It looks like you are using an older version of Internet Explorer which is not supported. We advise that you update your browser to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, or consider using other browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Safari.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Terbane® and what is it used for?

Terbane® is an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal skin cream for treating fungal skin infections.1 Each 1 g of Terbane® contains 10 mg of terbinafine hydrochloride.1

Terbane cream is used to treat fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes, which include:1

It is also used to treat certain yeast infections on the skin, including:1

SIDEBAR PACKSHOT
Download the TERBANE® Professional Information PDF
CONTACT US
PHARMACIES NEAR ME

What does Terbane® contain?

  • Terbane® contains the active ingredient terbinafine, which is effective and well tolerated.1,2,3
  • Terbinafine has been shown to work within a short treatment period (usually 1 to 2 weeks),1,2 and can maintain the cure over many months.2 This is important as repeat infections are common.2

How do I use Terbane® to treat my rash?

FAQ1

Cleanse and dry the affected area thoroughly.1

FAQ2

Apply Terbane® to the affected skin and surrounding area in a thin layer and rub in lightly.1

FAQ3

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

Terbane® may be applied once or twice daily.1

 
Ringworm Use once daily for 1 week
Athlete's foot Use once daily for 1 week
Jock itch Use once daily for 1 week
Skin thrush Use for 1 week
Pityriasis versicolor (tin fish) Use for 2 weeks

How quickly does Terbane® work?

Terbane® effectively treats fungal and yeast skin infections over short treatment periods because the active ingredient, terbinafine, is fungicidal, meaning it kills the fungus or yeast.1,4  Relief of symptoms usually occurs within a few days.1 You should only use Terbane® for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the condition being treated.1

If you don't see any signs of improvement after 2 weeks, speak to your healthcare provider to verify the diagnosis.1

Do not use Terbane® for longer than 1 month.1

banner2

How does Terbane® compare to other antifungal creams available in South Africa? 

Some antifungal treatments are 'fungistatic' and others are 'fungicidal'.2

Fungistatic treatments only inhibit the growth of fungus.2,4 Fungicidal treatments such as Terbane®, however, actually kill the fungus.1,4

Terbinafine, the active ingredient in Terbane®, is fungicidal and works within a short treatment period (usually 1 week).1

The shorter treatment period compared to fungistatic creams or azoles can make compliance (i.e. following your treatment as instructed) easier.2,5 It also helps to reduce the risk of repeat infections more effectively than fungistatic treatments.2,5,6 This is important because using an antifungal cream improperly or stopping the treatment too soon may increase the risk of a recurring infection.2,5

You can tell the difference between a fungistatic and a fungicidal treatment by reading the active ingredients on the container. (Helpful hint: Products containing active ingredients with names ending in 'azole' are fungistatic, not fungicidal.)2

Terbane® is a topical fungicidal cream 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 your treatment. The ‘azoles’ (which are fungistatic) often need to be used for up to 4 weeks, or even longer.7 This may increase the cost of treatment significantly compared to Terbane®7,8, which usually works within 1 week.1

Do I need a prescription for Terbane®?

No, Terbane® is a Schedule 1 medicine.1 That means it is available over the counter from your local pharmacy.1

Can I use Terbane® on a child?

Terbane® is suitable for use from 12 years old and up.1 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 fungal skin infections in younger children.

Can I use Terbane® if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effect of terbinafine on pregnant women and babies has not been well-tested so Terbane® should not be used during pregnancy.1 We do know that terbinafine is excreted through breast milk, so you should not use Terbane® when breastfeeding.1

 

References
  1. Sandoz SA (Pty) Ltd. TERBANE 10 mg Professional information. V3 (16/11/2020), approved 12 October 2020.
  2. Korting HC, Tietz HJ, Bräutigam M, et al. One week terbinafine 1% cream (Lamisil) once daily is effective in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis: a vehicle controlled study. Med Mycol. 2001;39(4):335-340.doi:10.1080/mmy.39.4.335.340.
  3. Ufkes N, Haidari W, Su J, et al. Frequency of allergenic ingredients in antifungal creams. Dermatitis. 2021;32(4):267-272. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000588.
  4. Graybill JR, Burgess DS, Hardin TC. Key issues concerning fungistatic versus fungicidal drugs. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 1997;16(1):42-50. doi:10.1007/BF01575120.
  5. Bergstresser MD, Elewski B, Hanifin J, et al. Topical terbinafine and clotrimazole in interdigital tinea pedis: A multicentre comparison of cure and relapse rates with 1- and 4-week treatment regimes. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993;28:648-651.
  6. Elewski B, Bergstresser PR, Hanifin J, et al. Long-term outcome of patients with interdigital tinea pedis treated with terbinafine or clotrimazole. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1995;32(2 Pt1):290-292. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(95)90153-1.
  7. Miconazole. EMGuidance. Accessed February 28, 2023. https://emguidance.com/content/15594.
  8. Sandoz SA (Pty) Ltd. Data on file. Database of Medicine Prices. December 2022.
 

Banner Reference
  1. Sandoz SA (Pty) Ltd. TERBANE 10 mg Professional information. V3 (16/11/2020), approved 12 October 2020.
 

Sidebar Reference
  1. Sandoz SA (Pty) Ltd. TERBANE 10 mg Professional information. V3 (16/11/2020), approved 12 October 2020.