Terbinafine 1% Cream is a prescription topical antifungal containing 10mg of terbinafine hydrochloride per gram, licensed in the UK for athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, cutaneous candida and pityriasis versicolor.
The 30g tube is a POM pack size for adults and adolescents aged 12 and over.
Prescribed and dispensed in the UK by Courier Pharmacy with personalised online consultation, GPhC-registered pharmacist oversight, and discreet home delivery.
Terbinafine 1% cream (30g): what it is and what it treats
Terbinafine 1% cream (30g) is a white (or almost white) antifungal cream for fungal skin infections. It contains terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w (10mg per gram). That equals 8.89mg of terbinafine base per gram. Because it targets common skin fungi, it often helps when other creams have not done the job.
How Terbinafine 1% cream works
Terbinafine belongs to the allylamine group of antifungals. It blocks a fungal enzyme called squalene epoxidase. As a result, the fungus cannot build a healthy cell membrane.
Importantly, terbinafine kills certain fungi rather than only slowing them down. So, many people notice improvement within a few days. In many cases, the infection clears within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the exact timing depends on the area treated and the type of infection.
Why the 30g tube is prescription-only in the UK
This listing is for the 30g tube, which is the larger UK pack size. In the UK, the 30g pack is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM).
This matters because people often use the larger tube for wider, stubborn, or recurring rashes. Therefore, a clinician should confirm the diagnosis and the best treatment plan first.
How we supply it at Courier Pharmacy
We dispense Terbinafine 1% Cream from a UK-registered pharmacy. A UK prescriber reviews your request first. Then a GPhC-registered pharmacist checks the supply before dispatch.
In other words, you get clinical oversight at two stages. That’s reassuring when a rash looks “fungal” but turns out to be something else.
When terbinafine is a good next step
If clotrimazole or miconazole has not worked for athlete’s foot or ringworm, terbinafine often makes sense as the next option. It works well against dermatophytes (the fungi that commonly cause athlete’s foot and ringworm). Because of that, it can suit shorter courses.
However, terbinafine does not suit every fungal problem. For example, some rashes in skin folds respond better to other antifungals. So, prescriber input still matters.
Key features and specifications
Active ingredient: Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w (10mg per gram)
Form: White or almost white topical cream (often with a faint almond odour)
Pack size supplied: 30g aluminium tube with polyethylene screw cap
Class: Allylamine antifungal (ATC code D01AE15)
Action: Fungicidal against dermatophytes and active against many yeasts
The itch between your toes that’s been quietly winning for weeks. A pink, scaly patch in the groin that keeps coming back every summer. Ringworm picked up from the the local wrestling club. Athlete’s foot that’s spread to a partner’s gym kit. Terbinafine 1% Cream is one of the most effective topical antifungals on the market, used to clear dermatophyte and yeast infections of the skin.
The 30g tube is a prescription-only pack size, designed for people whose infection covers more surface area, has been recurring, or needs longer treatment than the smaller pharmacy packs allow.
At Courier Pharmacy, we believe healthcare should fit you, not the other way round. Whether you’re managing fibromyalgia support that means you can’t easily get to a GP, MCAS care where excipients matter, or you simply want straightforward, evidence-led treatment without the queue, this page is here to help.
Five key takeaways
Terbinafine 1% Cream contains terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w (10mg per gram) and is a fungicidal topical antifungal effective against dermatophytes, Candida and Pityrosporum species.
It’s licensed in the UK for athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis), cutaneous candida, and pityriasis versicolor.
Adults and adolescents aged 12 and over apply a thin layer once or twice daily; treatment courses are short (one week for athlete’s foot, one to two weeks for ringworm and jock itch, two weeks for candida and pityriasis versicolor).
The 30g tube is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK; smaller pharmacy packs are P medicines. The larger pack is suited to widespread or recurrent infection.
Courier Pharmacy supplies Terbinafine 1% Cream through online prescriber consultation, full pharmacist oversight, and free fortnightly community clinics in Derby.
