What is Lamisil?

Lamisil (terbinafine) is an antifungal medication that fights infections caused by fungus.

Lamisil tablets are 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

Some people taking Lamisil have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether terbinafine 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.

Before taking this medicine

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;
a history of depression;
weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but you should wait until after your pregnancy to start treating your nail or scalp infection with Lamisil. 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. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take Lamisil?

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

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 fruit-based or acidic foods). Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. The 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.

While using this medicine, you may need frequent blood tests.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the oral granules in their sealed packet until you are ready to use.

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.

What should I avoid?

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

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Lamisil can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

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:

depressed mood, feeling restless, sleep problems, lack of interest in daily activity;
flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;
swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing;
skin sores, butterfly-shaped skin rash on your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);
weight loss due to taste changes; 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.

Common Lamisil side effects may include:

changes in your sense of taste or smell;
diarrhea, mild nausea or stomach pain;
stuffy nose, sore throat; or
headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Lamisil dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Lamisil for Onychomycosis — Fingernail:

Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 6 weeks

Comments:
-Optimal clinical effect observed some months after mycological cure and end of therapy; related to time required for outgrowth of healthy nail.

Approved indication: Treatment of onychomycosis of the fingernail due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium)

Usual Adult Dose for Onychomycosis — Toenail:

Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 12 weeks

Comments:
-Optimal clinical effect observed some months after mycological cure and end of therapy; related to time required for outgrowth of healthy nail.

Approved indication: Treatment of onychomycosis of the toenail due to dermatophytes (tinea unguium)

Usual Adult Dose of Lamisil for Tinea Capitis:

Oral granules: 250 mg orally once a day for 6 weeks

Comments:
-Some evidence suggests that a longer duration of therapy (e.g., 6 to 8 weeks) or higher dosage may be necessary when tinea capitis is caused by Microsporum canis.

Usual Adult Dose for Cutaneous Candidiasis:

(Not approved by FDA)

Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 4 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Corporis:

(Not approved by FDA)

Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 4 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Cruris:

(Not approved by FDA)

Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 4 weeks

Usual Adult Dose for Tinea Pedis:

(Not approved by FDA)

Tablets: 250 mg orally once a day for 2 to 6 weeks

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tinea Capitis:

Oral granules:
4 years or older:
Less than 25 kg: 125 mg orally once a day
25 to 35 kg: 187.5 mg orally once a day
Greater than 35 kg: 250 mg orally once a day

Duration of therapy: 6 weeks

Comments:
-Some evidence suggests that a longer duration of therapy (e.g., 6 to 8 weeks) or higher dosage may be necessary when tinea capitis is caused by Microsporum canis.

What other drugs will affect Lamisil?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Lamisil, especially:

cimetidine;
cyclosporine;
desipramine or other antidepressant;
fluconazole;
rifampin; or
heart or blood pressure medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with terbinafine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.