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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
2

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
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
500 mg
Duration: 4–6 weeks; until culture negative
🐈

Cat

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)
Dose
30–40 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
250 mg
Duration: 4–6 weeks; continue until 2 consecutive negative cultures

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
250mg
Available in India
🧪

Cream — 1

Strength
1%
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

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%.

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.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
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 →