Treatment dosage Terbinafine 1% Cream
Terbinafine 1% Cream is applied once or twice daily depending on the type and location of the infection. Symptom relief usually starts within a few days, but it’s important to finish the full course rather than stopping when itching settles, because the fungi can persist below the surface even after redness and itching fade. The recommended duration of each treatment course is:
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): 1 week
Jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis): 1 to 2 weeks
Cutaneous candidiasis: 2 weeks
Pityriasis versicolor: 2 weeks
Before applying, clean the affected area and pat dry thoroughly. Apply a thin layer of cream and rub gently into the affected skin and the area immediately surrounding it. For weeping or reddened infections (between toes, under breasts, in skin folds), the area can be covered with a sterile gauze after application, particularly overnight. Wash hands afterwards. Don’t apply to broken or oozing skin without first speaking to us.
Children under 12 should not use Terbinafine 1% Cream because of insufficient safety data in this age group; younger children with fungal skin infections need a paediatric or GP review. Older adults can use the standard adult regimen without dose adjustment. If you see no improvement after 2 weeks of consistent use, the diagnosis needs reviewing; skin infections that don’t respond to terbinafine may not be fungal at all, or may need oral treatment.
Overview of Terbinafine 1% Cream
A UK Prescription Only topical antifungal for dermatophyte and yeast skin infections
Fungicidal rather than fungistatic, allowing short courses (often one to two weeks)
The 30g pack is suited to larger areas, recurrent infection, or longer treatment courses
Strong cure rates for athlete’s foot when courses are completed properly
Available from Courier Pharmacy through online prescriber consultation and pharmacist-led dispensing
Fungal skin infections are common, persistent, and frequently under-treated. The NHS estimates that around 15-25% of people will have athlete’s foot at any one time, and recurrence is the norm rather than the exception. Public locker rooms, shared towels, warm damp footwear, and a healthy immune system that can’t quite finish what it started all play a part. Terbinafine 1% Cream addresses the fungus directly, but lifestyle factors are what stop the next round.
The mechanism that makes terbinafine particularly useful for dermatophyte infections is what makes it less ideal for some yeast-driven problems. Terbinafine targets squalene epoxidase, which is essential to dermatophyte cell membranes. Yeasts like Candida albicans depend slightly less heavily on the same pathway, which is why clotrimazole or miconazole are often preferred for skin-fold candidiasis. Knowing what type of fungus you’re dealing with isn’t always possible from looking, but the location, pattern and history usually point in the right direction during a consultation.
Recurrent athlete’s foot, ringworm picked up from a pet, or jock itch that returns every summer often signal a reservoir somewhere: usually shoes, gym kit, towels, or contact with another person who carries the same dermatophyte. Treating the skin without addressing the source is a recipe for the infection coming straight back. We’ll cover the practical steps during your consultation: rotating shoes, drying skin folds carefully, treating footwear with antifungal spray, and not sharing towels until the infection has cleared.
Many of our patients arrive after years of using whatever’s on the supermarket shelf and getting partial results. We don’t subscribe to a one-size-fits-all approach to skin infections. Whether you’re managing recurrent athlete’s foot alongside diabetes, fibromyalgia support, MCAS care that needs excipient awareness, or chronic fatigue care that fits your life, the goal is a treatment plan that works the first time.
The bigger picture for any fungal skin issue involves identifying the type of fungus, finishing the treatment course properly, and removing the conditions that let it return. Terbinafine 1% Cream is a tool, not the whole toolkit. Our community work in Derby is one way we try to live up to that.
Why choose Courier Pharmacy for Ibuprofen and Codeine
At Courier Pharmacy, we built our service around the idea that healthcare should fit the person, not force the person to fit the system. When you buy Ibuprofen and Codeine from us, you are not just completing a transaction: you have access to a team that genuinely wants to make sure it is the right option for you.
Our approach is shaped by the philosophy of Dr Ada Jex-Cori, our brand pharmacist, who built her practice around accessible, honest, personalised care. Her view is straightforward: you are not broken. The system is the problem. We are here to change that.
