching at the application site can occur.
  • Continue treatment for the full recommended course even after symptoms settle, to reduce the risk of relapse, and keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Topical therapy is generally insufficient for nail or scalp infection, which require systemic treatment.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; review the affected area for clearance of the rash and any local irritation.

Counselling the patient

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected and surrounding skin and wash hands afterwards.
  • Complete the full course even if the rash clears early, and dry the area thoroughly (especially between the toes).
  • Seek advice if the rash worsens, spreads or fails to improve.

Evidence & guidelines

Topical terbinafine is an established effective treatment for tinea pedis and other dermatophytoses, supported by trial and Cochrane evidence of high cure rates for skin infection.

Reference: BAD Tinea Guidelines; NICE CKS Fungal Skin Infection; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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