Lamisil (Terbinafine Hydrochloride) is an antibiotic that treats fungal infections that affects fingernails or toenails by stopping the fungus growth. The class of drugs which includes Terbinafine Hydrochloride is known as antifungals. Lamisil is lipholic in nature, which means it can dissolve in fats, oils and lipids; thus rendering it very effective to seep and accumulate in the skins, nails and fatty issue and treat the fungus.
Lamisil cream can also be used to treat superficial skin infections like Ringworm, Athlete’s Foot and Jock Itch. The solution form can be used to treat a condition called Tinea Versicolor, a fungal infection that leads to the formation of brown or white spots on the trunk area of the body.
Dosage and application: You have to take Lamisil orally, once a day or as directed by the physician. You can take it with or without food. Doctors prescribe the dosage based on your medical condition and your body’s response to the therapy. The symptoms clear first before the infection is totally treated. It may take several months before your nails are restored to their normal healthy appearance. As far as the cream is concerned, you have to apply it on the affected and the adjoining area, twice a day till the symptoms ease away.
You have to continue the medication till the doctor advises you to stop. If you stop the medication at your own discretion may allow the fungus to regrow, resulting in helping the dormant fungi breed again. So please take the dosage according to the doctor’s advice and adhere to it. You have to inform the doctor in case your condition persists or if you get any side-effects
Side Effects:
The short-term side effects of Lamisil include stomach upset, diarrhea, temporary loss or change of taste and lethargy. The doctor prescribes the medication because he or she knows that the benefits of the dosage far outweigh the side effects which are temporary and not much of a problem. However, if you feel uncomfortable with the side effects or if they continue to persist, you may promptly inform your doctor.
The serious side-effects which are not common, includes vision change, bleeding, fever, chills etc. In very rare cases, Lamisil had caused serious liver disease. So in case, you develop any of the symptoms that are typical of a liver disease like dark yellow urine, vomiting, yellowish skin or eyes, loss of appetite, nausea on a continual basis, make sure you immediately call upon the attention of the doctor.
There can be allergic problems also as a side effect of this medication. The symptoms include rash, swelling, darkness of the skin, severe dizziness, trouble while breathing etc. In such cases too, make sure you inform your doctor.
Precautions: To make sure you are not prone to side-effects and you are able to take Lamisil in the right dosage, it is better to let the doctor know about your health condition and allergy, if any. Let your doctor know your medical history and inform him or her about any problems related to liver, kidneys and skin. Tell him about any kind of prescription or over-the-counter medication that you are taking.
It is better to avoid alcoholic beverages because drinking alcohol regularly can increase the probability of serious side effects. There is a debate about whether you can take Lamisil during pregnancy. So in case you are pregnant, let your doctor know about it, he will be the best person to take a call on this. He will probably, advise you to postpone the nail infection treatment until after delivery. Some doctors believe that Lamisil can flow into the breast milk and cause unhealthy effects on the nursing infant. Thereafter women who are pregnant as well as those who are breastfeeding avoid taking this drug. Feel free to discuss the health risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
Over dosage: As mentioned before, you have to take Lamisil once a day or in accordance with what the doctor has advised you. In case you take an overdose, make sure you contact local poison control center or emergency room quickly. The US national poison hotline number is 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms include vomiting, dizziness, stomach paining, excessive urination and very itchy skin.
Missing a Dose
Check with your doctor about what you should do about the missed dose; in general situations, you can take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, it is better to leave the missed dose and take only one pill. In other words, you should refrain from taking double dose on the same day.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor knows about any possible drug interaction of Lamisil with the medication that you are already taking. Do not start taking Lamisil without informing the physician about the medication that you are currently taking, prescription ones as well as non-prescription medicines. Medicines like desipramine, cyclosporine, warfarin; antidepressants like fluoxentine and heart medications like mexiletine and propafenone and pain medications like tramadol can react with Lamisil.
Storage: Store Lamisil at a room temperature of 25 degrees C away from moisture and light. Keep away from children and pets.
Additional Information
Never self-medicate, it is a prescription medicine. Do not share Lamisil with others thinking that since they have a toenail or fingernail infection, the medicine will work for them. The medication is prescribed by the doctor for your condition only. The doctor is the best judge, qualified enough to find out whether Generic Lamisil can work for that person and in some cases, he may have to alter the dosage as well.
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