By Dr Magnus Lynch
MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatological Surgeon

Terbinafine for fungal infections

Terbinafine is usually prescribed as a 3 month course for nail infection and a 6 week course for skin infection. It is usually safe and well tolerated however as with any medication there is a risk of side effects. Common side effects include headache, diarrhoea, stomach upset, muscle or joint pains, feeling dizzy and visual disturbance. Severe side effects include allergic reaction, inflammation of the liver or severe skin rash. You should stop taking the medication and seek urgent medical review if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, darkening of the urine or lightening of the stool, severe rash, high temperature, abdominal pain or severe muscle pains. You should carefully read the information at the following link before taking the medication: Side effects of terbinafine

If you are female, you should not become pregnant whilst taking this medication. Due to the potential for liver inflammation you should attend for blood tests (FBC, U&E, LFT) before starting treatment and after one month of treatment. These can be arranged at your GP or via my practice management team. If you arrange the blood tests via my practice then please contact my practice manager as soon as you have attended for the tests so that the results can be obtained. Please make contact again if you have not received the results within 1 week of attending for the tests. If you arrange tests via your GP you will need to chase these results with them and send them through to my practice manager so that I can review the results. It is not safe to continue the treatment without the blood tests.

About Dr Magnus Lynch

MA(Cantab) DPhil(Oxon) MRCS FRCP

I am a London-based Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon. I am highly experienced in skin cancer diagnosis, Mohs micrographic surgery, acne, rosacea, acne scarring and laser treatments. I studied at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and completed my dermatology training and Mohs fellowship at the prestigious St John's Institute of Dermatology. I graduated from medical school in 2003 and have worked exclusively in Dermatology since 2012.

I lead a research team at King's College London investigating the molecular biology of skin cancer. In recent years I have been involved in Media Appearances, including the Channel 5 series 'Skin A&E', where I perform skin surgeries and treat various skin conditions.

My NHS practice is at Guy's Hospital. I consult with private patients at OneWelbeck (near to Bond Street station) and on Harley Street. Book A Consultation.