Lamisil (Lamisil)
Antifungal Treatment
Lamisil (Terbinafine) is an antifungal medication used to treat various fungal infections, including those affecting the skin, hair, and nails. It is available by prescription only.
Table of Contents
Lamisil Product Information
Terbinafine, commonly known by the brand name Lamisil, is an antifungal medication that effectively combats infections caused by various types of fungi. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of fungal infections affecting the scalp (tinea capitis), body (tinea corporis), groin (tinea cruris or jock itch), feet (tinea pedis or athlete's foot), fingernails (onychomycosis), and toenails (onychomycosis).
This medication works by inhibiting the growth of fungi, helping to clear up persistent infections. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by a doctor, even if symptoms improve earlier, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent recurrence. Terbinafine is available in both tablet and oral granule forms, with specific instructions for administration.
Terbinafine belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals. It works by inhibiting the growth of fungi.
Terbinafine tablets may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Oral granules are best taken with food. It is important to take the medicine for the full prescribed duration and at the same times each day to maintain a constant amount in the blood.
Topical forms (cream, gel, spray) usually start to work within a week. Oral tablets can take between 2 weeks and a few months to work, with full effects for nail infections potentially taking several months.
The fungicidal effect of terbinafine can persist in the nails for up to 30 weeks after the completion of treatment, contributing to long-term clearance of the infection.
Lamisil Quick View
| Active Ingredient | Terbinafine |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Novartis |
| Type | Antifungal |
| Onset | Topical forms (cream, gel, spray) typically start to work within a week. Oral tablets may take between 2 weeks and a few months to show effects, depending on the type and severity of the infection. |
| Duration | Terbinafine maintains a fungicidal effect within the nail for up to 30 weeks after the last administration. Treatment duration for toenail onychomycosis is typically 12 weeks. |
| Food Interaction | Terbinafine tablets may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Oral granules are best taken with food. |
| Alcohol | While alcohol does not directly interact with terbinafine, it is generally advised to limit or avoid alcohol consumption during treatment due to the potential for terbinafine to cause liver problems in rare cases. Combining alcohol with terbinafine may increase the risk of liver damage and could potentially prolong the fungal infection. |
| Prescription | Prescription only |
Lamisil Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas
- Stomach pain or upset
- Rash
- Peeling or itching skin (topical forms)
Uncommon Side Effects
- Changes in taste or smell
- Depressed mood
- Sleep problems
- Lack of interest in daily activity
- Feeling anxious or restless
- Pale skin
- Easy bruising
- Unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum)
- Purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin
- Swelling
- Rapid weight gain
- Little or no urinating
- Blood in your urine or stools
- Weight loss due to taste changes or loss of appetite
- Skin sores
- Butterfly-shaped skin rash on your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight)
Rare Side Effects
- Severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death
- Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Low white blood cell count
- Pancreatitis
- Dark urine
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Pale stools
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Aplastic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
Important Warning: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lamisil (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body, including skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
More Information About Lamisil
Storage
Store terbinafine tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), with excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep in a tightly closed container and protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to terbinafine or any component of the formulation. Patients with chronic or active liver disease.
Drug Interactions
Terbinafine can interact with certain medications, including cimetidine, fluconazole, rifampin, and certain antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), beta-blockers, and antiarrhythmics. It may also increase the effects of caffeine. Consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive list of interactions.
Lamisil FAQs
Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine that works by killing the fungus causing the infection. It creates holes in the cell membrane of the fungus, causing its contents to leak out, which ultimately kills the fungus and treats the infection.
The time it takes to feel better depends on the type of infection. Topical solutions, creams, gels, or sprays usually start working within a few days. Oral tablets can take several weeks, and fungal nail infections may require 6 months or longer for full recovery, especially in older individuals or for infections on the big toe.
Terbinafine is typically used for short durations to clear infections. Prolonged or excessive use can lead to the fungus becoming resistant to the medication. For some infections, like fungal nail infections, tablets may be taken for up to 3 months or longer if recommended by a doctor, and it is generally safe for long-term use under medical supervision. Blood tests may be required to monitor liver function during long-term treatment.
Yes, you can drink alcohol while using or taking terbinafine.
Terbinafine tablets may increase the effects of caffeine. It is advisable to avoid excessive caffeine intake (found in coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks, and chocolate) as it can lead to headaches, sleep disturbances, agitation, and increased urination. Otherwise, you can eat and drink normally.
If you take terbinafine tablets for a long time, your doctor may ask you to come back for a blood test to check that your liver is working properly. There is a small chance (less than 1 in 1,000) that terbinafine can affect your liver.
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Content last updated: 14 Apr 2026
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