Terbinafine and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I'm 9 days into my 3-month treatment. Felt like I had the flu all week - headaches & nausea. On day 8, it turned into bad stomach aches and diarrhea, paired with weakness, but I'm probably a bit dehydrated now. I'm going to try and push through and hope the symptoms subside. I am so sick of having gross toenails and I have tried every natural remedy, every topical treatment, and nothing has worked. Wish me luck."

• Nev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "Never again will I take this medication to treat toenail fungus. Beware - the side effects are real and dangerous. I am a healthy young female with no prior liver issues, nor gastrointestinal issues, nor insomnia. After 6 weeks of taking this medication daily, I then saw really intense and dangerous side effects and had to stop. Diarrhea, really bad insomnia and anxiety, digestive issues (stomach pain, flatulence, grumbling), weight loss, extreme fatigue, burping up acid. I had a liver panel test done and had liver damage as well. I stopped taking it immediately and three weeks later (today) I STILL have all these side effects. Another negative of this drug is that it stays in your system for a very long time. I hope I find relief soon with this medication and have complete healing (body and toenail). I would strongly advise against taking this drug."

• Tob...
• July 5, 2008

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "My physician prescribed Lamisil for me in October 2007. I took it for three months and had 2 liver panels done during that time. I was dizzy and mildly nauseated the first few days and had diarrhea. It has taken 10 months for the new nails to grow out but I can bear my toes once again! It also cures athlete's feet. Now my feet are baby smooth and free of dryness and cracks. I would highly recommend this product. Don't wait! This is the best my feet have looked in years. Trust me, IT WORKS! :)"

• Kma...
• September 9, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I am 18, and I’ve had nail fungus since I was about 11. It started off on my left pinky toe, but years later, probably because I was in cross country/track, it spread to four other toes. I really tried everything from home remedies to over-the-counter medicine. Finally, I spoke to my doctor and was prescribed to take Lamisil orally for three months. I was terrified because of all the negative reviews, but I desperately wanted this disgusting fungus to go away. It was the last two months that I admit made it difficult to continue. I basically had diarrhea every morning, which was horrible. But other than that, that was the only side effect I experienced. It’s been about three months since I finished my three-month prescription. And it truly feels like a miracle. The pinky toe on my left foot still has a little more clearing up to do, but really, other than that, my toes look so healthy. I’m sure in a few more months all my toenails will be completely clear. Was worth it."

• Me ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 10, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I've had toenail fungus for years. Maybe even a decade. Always embarrassed to show my feet because who wants to see nasty thick yellow nails? I finally got over the embarrassment and went to a doctor to ask for help. They said either these pills or a nail polish that takes 1 year to work. I chose the pills. The first night I took them, I couldn't sleep. For about the first week, I had brain fog and mood swings. My appetite was very small. One day, I had a bad stomach ache and diarrhea. I looked online and saw these types of things could happen, and I decided to power through it. The side effects stopped after about 10 days. It's been about 45 days now, and I can't believe the results. Eight of my toes were infected. They all look much better, about 80% healed, I'd say. The side effects suck, but they didn't last long for me, and I love being able to be barefoot without being embarrassed."

• Pro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2019

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "The podiatrist prescribed Lamisil for my (big) toenail fungus. I asked about side effects, and her comment was, “I’ve not seen anything serious.” Well, 5 weeks in and I woke up to exploding diarrhea. This diarrhea continued for 3 weeks - day and night. At first, I did not associate the diarrhea with the Lamisil. After discontinuing the med, it took another 2-1/2 weeks to get out of my system and for the diarrhea to stop. I experienced some sleep disruptions, but assumed it was because of my fear of soiling myself and the bed again. My sleep is finally improving as well. The worst part is that I see no difference in my toenail. I have had blood work done, and there are no indications of liver issues. I would definitely go another route than Lamisil."

• sug...
• August 5, 2015

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "Works great, I've been on it for 2 1/2 months. My toenails are not yellow anymore, only the ends are a little bit. I had toenail fungus for 15 years, they were thick and yellow, and I had to file them a lot. I tried everything to make it go away. I am on the generic brand of Lamisil. The side effects were just watery poop for two weeks, nothing more. My feet are not dry anymore, they're soft. I can wear sandals now without wearing fake toenails or fingernail polish. When on this, file the nail down to get the fungus and keep doing it. Use a different file each time, don't wear socks too long, and keep your feet clean."

