Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking or using terbinafine

Terbinafine tablets are not generally recommended in pregnancy.

There's no evidence that using terbinafine cream, gel or spray in pregnancy will harm your baby.

If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant speak to your doctor about whether terbinafine is the right medicine for you.

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take or use terbinafine when you're breastfeeding.

Cream, gel, spray or solution

Terbinafine from the cream, gel, spray or solution is very unlikely to get into breast milk and will not cause any side effects in your baby.

Be careful that your baby does not come into contact with the areas of your body you have put it on. Wash your hands after you have used it and before picking up your baby. Do not put it on your breasts.

Tablets

There is not much information about how much terbinafine from the tablets passes into breast milk, but information shows that it's a very small amount. However, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend other antifungal medicines which might be better while breastfeeding.

If you do take terbinafine tablets while breastfeeding, talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any concerns, including if your baby:

• is not feeding as well as usual
• has an upset stomach, such as being sick or diarrhoea
• has signs of jaundice – these include yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), dark pee and pale poo
• has a rash

There is no evidence that terbinafine reduces fertility in either men or women.

Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• pregnant
• breastfeeding