We know that people managing long-term or complex conditions, whether that is fibromyalgia, CFS/ME, chronic pain, or recurring inflammatory flare-ups, often find themselves reaching for over-the-counter analgesics during acute episodes because the system has not yet offered them something better. If that sounds familiar, Ibuprofen and Codeine may be part of your short-term toolkit, but we would also love to have a broader conversation about what else might help. Our pharmacists can discuss prescription alternatives, compounded topical pain creams that deliver higher-strength NSAIDs and other actives directly to the painful area without the systemic load, and help you build a more complete picture of your pain management options.
Trust is the part that has to be earned, not claimed. Courier Pharmacy is UK-regulated, operates under GPhC oversight, and grounds every piece of clinical content in NHS, NICE, BNF, and peer-reviewed sources. When we recommend something, it is because the evidence supports it and it fits your needs, not because it is the most profitable option. If Ibuprofen and Codeine isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you why and suggest a better alternative.
Buy Ibuprofen and Codeine Tablets from Courier Pharmacy
Ibuprofen 200mg and Codeine 12.8mg Tablets is a Pharmacy (P) medicine that contains codeine and an NSAID. That means you don’t need a prescription, but the sale must be supervised by a pharmacist who’s checked the product is appropriate for your situation, particularly given the codeine content, the NSAID profile, and the three-day continuous-use limit.
Here is how our service works:
Complete a quick online consultation with a few straightforward questions about your health and current medications
A UK GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your answers to confirm the product is suitable for you
If it is appropriate, your order is approved
We dispense and deliver discreetly to your door
If it isn’t suitable for you, we’ll explain why and suggest the next best option. Sometimes that’s a paracetamol-codeine combination like Solpadeine Max (better for non-inflammatory pain or for people with NSAID cautions), sometimes a different acute pain treatment, sometimes a referral for prescription options if your pain pattern needs a wider plan, and sometimes a compounded topical pain cream tailored to your skin and pain pattern. We also run free fortnightly drop-in clinics and talks at Insomnia, Derby, every other week from 10 am to 12 pm. No appointment, no cost, no obligation.
Active ingredient in Terbinafine 1% Cream
The active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride, an allylamine antifungal. One gram of cream contains 10mg of terbinafine hydrochloride, equivalent to 8.89mg of terbinafine base. Terbinafine works by inhibiting an enzyme called squalene epoxidase in the fungal cell. Blocking this enzyme stops the fungus from making ergosterol (a key building block of fungal cell membranes) while causing toxic levels of squalene to accumulate inside the cell. The combination kills the fungus rather than just slowing it down.
Less than 5% of an applied dose is absorbed through the skin, so systemic exposure from topical use is very low. The enzyme terbinafine targets isn't part of the human cytochrome P450 system, which means topical terbinafine doesn't interact meaningfully with the metabolism of other drugs.
The cream also contains excipients including benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, sorbitan monostearate, cetyl palmitate, polysorbate 60, isopropyl myristate, sodium hydroxide and purified water. The alcohol-based excipients can occasionally cause local skin reactions in sensitive users, which is worth flagging during your consultation if you have known reactivity.
What is Terbinafine 1% Cream used for?
Terbinafine 1% Cream is licensed for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and certain other fungi. The main licensed indications are athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm of the body (tinea corporis), cutaneous candidiasis (skin infections caused by Candida species), and pityriasis versicolor (caused by Pityrosporum orbiculare, also called Malassezia furfur).
Athlete's foot is the most common reason people use Terbinafine 1% Cream. Typical features include itchy, scaly, sometimes cracked or weeping skin between the toes (most often between the fourth and fifth toes), occasionally extending across the sole.
Ringworm produces a characteristic red, scaly, often itchy ring with a clearer centre, anywhere on the body but commonly the trunk, arms or legs.
Jock itch produces similar changes in the groin folds and inner thighs, with a sharply defined edge. Pityriasis versicolor causes pale or pink patches across the chest, back and shoulders, often more obvious after a tan because the affected skin doesn't darken.
