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Terbinafine

Prescription

Allylamine antifungal

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Inhibits squalene epoxidase, blocking ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes, leading to fungal cell death

At a glance

Class

Allylamine antifungal

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Dermatophytosis / Fungal infections

Dose

20–30 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

500 mg

Duration: 4–6 weeks; until culture negative

🐈

Cat

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

Dose

30–40 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

250 mg

Duration: 4–6 weeks; continue until 2 consecutive negative cultures

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength

250mg

Available in India

🧪

Cream — 1

Strength

Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Known hypersensitivity to terbinafine

Use with caution

Hepatic disease
Hepatotoxicity risk

Adverse effects

Common

Inappetence

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Serious

Hepatotoxicity

Pancytopenia

Monitoring parameters

Hepatic enzymes (baseline and periodic)Fungal culture

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Cyclosporine

moderate

Terbinafine may inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism of cyclosporine, increasing cyclosporine levels

Management: Monitor cyclosporine trough levels. May need to reduce cyclosporine dose by 25-50%.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Lamisil

Novartis

India

Terbicip

Cipla

Fungotek

Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Terbinafine?

Terbinafine is a allylamine antifungal used in pets. Inhibits squalene epoxidase, blocking ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes, leading to fungal cell death

›What is Terbinafine used for in pets?

Terbinafine is used in veterinary medicine for: Dermatophytosis / Fungal infections; Dermatophytosis (ringworm).

›What is the Terbinafine dose for dogs?

For dogs, Terbinafine is typically dosed as follows — Dermatophytosis / Fungal infections: 20–30 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Terbinafine dose for cats?

For cats, Terbinafine is typically dosed as follows — Dermatophytosis (ringworm): 30–40 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Terbinafine?

Common: Inappetence, Vomiting, Diarrhoea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity, Pancytopenia.

›Does Terbinafine need a prescription?

Yes. Terbinafine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Terbinafine not be used?

Do not use Terbinafine if: Known hypersensitivity to terbinafine.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database