Lamisil

Generic Name: terbinafine (ter BIN na feen)
Brand Names: Lamisil

What is Lamisil?

Lamisil (terbinafine) is an antifungal antibiotic.

Lamisil is used to treat infections caused by fungus that affect the fingernails or toenails. Lamisil oral granules are used to treat a fungal infection of scalp hair follicles in children who are at least 4 years old.

Lamisil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Lamisil

Before using Lamisil, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.

Take Lamisil for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Lamisil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Some people taking this medicine have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether Lamisil actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking Lamisil.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.

To be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with Lamisil.

Before taking Lamisil

You should not use Lamisil if you are allergic to terbinafine.

To make sure you can safely take Lamisil, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• a history of depression; or

• an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.

FDA pregnancy category B. Lamisil is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Terbinafine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Lamisil without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Lamisil pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Lamisil?

Take Lamisil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take the Lamisil tablet with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Lamisil granules should be sprinkled into a spoonful of pudding or mashed potatoes (do not mix with applesauce, fruit juice, or other acidic foods). Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.

The Lamisil granule mixture should be taken with a meal.

Lamisil is usually taken for 6 to 12 weeks.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Lamisil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with Lamisil.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep the Lamisil oral granules in their sealed packet until you are ready to use.

See also: Lamisil dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, or urinating more than usual.

What should I avoid while taking Lamisil?

Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or other sources of caffeine while taking this medication.

Lamisil side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Lamisil: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people taking Lamisil have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether Lamisil actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking Lamisil.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.

Stop taking Lamisil and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

• joint pain or swelling, swollen glands, patchy skin color, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose;

• changes in mood or behavior;

• weight loss due to taste changes;

• raised, silvery flaking of the skin; or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, mild nausea or stomach pain;

• headache;

• mild skin rash or itching; or

• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Lamisil side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Lamisil?

Before taking Lamisil, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);

• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);

• rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifamate);

• another antifungal medicine, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), or voriconazole (Vfend);

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• a heart rhythm medication such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), propafenone (Rythmol) or flecainide (Tambocor);

• an "SSRI" antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), or paroxetine (Paxil);

• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others;

• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or

• a beta-blocker such as betaxolol (Kerlone), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Dutoprol, Lopressor, Toprol), pindolol (Visken), propranolol (Inderal), or timolol (Blocadren).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Lamisil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Lamisil.