Terbinafine 1% Cream is not licensed for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) on its own, although oral terbinafine is the standard treatment for those. Vaginal thrush, oral thrush and scalp ringworm in children also need different treatments rather than the topical cream.
If you're unsure whether terbinafine is the right product for what you're dealing with, our consultation form will work through the pattern with you. A note on chronic illness contexts: people with diabetes, fibromyalgia, CFS/ME or who are on immunosuppressive treatment may be more prone to recurrent fungal infections, and treatment plans for those situations often need a slightly different shape.
How does Terbinafine 1% Cream work?
Fungi that infect human skin are remarkably persistent. They thrive on keratin (the protein that makes up the outer layer of skin, hair and nails), they tolerate the dry conditions on skin surfaces, and they reproduce quickly. To treat them effectively, you need a drug that can either kill them outright or stop them dividing for long enough that the body's own defences can clear them out.
Terbinafine is a fungicidal agent for dermatophytes, meaning it kills the organisms rather than just slowing them down. It works by blocking squalene epoxidase, an enzyme that fungi need to produce ergosterol. Ergosterol is to fungal cell membranes what cholesterol is to human cell membranes: a structural component that keeps the membrane stable. Without ergosterol, the cell membrane becomes unstable. Meanwhile, the chemical that would normally be converted into ergosterol (squalene) accumulates to toxic levels inside the fungal cell. The combined effect kills the fungus.
Crucially, the squalene epoxidase enzyme that terbinafine targets isn't important to human cells in the same way. Humans produce cholesterol via a different pathway, so terbinafine has minimal effect on our cells at therapeutic doses. The enzyme also isn't linked to the cytochrome P450 system, the major route by which drugs are metabolised in the liver. This is why topical terbinafine doesn't cause meaningful drug interactions, even with medicines that are sensitive to enzyme inhibition or induction.
After application, terbinafine enters the upper skin layers and accumulates there. Less than 5% is absorbed into the bloodstream, so systemic exposure is very low and side effects are mostly local. Because terbinafine remains active in the skin for several days after application, short courses (one week for athlete's foot) can be effective even though dermatophyte life cycles run for longer. This is one of the reasons cure rates are good, and why finishing the course matters even when the visible infection has cleared.
For pityriasis versicolor specifically, the mechanism is slightly different. The yeast involved (Malassezia furfur) is killed by terbinafine through the same squalene epoxidase route, but the visible pigmentation changes can take weeks or months to resolve after the infection has cleared, because the affected skin needs time to recover its normal melanin response. The cream's job is done well before the skin looks normal again, which can be confusing if you're judging success by appearance alone.
How to use Terbinafine 1% Cream
Make sure the affected skin is clean and dry before each application. A quick wash and gentle pat dry with a clean towel is enough; vigorous scrubbing isn't needed and can irritate already inflamed skin. If you're treating between toes, dry carefully in the spaces between each toe, not just on the surface. For groin folds or under breasts, the same principle applies: moisture-trapping areas need to be properly dry.
Apply a thin layer of cream over the affected skin and extend slightly past the visible edge of the infection, since the fungus often spreads a little beyond what's visible. Rub in gently until absorbed. A small amount goes a long way; you don't need a thick layer to be effective. For widespread infection or pityriasis versicolor on the trunk, two thumb-sized strips of cream are usually enough per application, divided across the affected area.
Practical tips from our pharmacists: wash hands after each application unless you're treating your hands themselves; don't share the tube with anyone, even people in the same household, to avoid cross-contamination; treat both feet even if only one is symptomatic, because athlete's foot is usually bilateral; keep using the cream for the full course even after symptoms settle; and address the reservoir at the same time (changing socks daily, drying shoes between wears, using antifungal foot powder in shoes during and after treatment). The cream shouldn't be applied near the eyes; if it does get in, rinse thoroughly with running water.
