Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Brand Name - Lamisil Cream
- Type of Drug: Antifungal.
- Prescribed for: Fungal infections of the skin.
Terbinafine (Lamisil) General Information
Terbinafine is a general-purpose antifungal product. It can cure common athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm faster than other medicines of this type. It is also effective against Candida and other fungal infections of the skin. Terbinafine is unique because it accumulates in the skin after application and continues to kill fungus organisms even after you stop using it. Most other antifungals applied to the skin do not kill the fungus; they only stop it from growing. Because of its strength, Terbinafine may be prescribed for fungal infections of the skin that do not respond to nonprescription products.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take this product if you are allergic to Terbinafine or any other ingredient in Lamisil Cream.
Terbinafine is meant to be applied only to the skin. Do not put it into your eyes, swallow it, or use it for a vaginal infection.
Laboratory animals fed almost 400 times the daily human dose of Terbinafine for 2 years developed tumors. Terbinafine should be used only for specific fungal infections and only on your doctor’s prescription.
Terbinafine (Lamisil) Possible Side Effects
- Most common: itching and irritation of the skin immediately after application.
- Less common: burning, irritation, and dryness of the skin.
Drug and Food interactions
None known.
Usual Dose
Apply Terbinafine to affected areas morning and night for 1 to 4 weeks. Use this medicine exactly as prescribed.
Overdosage
Overdosage of Terbinafine is a problem only if the cream is swallowed. Overdosage can lead to tiredness) poor muscle coordination, breathing difficulty, and bulging of the eyes. Overdose victims should be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription package.
Terbinafine (Lamisil) Special Information
Do not put Terbinafine cream into your eyes, nose, mouth, or any other mucous membrane tissues.
Do not stop using Terbinafine before your prescription is completely finished, even if your rash clears up. The full prescription may be necessary to eliminate the offending fungus.
Do not cover the cream with plastic wrap or anything that restricts ventilation after application unless so instructed by your doctor.
Call your doctor if your skin becomes red, burns, itches, blisters, or swells, or if oozing develops.
If you forget to apply a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your treatment.
Terbinafine (Lamisil) Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding
There is no information on the effect of Terbinafine on a developing fetus. Pregnant women and those who might become pregnant should use Terbinafine only if it is absolutely necessary.
Very small amounts of Terbinafine may pass into breast milk after application. Nursing mothers should not apply this cream to the breast and should carefully consider its use on other parts of the body.
Seniors
Older adults can use Terbinafine without special restriction.