Health Library Allylamines for Ringworm of the Scalp or BeardFrom Healthwise

Cream, lotion, and pills (oral)

Some types of terbinafine cream are now available without a prescription.

You take terbinafine pills once a day for up to 4 weeks.

Allylamines kill fungi.

You can use allylamine pills to treat ringworm of the scalp and beard. If you use an allylamine cream or lotion, it is important to use it along with antifungal pills. An antifungal cream by itself will not kill ringworm.

Allylamines are an effective treatment for ringworm of the scalp or beard.

A review of studies in the United States and England showed that treatment with oral terbinafine for 2 to 4 weeks is as effective as treatment with griseofulvin for 6 to 8 weeks.¹

Side effects are rare when you use allylamine creams to treat ringworm of the scalp or beard. When you use allylamine pills, side effects may include:

• Stomach upset.
• Headaches.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

• You should not take antifungal pills with certain other medicines. Let your doctor or pharmacist know what other medicines you are taking.
• Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take allylamine pills.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking terbinafine pills, as this may increase the risk of liver damage.
• People who are taking antifungal pills will have their blood counts and liver and kidney functions monitored during treatment to watch for any adverse side effects.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Fleece D, et al. (2004). Griseofulvin versus terbinafine in the treatment of tinea capitis: A meta-analysis of randomized, clinical trials. Pediatrics, 114(5): 1312–1315.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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