Warnings and precautions for Terbinafine 1% Cream
Terbinafine 1% Cream is for external skin use only. Don't apply to broken, weeping or extensively damaged skin without speaking to a clinician first. Avoid contact with the eyes; if accidental contact happens, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep the tube out of reach of children, and don't apply to children under 12 years without specific medical advice, since safety data in that age group is limited.
An important MHRA safety alert applies to topical terbinafine: it can make fabrics flammable. The cream contains alcohols that can leave residue on clothing, bedding and dressings, and those items can catch fire more easily when in contact with naked flames or strong heat. Don't smoke or go near open flames while using the cream, particularly if you've recently applied it. Wash bedding and clothing regularly during treatment; this reduces but doesn't fully eliminate the build-up.
If you develop a skin reaction at the application site (significant redness, blistering, intense burning, or a rash spreading beyond the treated area), stop using the cream and contact us or your GP. Mild redness, slight peeling and brief tingling at the application site are common and usually settle. More pronounced reactions can indicate hypersensitivity to terbinafine or to one of the excipients (benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol are the more common culprits for contact dermatitis).
During pregnancy, Terbinafine 1% Cream should only be used if clearly necessary. Animal studies haven't shown harm, but human clinical data is limited. The very low systemic absorption (under 5%) means topical use is unlikely to expose the foetus to significant amounts of drug, but a discussion with your midwife or GP before starting is still sensible. During breastfeeding, the cream should not be used, since terbinafine can pass into breast milk; if treatment is essential, infants should not come into contact with treated skin (including the breast).
Candidiasis in skin folds is a particular note: avoid using acid-pH soaps in affected areas, since acidic conditions encourage Candida growth. Standard neutral or slightly alkaline soap, used sparingly and rinsed well, is preferable while the candida is being treated.
Side effects of Terbinafine 1% Cream
Most people who use Terbinafine 1% Cream have no significant problems. When side effects do occur, they're almost always local rather than systemic, which reflects the very low absorption of topical terbinafine into the bloodstream. Common local effects include mild skin peeling and mild itching at the application site, both of which often settle within a few days of regular use.
Uncommon effects include application site pain, mild irritation, transient pigmentation changes (slight lightening or darkening of treated skin), small areas of redness or burning sensation, and small skin lesions or scab formation. These are usually mild and don't require stopping treatment, although severe or persistent reactions warrant a review. Rare effects include dry skin, contact dermatitis, eczema, and aggravation of the underlying fungal infection in unusual cases.
Serious effects are very rare. Hypersensitivity reactions (widespread rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) need urgent medical attention and discontinuation of the cream. If terbinafine accidentally gets into the eyes, irritation can occur, which usually resolves with prompt water rinsing but in rare cases needs ophthalmic review. Systemic side effects from topical use are extremely uncommon because so little drug is absorbed; symptoms of systemic terbinafine exposure (headache, nausea, taste disturbance) would only be expected after substantial inadvertent ingestion or extremely widespread, prolonged use.
If something feels wrong, trust that signal. Stop using the cream and seek prompt medical advice for: spreading rash beyond the treated area, blistering, intense burning that doesn't settle within minutes, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or new symptoms that don't fit the expected pattern of a skin reaction. Most issues with Terbinafine 1% Cream are minor; allergic reactions are always worth taking seriously.
Suspected side effects can and should be reported to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Reporting helps build the safety picture for everyone, including for long-established medicines.
Drug interactions with Terbinafine 1% Cream
Topical Terbinafine 1% Cream has no known clinically significant drug interactions. The combination of very low systemic absorption (under 5% of an applied dose) and the fact that squalene epoxidase isn't linked to the cytochrome P450 enzyme system means terbinafine cream doesn't meaningfully affect the metabolism of other drugs. This is one of the practical advantages of treating skin infections topically rather than with the oral form of terbinafine, which does have several relevant systemic interactions.
