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 other 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 this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Lamisil will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. 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, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, 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 medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with Lamisil.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lamisil?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to terbinafine:
Before using Lamisil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
liver disease;
kidney disease; or
an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Lamisil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
A: Nail fungus is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. These organisms are called dermatophytes. Nail fungus is very common. More than 35 million people in the United States have it under their nails. A nail fungus infection is also called onychomycosis (ON-i-ko-my-KO-sis). Generic Lamisil
The nail fungus moves in under the nail. The nail provides a safe place for the fungus and protects it while it grows. That's why it's so hard to reach and stop nail fungus.
Most often, nail fungus appears in the toenails. This is because socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist. This is a perfect place for the fungus to grow.
The organisms that make up nail fungus can sometimes spread from one person to another because these organisms can live where the air is often moist and people's feet are bare. This can happen in places like shower stalls, bathrooms, or locker rooms, or it can be passed along when you share a nail file or clippers with someone who has a nail fungus infection. Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.
Q: What causes nail fungus infection?
A: Most often, the tiny fungus gets under the nail and takes hold. Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in, such as:
An injury (like banging a fingernail with a hammer)
Tight shoes that pinch the toes
Q: Who is more likely to get nail fungus?
A: Many people are at risk for getting nail fungus:
People who share locker rooms, bathrooms, showers, and swimming pools.
Anyone whose feet sweat a lot at work or at play
People who are hard on their feet, such as athletes, runners, and dancers
People who have had athlete's foot in the past (a fungal skin infection that makes the skin between the toes get itchy and sore and causes it to crack or peel)
People who get manicures or pedicures in salons that don't keep nail clippers, emery boards, and other tools clean
People over 65 years of age
People with medical problems, such as poor circulation (blood flow), diabetes, or immune system disease (such as AIDS or HIV infection)
