Lamisil is commonly prescribed for the treatment of fingernail or toenail fungus, as well as ringworm of the scalp. The medication acts on certain types of fungus in the skin and nails to either kill them or slow down their growth. Lamisil is available in three strengths. Side effects of the drug include headache, diarrhea, or rash.
Lamisil
® (
terbinafine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat fingernail or toenail fungus. A new form of Lamisil (oral granules) has also been approved to treat a fungal infection called tinea capitis (also known as ringworm of the scalp).
(Click Lamisil Uses for more information on what Lamisil is used for, including possible off-label uses of this drug.)
Lamisil is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Nail fungus (known medically as onychomycosis) is an infection caused by certain types of fungi. As a result of this infection, fingernails and/or toenails can become thick, brittle, and discolored.
Lamisil comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. After entering the blood, the medication slowly moves into the skin and nails. Here, it acts on certain types of fungi to either kill or slow down the growth of the fungus that is causing the infection.
Lamisil works similarly to treat tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp). This problem is caused by a fungus, and Lamisil works by killing the fungus.
Several studies have been conducted on how well Lamisil treats toenail and fingernail fungus. These studies showed that in 70 percent of cases, Lamisil was an effective "toenail fungus cure." In 79 percent of cases, Lamisil cured fingernail fungus. A nail fungus cure was defined as there being no evidence of fungus when part of the nail was looked at under a microscope.
In clinical studies, about 60 percent of people had significant improvements in the appearance of their nails. However, not all people who use Lamisil will have nails that look better (that is, have nails that are less thick, brittle, or discolored).
It also takes time to see the effects of Lamisil, as you will have to wait until a new nail grows to see any improvement. For toenails, the average time for overall success is about 10 months; for fingernails, it is about four months. About 15 percent of people had a return of the fungus following the initial treatment.
When and How to Take Lamisil
General considerations for when and how to take Lamisil include the following:
- Lamisil comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day. For treating ringworm of the scalp, Lamisil comes in oral granule form (which is also taken by mouth once a day.)
- For fingernail fungus or for ringworm of the scalp, Lamisil should be taken for six weeks. For toenail fungus, Lamisil should be taken for 12 weeks.
- Lamisil can be taken with or without food.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the Lamisil tablets.
- Lamisil oral granules should be sprinkled on a spoonful of non-acidic food, such as pudding or mashed potatoes (but not on applesauce or any fruit-based foods).
- Lamisil should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For Lamisil to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Lamisil will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Lamisil
The dose of Lamisil that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type of fungal infection you have
- Your weight (for children)
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your Lamisil dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lamisil. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Lamisil quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Lamisil include:
(Click Lamisil Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Lamisil
Lamisil: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking Lamisil if you have:
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure (renal failure)
- A poorly functioning immune system (such as with HIV or cancer)
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus for short)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Lamisil?
People who take too much Lamisil may have overdose symptoms that can include:
- Upset stomach (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Frequent urination
- Headache.
How Should Lamisil Be Stored?
Lamisil should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Lamisil tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Lamisil and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Lamisil?
If you do not take your Lamisil as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Lamisil.
Lamisil comes in the following strengths and forms:
- Lamisil 250 mg tablets
- Lamisil 125 mg oral granule packets
- Lamisil 187.5 mg oral granule packets
Currently, both brand-name and generic Lamisil are licensed for sale (
see Generic Lamisil).
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