This makes Terbinafine 1% Cream a relatively safe choice for people taking multiple regular medications. It can be used alongside antihypertensives, antidepressants (including SSRIs and tricyclics), anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs), oral contraceptives, statins, antidiabetic medicines and most other common prescriptions without clinically relevant interaction concerns. Oral terbinafine is a different conversation, since it can affect certain antidepressants and cardiac medications via CYP2D6 inhibition; if oral treatment is being considered for nail infection at any point, those interactions need a fresh look.
The only genuinely relevant interactions are local. Don't apply multiple topical products to the same area simultaneously without checking. Combining different antifungal creams (terbinafine plus clotrimazole, for example) doesn't improve outcomes and can increase irritation. Topical corticosteroids applied alongside terbinafine can mask the inflammation that signals infection, which delays clear assessment of whether the antifungal is working. Combinations like clotrimazole-hydrocortisone (Canesten HC) are used in specific circumstances under clinical advice but aren't routinely the right approach.
Soap and skincare matter too. As noted under warnings, acid-pH soaps can favour Candida growth and are best avoided while treating skin-fold candidiasis. Heavy emollient creams applied immediately after terbinafine can dilute the active and reduce its effect; apply terbinafine first, let it absorb fully (about 15 minutes), then apply other skincare if needed. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers used routinely are fine.
If you're using other topical products on or near the treated area (steroid creams for eczema, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid preparations), tell us during the consultation so we can sequence the treatments correctly. This is particularly relevant for people with co-existing eczema or psoriasis, where skin barrier issues complicate antifungal treatment.
Frequently asked questions about Terbinafine 1% Cream
What is Terbinafine 1% Cream used for?
Terbinafine 1% Cream is licensed for athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm of the body, cutaneous candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor. It's particularly effective for dermatophyte infections (the most common cause of athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch) where it acts fungicidally rather than just stopping the fungus from multiplying.
How quickly does Terbinafine 1% Cream work?
Most people notice itching and redness easing within a few days. Visible clearing of the rash typically takes one to two weeks. For pityriasis versicolor, the pigmentation changes can take weeks or months to fully resolve even after the fungus has been killed, since the skin needs time to recover its normal melanin response.
How is Terbinafine 1% Cream different from clotrimazole or miconazole?
Terbinafine is an allylamine; clotrimazole and miconazole are azoles. Terbinafine is fungicidal against dermatophytes (it kills them), while azoles are typically fungistatic (they stop them from multiplying). For dermatophyte infections like athlete's foot, terbinafine often gives higher cure rates with shorter courses. For Candida-predominant infections in skin folds, azoles are often preferred.
Can I buy Terbinafine 1% Cream 30g without a prescription?
Not the 30g pack. In the UK, the 30g size is a Prescription Only Medicine. Smaller packs (15g and 7.5g) are available as Pharmacy (P) medicines and can be supplied after a pharmacist consultation. The 30g pack typically goes to people with more widespread infection or longer treatment needs.
How long should I use Terbinafine 1% Cream for athlete's foot?
The licensed treatment course for athlete's foot is one week. Use the cream once or twice daily on the affected area and a small margin around it. Continue for the full week even if symptoms settle earlier, because the fungus can persist below the skin surface and recurrence is common if treatment is stopped too soon.
Why does my athlete's foot keep coming back?
Recurrence is usually driven by a reservoir: untreated shoes, shared towels, communal floors, or a partner who carries the same fungus. Treating the skin without addressing the source means the infection returns. Rotating shoes, using antifungal foot powder, drying between toes carefully, and not sharing towels all help. Treating both feet (even if only one is symptomatic) also matters.
Can Terbinafine 1% Cream be used on the face?
Generally yes for tinea faciei (facial ringworm), with care to avoid eyes, lips and nostrils. The cream is licensed for skin infections caused by the listed organisms regardless of body site (excluding the scalp and nails, which need different treatment). Mention facial use during the consultation so we can give specific advice.
Can I use Terbinafine 1% Cream for fungal nail infection?
No. Terbinafine cream is not licensed for fungal nail infection (onychomycosis), because topical antifungals don't penetrate the nail plate adequately. Nail infections need oral terbinafine tablets or specific nail-targeted products (such as amorolfine lacquer). If you suspect a nail infection, we'll address it separately.
