What Is Lamisil Tablets Used For?

Lamisil contains terbinafine hydrochloride, an antifungal medication that helps treat various fungal infections by killing the fungi that cause them.

Primary Uses

Lamisil is used to treat ringworm (tinea) infections occurring in the groin, body, feet (athlete’s foot) and soles. It is also used to treat fungal infections of finger and toenails (Onychomycosis).

How It Works

These infections are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Lamisil helps to kill these dermatophytes, clearing up the infection.

How to Take Lamisil Tablets

Take Lamisil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken at about the same time each day with a full glass of water.

Dosage Instructions

For skin infections: take 250 mg Lamisil once a day. For fungal infection of finger and toenails: take 250 mg Lamisil once a day. Treatment duration varies: skin infections of toes (2 to 6 weeks), body or groin infections (2 to 4 weeks), finger and toenail infections (6 weeks to 3 months). For big toe infections, treatment may take up to 6 months. If Lamisil upsets your stomach, try taking it immediately after a light meal.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Low appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Hives
• Feeling sick
• Indigestion
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Fever and chills
• Itching
• Stomach discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Depression

Important Warnings

Before taking Lamisil, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.

Who Should Not Take Lamisil Tablets

Do not use Lamisil if you are allergic to terbinafine hydrochloride or any of the ingredients. Do not use Lamisil in children. Symptoms of allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, difficulty breathing, redness, itching or rash on the skin, rash, or fever.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney diseases, skin diseases like psoriasis, blood problems (unusual bleeding, bruising or frequent infections), or if you develop unexplained bleeding or blood clots. Also inform your doctor about symptoms such as feeling sick, loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting, pain in right upper part of stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lamisil is not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor will advise you regarding the possible risks and benefits. Do not use Lamisil during breastfeeding as terbinafine hydrochloride passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Lamisil and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

• Warfarin (blood thinner)
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Heart medications (e.g. metoprolol)
• Caffeine
• Depression medications (tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, MAOIs)
• Cyclosporin (immune system medication)
• Cough medications (e.g. dextromethorphan)
• Stomach medications (cimetidine)
• Other antifungal medicines (fluconazole, ketoconazole)
• Antibiotics (rifampicin)

Alcohol & Driving

Lamisil may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Lamisil may cause dizziness in some people. Avoid driving vehicles or using machines if you are dizzy. Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Lamisil affects you.

Storage

Store Lamisil below 30°C and protect from light. Keep it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Lamisil, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions