Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is an antifungal medication which, in tablet form, is primarily used to eradicate fungal infections of the scalp, fingernails, or toenails.

Rarely Lamisil may be used to treat infections in other parts of the body, such as the groin or feet, when topical solutions fail, but generally topical medications are preferred for those areas, such as:

• Lamisil Spray
• Lamisil Cream
• Lamisil Derm Gel
• Lamisil Once

Topical applications are typically just as effective on the skin as taking the medication in tablet form, but carry less risk of serious side effects. However for scalp or nail infections, taking Lamisil orally proves most effective.

Eliminating Fungal Infections

Fungal infections of the nails are, unfortunately, very common. Untreated infections not only look bad, but can be painful, can lead to more serious infections, and may spread to other parts of the body. Infections of the scalp are less common, but can lead to unsightly wounds, permanent scarring and hair loss.

Hair and nails contain a large amount of the protein keratin, which is what invasive fungi thrive on. When taken orally, the terbinafine hydrochloride in Lamisil accumulates in exactly those areas. This makes it a very effective tool in combating fungal infections of the scalp and nails.

Treatment with Lamisil is very similar regardless of where the infection is found:

• Take one 250 mg tablet each day, with a glass of fluid
• It may be taken with our without food; eating may ease nausea
• Ideally tablets are taken at the same time each day to keep levels of the drug consistent in the body
• Missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered, or skipped if it's near time for the next dose
• Take all tablets as prescribed even if the condition improves; the fungus might not be completely eradicated
• Do not take more than 1 pill per day; there is no benefit, but increased risk of adverse reactions

Duration of treatment will vary by the location of the infection:

• Scalp - 4 weeks
• Fingernails - 6 weeks
• Toenails - 12 weeks

It may take several weeks or even a few months to see significant improvement. This is normal, due to the relatively slow rate at which hair, fingernails and toenails grow, unlike skin, which usually clears up fairly quickly.

In addition to Lamisil treatment, it's a good idea to frequently wash shoes, clothing and bedding that has come into contact with infected areas, and sterilize or replace combs, brushes or other instruments which have contacted infected scalps, until the infection is completely cleared up.

Important Warnings

Most side effects resulting from Lamisil are mild, and often clear up with continued treatment. They are, in order of frequency:

• Headache
• Stomach upset/nausea
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence

Other side effect are much more rare, but also much more serious; if encountered, treatment should stop immediately and a doctor be consulted:

• Smell or taste disturbances, including loss of smell or taste
• Any symptoms of liver damage; clay-colored stools, dark urine, severe itching, jaundice
• Depression or unusual mood changes
• Photosensitivity; skin sores, blisters, peeling or rashes that worsen in sunlight
• Altered immune system function; particularly exacerbation of cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus

It is common for a doctor to run tests on liver function prior to prescribing this medication, and regular checkups, including blood tests, are advisable to monitor for developing adverse reactions.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid use of this product altogether; effects on unborn babies or infants are unknown, but since there's no reason treatment can't be delayed it's generally considered to not be worth the risk.

Lamisil cream is excellent for the treatment for athletes foot and other fungal skin infections.

Active Ingredient

Terbinafine Hydrochloride 1%

Dosage

• Adults and children 12 years and older: Wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying.
• For athlete's foot wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes. Change shoes and socks at least once daily. Between the toes only: Apply twice a day (morning and night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor. On the bottom or sides of the foot: Apply twice a day (morning and night) for 2 weeks or as directed by a doctor.
• For Jock Itch and Ringworm: Apply once a day (morning or night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor. Wash hands after each use.
• Children under 12 years: Ask a doctor.

• FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.
• Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes.
• STORE BELOW 25C. DO NOT REFRIGERATE.
• Do not use if seal on tube is broken or is not visible.

Purpose

For the treatment of fungal skin conditions such as athletes foot, jock itch, ringworm, pityriasis and candida skin infections.

General Lamisil Information

Lamisil, a product of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, is a tried and tested formula for the effective treatment of nail (fingernail as well as toe nail) fungus infection. It has built a reputation as one of the most powerful treatments for nail fungus, which thrives beneath the nail where there is plenty of blood supply. Since nail fungus infection can worsen or even infect the other nails if left untreated, timely use of Lamisil is highly recommended.

Lamisil tablets are made up of the synthetic allylamine antifungal compound terbinafine hydrochloride. Like with the use of antibiotics, ensure that the entire course of the medicine is completed even if there is an apparent improvement in the condition. This is because while the outwardly appearance of the nail and the symptoms may show improvement, it takes time for the actual infection to heal. Stopping the medicine prematurely can lead to a relapse, which can turn out to be very severe.

While the dosage may vary depending on the medical history of a patient and the state of the infection, the general recommended dosage for Lamisil is:

• Treatment of fingernail onychomycosis: one tablet of 250mg once a day for a period of 6 weeks

• Treatment of toenail onychomycosis: One Lamisil tablet of 250mg once a day for a period of 12 weeks.

Each dose of Lamisil must be taken with a glass of water. These tablets must be taken regularly as recommended, as the most effective way of treating the fungal infection is to keep a constant supply of Lamisil in the blood stream. However, in the event of missing a dose on any given day during the treatment, do not take a double dose.

Lamisil tablets must be stored at a temperature of 25oC in an air tight container away from moisture and heat. Lamisil must also be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Potential side effects of Lamisil

Lamisil is contraindicated in patients with severe liver damage; therefore, it is essential to take necessary precautions, particularly when one has had a past history of liver problems. The best recourse in such a scenario is to seek medical advice. In some rare cases, the improper use of Lamisil can cause liver damage that can be fatal.

If, after starting the use of Lamisil, any of the below mentioned symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be contacted immediately as it could be a sign of some liver problems.

• Loss of appetite

• Yellow skin or eyes and dark urine

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Abdominal pain

Patients with renal impairment are also advised to avoid taking Lamisil. Moreover, refrain from alcohol or restrict its use as a combination of the drug with alcohol can affect the liver.