Can children use Terbinafine 1% Cream?
Terbinafine 1% Cream is licensed for adults and adolescents aged 12 and over. Children under 12 have insufficient safety data, so the cream is not recommended in this age group. Younger children with fungal skin infections should see a GP for appropriate paediatric treatment.
Is Terbinafine 1% Cream safe in pregnancy?
Use is not routinely recommended in pregnancy without medical advice. Systemic absorption is very low (under 5%), so the practical risk to a developing baby is minimal, but human clinical data is limited. Discuss with your midwife or GP before starting. In breastfeeding, the cream should not be used, and infants must not come into contact with treated skin.
Will Terbinafine 1% Cream interact with my regular medications?
Topical terbinafine has no known clinically significant drug interactions, because absorption is very low and the enzyme it targets isn't part of the cytochrome P450 system. It's safe alongside antihypertensives, antidepressants, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives and most other common prescriptions. Oral terbinafine is a different conversation.
Can I cover the treated area with a plaster?
Yes, especially for weeping infections or for overnight application in skin folds. The SmPC specifically allows for covering with a sterile compress after application in reddened or weeping infections under breasts, between fingers, in groin or buttocks folds. For routine athlete's foot, a clean cotton sock is usually enough.
Why does Terbinafine 1% Cream carry a fire warning?
An MHRA safety alert applies to many topical creams containing alcohol-based excipients: residue on clothing, bedding or dressings can make them more flammable. Don't smoke or sit near open flames or strong heat while using the cream, and wash bedding regularly during treatment.
Can I use Terbinafine 1% Cream with steroid cream?
Sometimes, but with caution. Steroid creams can mask the inflammation that signals fungal infection, which delays clear assessment of treatment progress. Combinations of antifungal and mild steroid are used in specific circumstances (heavily inflamed jock itch, for instance) under clinical advice. Tell us about any steroid creams you use during your consultation.
What happens if my partner has the same infection?
Treat both of you simultaneously to prevent ping-pong reinfection. Athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm pass easily between household members through shared towels, bedding, floors and direct contact. Don't share the tube; each person should have their own to avoid cross-contaminating the nozzle.
Will Terbinafine 1% Cream work for thrush in skin folds?
It can help for Candida skin-fold infections, since terbinafine has activity against many Candida species. However, azoles like clotrimazole or miconazole are often preferred for candida-predominant infections in skin folds. If you're not sure which type of fungus is involved, the consultation will help work it out.
Can people with MCAS use Terbinafine 1% Cream?
Some people with MCAS tolerate terbinafine cream well; others react to one of the excipients (most commonly benzyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol or cetyl alcohol). We always review the full ingredient list during your consultation if you have known mast cell reactivity, and where appropriate we can discuss whether a different formulation suits you better.
How is Terbinafine 1% Cream stored?
Store in the original container after first opening. Don't freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed. Once opened, the cream should be used within 28 days. Sealed tubes last for 4 years from manufacture. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
What happens if I accidentally swallow Terbinafine 1% Cream?
A single 30g tube contains 300mg of terbinafine hydrochloride, similar to one terbinafine 250mg tablet. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness. Seek medical advice immediately, even if you feel okay. Activated charcoal may be used in hospital to limit absorption.
How do I order Terbinafine 1% Cream from Courier Pharmacy?
Complete the short online consultation on our site, including photos of the affected area where helpful. A UK prescriber reviews your answers and the clinical picture. If terbinafine 1% cream 30g is suitable, a prescription is issued and we dispense the tube discreetly to your door. If it isn't suitable, we'll tell you why and suggest the next best step.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always check with a GP, pharmacist, or specialist before starting a new supplement if you have a medical condition or take regular medicines.
References
Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) (n.d.) [Product name not specified] – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12831/smpc (Accessed: 14 May 2026).
Joint Formulary Committee (2026) British National Formulary: Terbinafine. London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. Available at: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/terbinafine/
