Lamisil (Terbinafine)

What is Lamisil?

Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is a synthetic allylamine antifungal compound.

What is Lamisil used for?

Lamisil is used for the treatment of fungal infections in fingers and toe nails.

How does Lamisil work?

As Lamisil is an anti fungal agent, it starts its mechanism by killing sensitive fungi.

How to use Lamisil

Tablets of Lamisil should be used, as per the instructions of your doctor. Check the label of the medicine carefully to follow the instructions.

You can take Lamisil with or without meal, but remember to take it with a full glass of water. It is usually taken for 6 to 12 weeks depending on the condition of the patient.

If you stop taking Lamisil in between, you may not experience the benefits for several months, as satisfactory time period is needed for the outgrowth of healthy nails. Do not stop taking the medicine, even if you start observing improvements.

Lamisil warnings and precautions

While taking Lamisil, you are not allowed to consume food or drinks, which have ample amount of caffeine in it.

Your doctor may advise you to have lever function tests during the course of medication, as these tests may help in examining your condition.

It is not confirmed that Lamisil is safe for children or not, so keep it away from the reach of children.

Immediately consult your doctor, if you become pregnant during the treatment and do not breast feed while taking Lamisil, as its traces are found in breast milk.

Do not consume Lamisil, if you are allergic to any of the main ingredients of terbinafine hydrochloride.

What do I do if I have missed a Lamisil dose?

If you have missed your Lamisil dose, you should immediately take it. If you think it’s time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose and start your schedule again. Never take 2 doses at one time, as it will increase the risk of side effects.

What do I do if I have taken a Lamisil overdose?

If you have taken a Lamisil overdose, you should immediately contact your local poison control centre or take emergency medical aid. Symptoms of overdose are frequent urination, faintness, nausea, vomiting, mild or severe stomach pain or headache.

Lamisil interactions

You must seek information from your doctor, if you are already taking Cimetidine along with Lamisil, as it increases the risk of side effects. Also, avoid taking Rifampin, as it decreases the effectiveness of Lamisil.

Medicines such as flecainide, propafenone, metoprolol, fluoxetine amitriptyline can increase the risk of side effects. Anticoagulants like warfarin are also not advised, as they might lead to some side effects and decrease the effectiveness of Lamisil.

Also, before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use, especially if you take antifungal antibiotics, SSRI antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or beta-blockers.

Lamisil side effects

Most common side effects of Lamisil are disturbed digestive system, diarrhea, headache, and a bitter taste in mouth.

You must take emergency medical help, if you experience severe allergic reactions like hives, rash, itching, swelling of tongue, lips, mouth or throat, tightness in the chest, or problems in breathing.

Red, blistered, peeling, swollen skin; itching; flu symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat; liver problems like darkness in urine, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea; vision changes; unusual bleeding and tiredness are also some of the serious side effects of Lamisil.