Lamisil (Terbinafine)

Description

Lamisil is a medication used to fight fungal infections. It contains terbinafine as the main ingredient.

 

It is mainly used in the treatment of fungal infections that affect the finger and toenails of patients. There are granules of Lamisil used to cure fungal infections in the scalp found in children of 4 years and older.

 

Important information

 

While taking Lamisil, there have been cases reported where patients experienced severe damage to the liver. This led to the need for a liver transplant. It was fatal in some of the cases. Terbinafine isn’t the definitive cause of this.

 

However, you need to seek emergency medical assistance if you experience symptoms of liver failure or damage. This includes severe nausea, pain in the upper abdomen, dark urine, pale stools and yellowish skin and eyes.

 

Do not take Lamisil if you have a prior allergy to the main ingredient. If you have a history of liver disease, depression, HIV, weakened immunity, lupus, psoriasis, and other autoimmune disorders, make sure you tell your doctor before taking Lamisil.

 

If you have a child in you, it isn’t expected to be adversely effected by Lamisil. However, you should probably wait until you have delivered before starting treatment for fungal infections. Tell your doctor if you are with child at present or if you plan on getting pregnant.

 

Lamisil might harm nursing children by passing into them through nursing. Do not breastfeed your child if you are being treated with Lamisil. Tell your doctor and ask for their advice before exposing children to this medication.

 

Dosage

 

Do not deviate from your prescription when taking this drug. Never take larger or smaller doses. Do not take Lamisil for longer than your doctor has told you to.

 

Drink Lamisil with a full glass of water, and drain the glass. If giving the granules, put them in soft foods like pudding or mash. Do not mix Lamisil with applesauce or other fruit products.

 

Swallow the granules without chewing. Do not mix and store. Take the mixture of granules and food with a normal meal.

 

The usual dosing period with Lamisil is about 12 weeks at most. Take the drug for the entire advised time. Take blood tests regularly if necessary.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. You can ignore the dose you missed if it is nearly time for the next dose in your schedule. Never take extra doses of Lamisil to make up for one that you missed. This could cause an overdose.

 

If you overdose, call your local poison hotline and seek emergency medical assistance immediately. You may experience confusion in an overdose situation.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Stuffy nose
 Headaches
 Change in taste and smell
 Dizziness
 Diarrhea
 Mild nausea

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Severe liver damage
 Severe nausea and stomach pain
 Itchiness
 Depression
 Angina and arrhythmia
 Fever
 Skin lesions
 Rapid weight loss or gain

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

If you are currently on cyclosporine, desipramine, fluconazole or heart/blood pressure medication, tell your doctor before taking Lamisil.

 

Do not drink tea or coffee with Lamisil. Never take soft drinks while taking it. Avoid all caffeine. Stay away from direct sunlight or tanning beds.

 

A common contraindication is an allergic reaction. Stop immediately if you have hives, swelling in the face and trouble breathing.