Terbinafine 1% cream at 123 Meds

Category	Details
Type of Medicine	Antifungal cream
Health Conditions Prescribed For	Jock strap itch, athlete’s foot, ringworm, other skin fungal infections
Active Ingredients	Terbinafine
Brand Names	Lamisil
Available Strengths	1%
Available As	Cream
Possible Side Effects	Skin irritation, redness, itching, burning, dry skin, blistering (rare)
Manufacturers	Various Generic Manufacturers

What is Terbinafine 1% Cream?

Terbinafine 1% cream is an antifungal medicine for the treatment of fungal skin infections. The active ingredient, terbinafine hydrochloride, destroys fungal cell membranes and prevents further growth. It is especially effective against dermatophyte fungi that cause conditions such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), ringworm (tinea corporis), and jock itch (tinea cruris).

The cream is applied directly to the affected area of skin and helps to relieve itching, redness, and irritation.

What is Terbinafine 1% Cream Used For?

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Infection of the feet, usually between the toes, causing itching, peeling, and cracking.
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris): Red, itchy rash in the groin area, often spreading to the inner thighs.
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis): Ring-shaped red rash on the body or limbs.
Other Fungal Skin Infections: Includes pityriasis versicolor and infections caused by dermatophytes or yeast (Candida).

How Does Terbinafine 1% Cream Work?

Terbinafine blocks an enzyme needed for fungi to produce ergosterol, an essential part of their cell membranes.
Without ergosterol, fungal cells weaken and die.

This makes terbinafine fungicidal (kills fungi), rather than just stopping growth.

When to Use Terbinafine 1% Cream?

Use when fungal skin infection is suspected — signs include itching, redness, scaling, ring-shaped patches, or a rash in warm, moist areas such as feet or groin.
If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks, worsen, or spread, seek medical advice.

Who Should Apply It?

Adults (18 years and over) with fungal skin infections suitable for topical treatment.

Who Should Not Use It?

Anyone allergic to terbinafine or other ingredients in the cream.
Do not apply to open wounds, broken skin, or widespread infection.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use if advised by a doctor.

Can I Get Terbinafine 1% Cream Over the Counter?

No. In the UK, terbinafine 1% cream is a prescription-only medicine (POM). A GP or telehealth clinician must prescribe it.

Alternative Medications

Other topical antifungal options include:

Clotrimazole 1% cream (available over the counter)
Miconazole 2% cream (Daktarin, OTC)
Ketoconazole cream/shampoo
Oral antifungals (such as oral terbinafine) for more extensive or nail infections

How to Apply Terbinafine 1% Cream:

Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of cream once daily to the infected skin and a small margin around it.
Rub in gently until absorbed.
Continue treatment for the full course — usually 1 week for athlete’s foot, ringworm, or jock itch

Do not stop early, even if symptoms improve, as infection may return.

Ingredients

Active: Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w

Excipients: Benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, isopropyl myristate, purified water (formulation may vary by brand).

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

Most people tolerate terbinafine cream well. Possible side effects include:

Mild skin irritation, redness, itching or burning at the application site
Dry or flaky skin
Rarely, allergic reactions such as rash, blisters, or swelling — stop treatment and seek urgent medical advice from your GP/NHS111/A&E if these occur

How to Use Terbinafine 1% Cream (30g)
Terbinafine cream treats fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It works by damaging the protective wall of the fungus, which makes it die off. Because it kills the fungus rather than just stopping it from growing, it usually clears infections quite quickly. Most people start to notice an improvement after a few days, although it’s important to keep using it for the full recommended course, even if your skin looks better.
Side Effects of Terbinafine 1% Cream
For most fungal skin infections, you only need to apply terbinafine cream once a day. Clean and dry the affected skin first, then rub in a thin layer over the rash and a small margin of surrounding skin. Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm usually need around 1 week of treatment, though your doctor may advise up to 2 weeks for some infections like pityriasis versicolor. Even if the rash improves after a few days, don’t stop too soon or it may come back.
Can I use terbinafine cream on my face?
This cream is generally meant for areas like the feet, groin, or body. The skin on the face is more delicate, and terbinafine can sometimes cause irritation if applied there. If you think you’ve got a fungal infection on your face, it’s best to check with your 123Meds prescriber, GP or a pharmacist first. Definitely avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth — if that happens, rinse well with water.
What if my symptoms don’t get better?
You should notice some improvement within a few days to a week of starting treatment. If the infection hasn’t improved after 1 week, is spreading, or is getting worse, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice. If you’re not sure whether your rash is fungal, or if it’s very widespread, painful, or blistering, it’s best to get checked sooner.
- Call NHS 111 if you’re unsure what to do, especially if the rash is severe or rapidly spreading.
- Arrange a GP appointment if your symptoms don’t improve with treatment.
- Go to A&E or call 999 if you develop swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing — these could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Can I use terbinafine cream if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There’s only limited information about using terbinafine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is usually only prescribed if the benefits outweigh any possible risks. If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist before using this cream. They can help decide if terbinafine is right for you, or if another antifungal treatment would be safer.
Can I use it on broken or sore skin?
No — you shouldn’t apply terbinafine cream to broken, raw, or badly inflamed skin unless you’ve been told to by your doctor. The cream can sting and irritate if the skin barrier is damaged. If your infection has caused cracking or open sores, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional before continuing treatment.
What if I forget to apply it?
If you miss a dose, just apply the cream as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as normal. Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose — it won’t clear the infection any faster, and may increase the risk of irritation.
Does this cream work on fungal nail infections?
No — terbinafine cream doesn’t penetrate deeply enough into the nail to treat fungal nail infections. If you’ve got thickened, discoloured, or crumbling nails, you may need oral antifungal tablets or a medicated nail lacquer instead. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice.
What side effects should I watch out for?
Most people tolerate terbinafine cream well. Some may get mild redness, itching, or dryness where it’s applied — this usually settles quickly. Stop using the cream and seek medical advice if you develop a severe rash, blistering, or swelling. Very rarely, terbinafine can trigger a serious allergic reaction — if you notice swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing, call 999 or go to A&E straight away.
What ingredients are in the cream?
The active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w. Other ingredients (called excipients) may include benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, cetyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, sorbitan stearate, polysorbate 60, isopropyl myristate, and purified water. Different brands may use slightly different inactive ingredients. Always read the patient information leaflet in the pack for the full list of ingredients — especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin.