Why Terbinafine and Alcohol Don’t Mix
Wellness & SelfcareDrugs

Why Terbinafine and Alcohol Don’t Mix

Why Terbinafine and Alcohol Don’t Mix
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Updated on September 29, 2025
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If you’ve ever dealt with a fungal infection in your nails or had a case of athlete’s foot, you may be familiar with the medication terbinafine, sold under the brand name Lamisil.

Terbinafine is an oral medication used to treat fungal infections.

 Adults who are prescribed terbinafine usually take it every day for 6 to 12 weeks to cure an infection.

During treatment, it’s a good idea to take a break from drinking alcohol. That’s because terbinafine is primarily metabolized through the liver, just like alcohol. Combining terbinafine and alcohol could cause negative side effects.

“Drinking alcohol while taking terbinafine should be avoided if possible,” says John W. Baddley, MD, clinical director of infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

The Risks of Mixing Terbinafine and Alcohol

If you’re taking terbinafine with alcohol, there are certain risks and symptoms to stay mindful of, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, headaches, and jaundice, according to Dr. Baddley.

Both alcohol and Lamisil are processed in the liver, so your liver can become slightly sensitive to alcohol while taking the medication. This creates a potential risk of liver damage. That said, alcoholic drinks don’t have to be avoided for long after taking your prescribed dose of terbinafine. It’s safe to resume drinking alcohol three to five days after your last dose, according to Baddley.

You’re encouraged not to drink alcohol while taking the medication, but serious and fatal liver problems are unlikely if you do, Baddley says. “Liver failure, sometimes leading to liver transplant or death, has rarely occurred with the use of oral terbinafine,” he says.

If your doctor has prescribed terbinafine, you should carefully follow the directions to limit your risk of these side effects. Also, steer clear of caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda, as the medication may keep caffeine in your system longer than usual, according to Mayo Clinic.


Other Terbinafine Side Effects

Terbinafine may result in other potential side effects, Baddley says:

  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Upset stomach
  • Itchiness
  • Changes in taste
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gas

If you develop these symptoms, they shouldn’t last long after you stop taking terbinafine. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms linger after finishing your prescribed doses.

The Takeaway

  • It’s best to avoid alcohol while taking terbinafine to reduce the likelihood of potential liver damage.
  • It’s also a good idea to avoid caffeine while taking terbinafine, as the medication can prolong caffeine's half-life.
  • If your doctor has prescribed terbinafine, you should carefully follow the directions to limit your risk of unpleasant side effects
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Terbinafine Tablets. Cleveland Clinic.
  2. Terbinafine (Oral Route). Mayo Clinic. February 1, 2026.
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