Antifungal Drugs for a Nail Infection

This month we have a guest blog from Dr Ivan Bristow He is a leading clinician and researcher in dermatology.

Dr Ivan Bristow is widely published on all things skin and is an associate professor, expert witness, and consultant to healthcare professionals and businesses. He is also a fellow member of the Royal College of Podiatry.

Is it safe to take antifungal drugs for a nail infection?

Fungal toenail infection is a common condition that we see in podiatry. Despite being common, it can be difficult to treat and many options exist. Your podiatrist will be in the best position to advise you. Each approach has benefits and drawbacks so we will talk you through them so that you can make the right decision for you.

Taking an antifungal tablet is probably the easiest way of treating the infection as it generally involves just taking a tablet once a day for up to three months. From there, with time the infection should gradually improve your nail infection as it grows. Medically, antifungal tablets are a prescription-only medication so you will need to have them prescribed, most often by your own GP.

All drugs potentially can have side effects and antifungal drugs are no different. Antifungal drugs generally are broken down in the body by the liver so anyone who takes these drugs must have a healthy liver to avoid problems. So if your doctor is looking to prescribe them you will need a blood test to ensure your liver is in good shape.

Are there any side effects to antifungal drugs for a nail infection?

Like all drugs there are potential side effects, these are typically stomach upsets and nausea. In addition, again like all medications, there are potentially serious effects. When you are prescribed the terbinafine tablets there will be a leaflet included outlining all of the possible side effects, but reassuringly most are uncommon or rare.

As the drug terbinafine is processed in the liver, it can affect how your liver functions and this can cause you to become very unwell. In very rare cases, it can be serious but for most it means that if the liver isn’t working as well, your doctor may take you off of the drug.

What is the risk of serious side effects?

These effects are very rare and it’s been suggested it’s between 1 in 50 000 to 120 000 people who take the drug will suffer some liver damage. Normally, your GP will perform a monthly blood test while you are on the drug to ensure your liver is working normally. However, if you develop jaundice, abdominal pain or start producing dark urine you should consult a doctor immediately.

Is this the only way of treating fungal nail infection?

No. There are a range of options available and taking an antifungal tablet is just one of them. Other treatments may involve treating the nail with a lacquer, for example, which is very safe but can take a long time to work.Your podiatrist will be able to discuss with you your options along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.

It’s important to remember that all drugs have side effects and before undertaking any treatment it’s important to look at the risks and decide whether a particular treatment is right for you.

If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection or need expert advice on the best treatment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team at SO Podiatry is here to provide you with personalised care and support. Book an appointment today to start your journey toward healthier nails.

Dr Ivan Bristow is a Podiatrist in Christchurch, Dorset and runs his own blog discussing all manner of skin problems affecting the feet.

Further information on oral terbinafine is here.