Livestrong: Why Terbinafine and Alcohol Don't Mix

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, or the brand name Lamisil.

It's an anti-fungal medicine taken orally that treats fungal infections, per the Cleveland Clinic. Adults who are prescribed terbinafine usually take it every day for 6 to 12 weeks to cure an infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Combining terbinafine and alcohol could cause negative side effects.

"Drinking alcohol while taking terbinafine should be avoided if possible," says John Baddley, MD, a professor of medicine at University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Institute of Human Virology.

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 or jaundice, according to Dr. Baddley.

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