Expert: Barbara Judge - 11/2/2009

Question
Dr.Judge, thanks for responding to my question. I (45, white male) have been prescribed terbinafine for some kind of derivative of athlete's foot (no itching, burning, nor discomfort). Questions are 1) one website says take WITH acidic food (orange juice, etc.) and one says WITHOUT...which is it or does it matter?......and 2) I am in the airline business and get "radomly tested" for drugs....will this come up either as a false positive (like sesame seeds = heroin) or just in general?  Thanks again, Dr. Judge for volunteering your time to assist the general public.

Answer
    1.  It is not necessary to take terbinafine with food or specifically acidic food.  Terbinafine absorption is not significantly affected by food as far as therapeutic effect.  

    2.  Terbinafine is not known to cause any false positive drug screenings.  It is in your best interest to report any drugs you are taking, such as terbinafine, which you obtain with prescriptions issued by your doctor which can be fully verified because some drugs, both prescription and over the counter are considered "masking agents".  Masking agents are used to attempt to cover up a dirty drug test.  If you have a valid prescription for prescription it is best to be honest with the screeners.  It is easier to have them verify information and find out it is reliable up front rather than try to get out of a problem after it has occurred.

Thanks

Barb Judge