Drug interactions
Carbamazepine + Terbinafine
Severity: Moderate
Carbamazepine and Terbinafine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Carbamazepine is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower terbinafine concentrations, potentially reducing antifungal efficacy. Terbinafine itself is not a significant inhibitor of carbamazepine metabolism, though clearance of terbinafine is increased by inducers such as rifampicin.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbamazepine and Terbinafine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Carbamazepine belongs to Central Nervous System; Terbinafine belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and other enzymes, accelerating terbinafine clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response to terbinafine and consider a higher dose or longer duration, or an alternative antifungal, if response is inadequate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Terbinafine
- Terbinafine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Eliglustat + Terbinafine Major
- Flecainide + Terbinafine Major
- Imipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Maprotiline + Terbinafine Major
Other interactions of Carbamazepine
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Cabotegravir + Carbamazepine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Delamanid Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Dienogest / estradiol valerate Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Carbamazepine + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbamazepine with Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbamazepine and Terbinafine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbamazepine is a potent enzyme inducer and can lower terbinafine concentrations, potentially reducing antifungal efficacy. Terbinafine itself is not a significant inhibitor of carbamazepine metabolism, though clearance of terbinafine is increased by inducers such as rifampicin.
How serious is the interaction between Carbamazepine and Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor clinical response to terbinafine and consider a higher dose or longer duration, or an alternative antifungal, if response is inadequate.
What other medicines interact with Terbinafine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Terbinafine with, for example, Thioridazine, Desipramine, Eliglustat. The full list is on the Terbinafine page.
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