Terbane cream is a topical antifungal cream, which means you apply it to your skin. 1,2 Each 1 g of cream contains 10 mg of terbinafine hydrochloride. 1
Terbane cream is used to treat fungal skin infections cause by dermatophytes, which include: 1
- Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
- Jock itch (Tinea cruris)
- Athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis)
It is also used to treat certain yeast infections on the skin, including: 1
- Skin thrush (Cutaneous candidiasis)
- Pityriasis versicolor
What does Terbane cream contain? |
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How do I use Terbane cream to treat my rash? |
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Cleanse and dry the affected area thoroughly.
Apply Terbane cream to the affected skin and surrounding area in a thin layer and rub in lightly.
Where skin folds occur, e.g. below the breasts, between the fingers or toes and in the buttocks and groin region, you may cover the cream with gauze overnight. 1
Duration of treatment |
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Terbane cream may be applied once or twice daily. 1 |
Ringworm and Jock itch |
Use once daily for one week |
Athlete’s foot |
Use once daily for one week |
Skin thrush |
Use for one week |
Pityriasis versicolor |
Use for two weeks |
How quickly does Terbane cream work? |
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Terbane cream cures fungal and yeast skin infections over short treatment periods because it kills the fungus or yeast. 1 Relief of symptoms usually occurs within a few days. 1 Terbane cream is usually only used for one to two weeks, depending on the condition being treated. 1,3 If there are no signs of improvement after two weeks, the diagnosis should be verified. 1 Do not use Terbane cream for longer than one month. 1 |
How does Terbane cream compare to other antifungal creams available in South Africa? |
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Antifungal creams can be classified as fungistatic or fungicidal. 3,4 Antifungal creams called the ‘azoles’ are fungistatic, which means they inhibit the growth of the fungus. Fungicidal creams such as Terbane, however, actually kill the fungus. 1,3,6,7 Because of its fungicidal action, the active ingredient in Terbane results in short treatment periods (usually one week) and a lower rate of recurrence compared to fungistatic creams. 1,4,5 This shorter treatment period can improve compliance. This is important because irregular use of any antifungal cream or the premature discontinuation of treatment may increase the risk of recurrence. 1,3,5 You can tell the difference between a fungistatic and a fungicidal treatment by reading the active ingredients on the container. Fungistatic treatments contain an active ingredient that usually ends with the letters ‘azole’. 3 Terbane (a fungicidal) cream is available in 7.5 g and 15 g tubes in South Africa. 1 When comparing the costs of antifungal creams, remember to work out how many tubes of cream you will need for the full duration of treatment. The ‘azoles’ (which are fungistatic) often need to be used for up to four weeks, or even longer. This may increase the cost of treatment significantly compared to Terbane, which usually works within one week. 4,5,8 |
Do I need a prescription for Terbane cream? |
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No, Terbane cream is a Schedule 1 medicine. That means it is available over the counter from your local pharmacy. 1 |
Can I use Terbane cream on a child? |
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The use of Terbinafine in infants and children under 12 years of age has not been studied enough and it therefore cannot be recommended for this age group. 1 Speak to your healthcare provider for advice on how to treat your younger child. |
Can I use Terbane cream if I am pregnant or breastfeeding? |
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The effect of Terbinafine on pregnant woman and their babies has not been well tested so Terbane cream should not be used when pregnant. 1 We do know that Terbinafine is found in breast milk, so you should not use Terbane cream when breastfeeding. 1 |
Terbinafine is an antifungal medication that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. It is available in cream form and can be applied topically to the affected area.
Terbinafine works by inhibiting the growth of fungi and preventing them from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. Without ergosterol, the fungal cells are unable to function and eventually die.
Terbinafine cream is typically applied once or twice daily to the affected area, depending on the severity of the infection. It is important to apply the cream as directed and to continue using it for the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms improve before the infection is completely gone.
The most common side effects of terbinafine cream are mild skin irritation and itching. However, some people may be allergic to the medication and may experience more serious side effects such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
It’s important to note that antifungal creams should only be used to treat fungal infections and should not be used to treat other types of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. It’s also important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Terbinafine cream is a medication that is used to treat fungal skin infections. It is a topical antifungal, meaning it is applied to the surface of the skin. Common fungal skin infections that can be treated with terbinafine cream include ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch.
It is important to clean and dry the affected area before applying the cream. The cream should be applied thinly and evenly to the affected area, and it should be avoided to be applied around the eyes, mouth, or nose. It’s recommended to use the cream for the full treatment period as prescribed by the healthcare professional, even if the symptoms improve before the infection is completely gone, to prevent the infection from recurring.
The cream is usually applied once or twice a day for a period of 1-4 weeks, depending on the type of infection and its severity. It’s important to follow the instruction of the healthcare professional and not to use more or less than recommended, or use it more often than prescribed.
While Terbinafine cream is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects, the most common of which are skin irritation, itching or burning. But in some cases, the cream can cause more serious side effects, such as an allergic reaction, which may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the cream and seek medical attention immediately.
It’s important to note that Terbinafine cream is not recommended for use on children under the age of 12 and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using the cream, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, it’s important to inform your healthcare professional before using the cream.