Lamisil

Generic name: Terbinafine hydrochloride
Brand names: Lamisil

Why is Lamisil prescribed?

Lamisil fights fungal infections. In tablet form, it's used for fungus of the toenail or fingernail. The cream and the solution are used for other fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. The solution is also used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection that produces brown, tan, or white spots on the trunk of the body.

Most important fact about Lamisil

Lamisil does not produce instant results. You won't see the full effect of the tablets for several months, until a healthy new nail has grown out. The cream and solution also work gradually. It usually takes a week for results to appear, and improvement often continues for 2 to 6 weeks after treatment has stopped. However, if you see no change at all after a full week of applying the cream or solution, notify your doctor. The problem may be other than fungal.

How should you take Lamisil?

Before applying Lamisil solution, clean and dry the infected area thoroughly. Use enough solution to fully wet the entire area. When using either the solution or the cream, do not cover the treated area with dressings unless directed by your doctor.

Continue using Lamisil for the full amount of time your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms begin to improve.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at one time.

--Storage instructions...

Store the tablets at room temperature, away from light in a tight container. The cream and solution should be stored at room temperature, and not refrigerated.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lamisil.

Side effects of the cream and solution are uncommon. They include burning or irritation, itching, dryness, peeling, and rash.

The tablets are a bit more likely to cause a reaction:

• Side effects of the tablets may include:
  Diarrhea, headache, indigestion, rash

Why should Lamisil not be prescribed?

Do not use Lamisil if it has ever given you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Lamisil

Changes in the lens and retina of the eye have been reported in people taking Lamisil tablets. If you notice any changes in your vision while taking the tablets, notify your doctor.

Lamisil tablets have been known to cause rare cases of liver damage. If you develop warning signs such as nausea, loss of appetite, or fatigue, alert your doctor. Lamisil tablets are not recommended if you have liver disease or kidney problems.

If you suffer from the autoimmune disorder lupus erythematosus, you will not be able to take Lamisil.

Lamisil tablets have also, in rare instances, caused very severe skin reactions. If you develop a steadily worsening rash, stop taking the tablets and call your doctor immediately.

If you develop another kind of infection while taking Lamisil tablets, tell your doctor. Lamisil may decrease your ability to fight infection.

Do not use Lamisil cream or solution in the eye, mouth, nose, or vagina. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with running water and call your doctor if symptoms continue.

If you develop skin irritation, redness, itching, burning, blistering, swelling, or oozing while using the cream or solution, notify your doctor. Do not cover the treated area with dressings unless directed by your doctor.

Lamisil has not been tested for safety in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Lamisil

If Lamisil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lamisil tablets with the following:

Antidepressants such as Elavil, Nardil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Parnate, Paxil, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Drugs classified as beta blockers such as the heart and blood pressure medications Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The safety of Lamisil during pregnancy has not been conclusively proven. Treatment with the tablets should not be started during pregnancy, and the cream and solution should be used only if clearly needed.

Lamisil from the tablets does appear in breast milk, so the drug is not recommended while breastfeeding. Do not apply Lamisil cream or solution to the breast.

Recommended dosage

TABLETS

Fungal Infection of the Fingernails

The recommended dose is one 250-milligram tablet once a day for 6 weeks.

Fungal Infection of the Toenails

The recommended dose is one 250-milligram tablet once a day for 12 weeks.

CREAM

Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, and Ringworm

Apply to the affected and closely surrounding areas twice a day until signs and symptoms improve. Use for a minimum of 7 days, but no more than 4 weeks.

For athlete's foot found only on the soles of the feet and not between the toes, use the cream twice a day for 2 weeks.

SOLUTION

Athlete's Foot and Tinea Versicolor

Apply to the affected and closely surrounding areas twice a day for 1 week.

Jock Itch and Ringworm

Apply to the affected and closely surrounding areas once a day for 1 week.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose with Lamisil tablets, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of overdose with Lamisil tablets may include:
  Abdominal pain, dizziness, frequent urination, headache, nausea, rash, vomiting.