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 18, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "Prescription Lamisil has healed my toenails. I contacted the infection from pedicures. I've learned to do my own pedicures and have been taking the meds, and it's great! I've had liver and kidney tests done, and I'm good. At first, it did make me feel sick, but after a week of taking Lamisil, I had no issues at all. There are home remedies to cleanse your liver and kidneys. I'd rather help myself than be concerned with what a control group has come up with as far as side effects. I know it works for me, and it's even healed my dry feet. Drink water with lemon 4 hours after your dose. Just think... People take other pills and drink alcohol, which messes up your liver, kidneys, and urinary tract, but that's OK. I'd rather be healthy than worry about what meds will do. If you have diarrhea, then take Imodium. So simple!!"

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2017

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "Took this for 2 1/2 months (generic version). Fungus improved somewhat, however, the side effects of weight gain, water retention, diarrhea, and stomach pain were not worth it. The side effects increased the longer I was on the medication. I take nothing else, and there were no other changes or health issues, so I know 100% this medication was the culprit."

• Kcb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I just finished 3 months on Lamisil. The only bad thing I’ve experienced thus far is an upset stomach. It comes and goes, but right now I’ve had the runs for about 5 days. Even though it’s such an irritating side effect, I think for the benefit I’m receiving, it is worth it. So far, I have noticed a difference in my nails. I know my doctor said to wait half a year to a year, but I already see improvement. I’m going to be patient and wait, but I feel like this is going to be promising as several of my nails look better already. Again, the only downside is that I have a very upset stomach, but overall, it wasn’t too bad. I’d recommend it."

• Soo...
• January 15, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have had toenail fungus for about 8 years and managed to get it out of one nail only to have it spread to another. I found it incredibly distressing when it spread to be on three of my nails, so I started the pills. The first week I felt fine, with maybe a little loose stool. By the second week, I’ve had terrible headaches, diarrhea, cramps, fatigue, and depression. I don’t think I can continue with this medication."

• Soo...
• January 15, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have had toenail fungus for about 8 years and managed to get it out of one nail only to have it spread to another. I found it incredibly distressing when it spread to be on three of my nails, so I started the pills. The first week I felt fine, with maybe a little loose stool. By the second week, I’ve had terrible headaches, diarrhea, cramps, fatigue, and depression. I don’t think I can continue with this medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2016

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I have been taking this drug for about 2.5 months. I had toenail fungus on my toes, it actually hurt me to walk. The fungus started on one toenail, and lo and behold, it spread to 7 of my toenails, so don't think that it won't spread because it does. I did a liver test before taking it to make sure my liver was fine. I was scared to take it because of the side effects I've heard, however, I really haven't had any. When I first started taking it, I had a little diarrhea and minor loss of appetite, but like I've stated, I'm now 2.5 months into taking it and no problems. My toes all appear to be clearing up nicely. I have about 1.5 months left of treatment, and I suspect that they will all be fine when I've completed my medication cycle."

• jst...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 21, 2016

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Absolutely awful side effects for me after taking for just 6 days. Insomnia (it's 4 AM and I'm wide awake right now, if that tells you anything), diarrhea and vomiting (both of which I had within the past hour), and exacerbating my pre-existing depression and anxiety, inducing a very negative generalized sense of unease and dysphoria. What's more, apparently it takes months and months to get this poison out of your system entirely, even after taking it for just a few days. If I can deter just one person out there from starting this medication, it's worth it: this drug is the stuff of nightmares and should be pulled from the market. Buyer beware, it's not worth the risk. Read all the negative reviews out there."

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 5, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I took this medication for 2 months, resulting in severe diarrhea, gurgling stomach, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and depression. Now, almost a month after stopping the drug, I maintain a bland diet and take Imodium to try to stop the gurgling stomach and persistent diarrhea. The side effects from this drug are much worse than the original problem. What doctor would prescribe a drug with such severe and long-lasting side effects to cure toenail fungus? I try to take as few prescription drugs as I can, preferring homeopathic treatment. In the future, I will take a long, hard look at alternatives to this dangerous garbage. Run, don’t walk, from a doctor prescribing this poison. I would literally rather have my nails pulled off with pliers in the future than use this drug again. I hope it hasn't damaged my liver as others have reported. I feel my trust was violated, and my body was damaged by this drug."

• 4Pe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2016

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I'd had a toenail infection on my little toe for over 10 years, but in the last year it spread to my big toe and also to one of my wife's toes, so it was time to challenge this thing once and for all. I considered the various creams, but these are fiddly, take time to apply, and are expensive, so I opted for terbinafine. I was aware that some people experience side effects, however, the only minor side effect I got was mild diarrhea in the first couple of days as my body adjusted to the tablet. After this, everything was fine. In total, I was prescribed 42 tablets on 3 occasions, therefore, I took them for just over 4 months, and I am delighted to report that both affected toenails are now perfectly pink again, with all the fungus grown out."

• Xyz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2019

For Cutaneous Candidiasis "I want to share my negative experience with a drug with you. It concerns a medication called Terbinafine Mylan 250 mg. I only have a fungal infection, and by using the drug for 5 days now, I am experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia. Less serious are diarrhea, partial loss of appetite, fatigue, and lassitude. I never knew using drugs can have such negative consequences, as this is my first negative experience with side effects, so I only wanted you to be aware."

• Blo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2022

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Toenail "Started Lamisil 3 weeks ago and am now experiencing ringing in my ears, diarrhea, no appetite, and weight loss. Which I really don't mind the weight loss so much;). It's the taste of food also that doesn't appeal to me. My vision has gotten cloudy. However, I've read so many good reviews and bad reviews. I'm hoping that I go through a little discomfort to be able to finally have good-looking feet. Cause in CA, it's all about the teeth, tits, and toes! I'm currently on 250 mg 1X day. I hope that the side effects go away after I finish the prescription. Good liver tests so far. I just want the ringing noise to go away. Also, to note I've been depressed. Don't know if that's a part of the side effects because I am normally a very happy, outgoing kind of gal. I've been stuck in bed for two days now, barely eating anything. I'll let you know what the results are after."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2018

Terbinafine for Onychomycosis, Fingernail "Took for 41 days - stopped because of diarrhea, which I have had for 2 weeks now. Tried taking Imodium, but it doesn’t help. Ate the BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple, toast) for several days - didn’t help. Not worth the side effect, and can’t get a decent answer as to when the diarrhea will stop."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2015

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "I am on my third month of taking Lamisil. I had no side effects for the first two months, and now I have frequent diarrhea (every day). I just don't understand why I am now getting the side effects. I am always thirsty, feel dehydrated, and have a bad taste in my mouth most of the time. Slight headaches here and there. Did anyone else have side effects that came after two months? Luckily, this should be my last refill of this medication. I haven't noticed any positive changes in my middle infected toenail, but a friend who took the medication advised me that it could take six months or longer for a new nail to grow in. Staying positive."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2019

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Terbinafine should be renamed 'poison'! It’s deadly. I only took one (one tablet!!!) and within hours the room was spinning so fast, I was throwing up and had diarrhea. I continued to vomit even though I only drank water for two days. Was so tired I was sleeping all the time I wasn’t being sick. Goodness knows what it would do to me if I continued. Rather live with a dodgy toenail. The doctor only mentioned a potential liver problem and booked a blood test. Be warned!"

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2017

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "After a few days of use, I came down with flu-like symptoms: nausea, migraine, runny nose, fever, chills, body pains, blurred vision, diarrhea. I ended up having to take 2 days off from work to recover from this drug. I would highly recommend using caution when taking. Will not be continuing..."

• sug...
• August 5, 2015

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Had toenail fungus since 2000. My doctor prescribed me a generic brand of Lamisil. Been on it for 2 1/2 months. Nails are pink, not yellow and not thick anymore, so happy. Just the ends are a little yellow, that's it. Side effects: just watery poop for two weeks, nothing else."

• Mil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 5, 2018

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "Awful drug! After four days of use, I developed anxiety and depression and could not function physically. I also had multiple side effects: diarrhea, blurred vision, dizzying effects, joint pain, headache, etc. It’s been three days off the pills, and I am still feeling cruddy. Not as bad as the previous week but still very tired and anxious with headaches and foggy brain. Be very careful with this one."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2014

For Onychomycosis, Toenail "After 6 years of toenail fungus creams, toenail removal, laser treatments, spraying (soaking) inside my shoes with Lysol spray disinfectant after wearing, alternating shoes daily-same pair every third day, soaking feet in regular Lysol (this really helped with flare-ups), nothing would keep this fungus at bay. Then I tried terbinafine: after 3 weeks, my knee and leg quit aching, my nasal sinuses dried up (no more disgusting green stuff to cough up), all other bodily aches and pains cleared up as well (I'm 68). Oh, sure, there were some slight tummy problems, with diarrhea and loss of appetite, but only temporarily. Have been off meds now for several weeks; toenail looks better, but pain in knee/leg has returned. Love this stuff!"