Lamisil

What is Lamisil?

Lamisil is a brand of antifungal treatment from GlaxoSmithKline( GSK) that is available as a 1% cream or gel.

It is used to treat various fungal skin infections, such as athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch, and fungal infections of fingernails or toenails.

Lamisil contains the active ingredient terbinafine.

Prescription Doctor stocks both the brand and generic formulations. If you are unsure which one is most suitable for you, our online doctors can discuss our range of treatments with you.

What are ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot?

Ringworm (tinea corporis), Dhobie itch/jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis) are skin infections caused by fungi pathogens. These infections are contagious and should be treated as soon as possible to avoid infecting other people.

Fungal skin infections can spread to other parts of the body. This commonly occurs with athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. The fungi of athlete's foot between the toes can spread to the toenail, resulting in a fungal nail infection. Similarly, a ringworm infection which spreads to your groin area is commonly referred to as jock itch.

Symptoms of a fungal skin infection include:

• Bald spots on scalp
• Blisters
• Broken skin
• Discolouration of nails
• Itching skin
• Peeling skin
• Raised ring shaped rash
• Scaling or flaky skin

While the condition can be uncomfortable, it is important to resist the urge of scratching infected rashes, as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body.

Fungal infections can be easily treated with over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Lamisil is one such treatment for fungal skin infections, such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot.

With Prescription Doctor, you can order Lamisil 1% cream or gel from our UK registered pharmacy.

Simply complete our online questionnaire for one of our doctors to review. If your order is approved by our doctor before 3pm on weekdays, our pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item the same day via a next-day delivery.

All medicines dispatched from our pharmacy are packaged discreetly to ensure your privacy when you buy Lamisil online.

How does Lamisil work?

Lamisil works to treat fungi infections. Lamisil's active ingredient, terbinafine hydrochloride, inhibits squalene epoxidase in fungal cells, affecting their ability to make the sterols necessary for their survival.

As a result, treatment with Lamisil causes the fungal cells to die. As the fungus is killed by the medicine, the related symptoms, such as itching and rash, subside.

Depending on the location of the infection, the severity of the infection, and the treatment used to treat it, the time it takes for the infection to be killed can vary from a few weeks to a few months.

Lamisil Cream

Lamisil cream is applied topically and is absorbed by the skin.

The cream helps to sooth the itching caused by the infection, providing relief from the discomfort. This also indirectly helps to reduce the chances of the infection spreading to other parts of the body through scratching.

How long does it take for Lamisil 1% cream to work?

Depending on the type of fungal infection you have, it may take up to two weeks before you begin to notice a difference using Lamisil cream.

Typically, you should start to notice an improvement in your symptoms after two to three days of treatment. Other fungal infections, such as ringworm and jock itch, may take up to two weeks before an improvement is seen.

Speak to your doctor or a pharmacist if you do not notice an improvement after 2 weeks of treatment with Lamisil cream.

Lamisil Tablet

Lamisil tablets are taken orally.

Once ingested, terbinafine hydrochloride interferes with the fungal cells ability to produce the enzyme they need to survive.

How long does it take for Lamisil 250 mg tablets to work?

It can take between six and twelve weeks for Lamisil 250 mg tablets to work.

If you have any concerns about how long it should take before you notice an improvement of your symptoms, speak to your GP or pharmacist.

How do I use Lamisil Cream?

Lamisil Cream for Adults

Always use Lamisil Cream as prescribed by your doctor.

1. Before applying the cream, cleanse the skin and pat the area dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the affected area dry as this can cause unnecessary irritation.
2. Wash your hands before touching the cream.
3. Unscrew the lid on the Lamisil tube and squeeze out enough cream onto your finger to form a thin layer over the infected area.
4. Apply the cream to the affected area creating a thin layer of the medication. Rub the medicine in gently to help the skin absorb the cream.
5. For infections between the toes, such as athlete's foot, or on the groin or buttocks, such as jock itch, you may apply a light, fresh gauze.
6. Always wash your hands after applying the cream.

What should I do if I accidentally apply more Lamisil 1% cream than I should?

If you accidentally apply more Lamisil cream to your skin, wipe away the excess with a tissue and safely discard it out of reach from children and pets.

Using more Lamisil cream than you should will not treat your infection faster, but may increase your risk of side effects.

If you are unsure about how much cream you should apply to your infection, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Lamisil Tablets

Follow the doctor's instructions for dosage.

The typical dose for adults is one 250mg tablet per day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Lamisil tablets can be taken with or without food.

It is important to continue taking Lamisil tablets for as long as the doctor tells you to. This will ensure the medicine kills the infection. Stopping treatment too soon can risk the infection coming back.

What should I do if I take more Lamisil 250 mg tablets at one time?

If you accidentally take more Lamisil 250 mg tablets than you should, seek treatment at the nearest accident and emergency department as soon as possible. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lamisil?

If you miss a dose of Lamisil, take or apply the dose as soon as you remember. Continue to take or apply Lamisil as you normally would. Do not take or apply more Lamisil to make up for the missed dose.

Lamisil Side Effects and Cautions

Before you start using Lamisil cream, you must read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you have any concerns about anything you read in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not use Lamisil cream?

Lamisil cream is not suitable for everyone, and may be contraindicated in people who take certain medications, or those with certain underlying medical conditions.

If you are unsure whether Lamisil cream is suitable for you, speak to your doctor.

Lamisil cream side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them.

Common Lamisil side effects include:

• Skin peeling
• Itching

Uncommon Lamisil side effects include:

• Skin sores
• Scabbing
• Changes in skin colour
• Redness on and around application site
• Burning
• Pain or irritation around application site

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Lamisil cream, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Allergies

Do not use Lamisil cream if you are allergic to terbinafine or any of the other ingredients listed within the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction from Lamisil cream may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the mouth,, face, lips, tongue or throat

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet before you begin using Lamisil cream.

Inform our online prescribers of all other medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter, including health and herbal supplements.

Do not use Lamisil cream past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Always store Lamisil cream out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Do not store Lamisil cream above 25°C.

Never throw away Lamisil cream via household or water waste, as this can harm the environment. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose it safely on your behalf.

Never share a medicine that has been prescribed for you with anybody else. Even if they are experiencing the same symptoms, or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Lamisil 250 mg Tablet cautions

Do not take Lamisil 250 mg tablet if allergic to any of its ingredients, which are listed in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Do not take Lamisil 250 mg tablet if you have liver disease, other liver conditions, or if you are breastfeeding

Please inform our doctor if you are:

• pregnant
• have difficulties with your liver or kidneys
• have psoriasis
• have systemic lupus erythematosus
• have a rash (due to high white cell count in your blood)

Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications including over-the-counter products. Lamisil could interact with the following medicines:

• Rifampicin prescribed for infections
• Cimetidine prescribed for gastric conditions
• Certain antidepressants sush as tricyclic, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
• Oral contraceptives
• Beta-blockers, anti-arrhythmic, propafenone, amiodarone or any medication to treat a heart condition
• The blood thinner Warfarin
• Ciclosporin prescribed to prevent rejection after an organ transplant
• Oral medications prescribed to treat fungal infections such as fluconazole or ketoconazole
• Medications to treat a cough such as dextromethorphan
• Caffeine

Lamisil 250 mg tablet side effects

Potential serious side effects of Lamisil 250 mg tablets include:

• Jaundice - Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Dark urine or pale stool
• Persistent nausea or other stomach ailments
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite

The side effects listed above may indicate liver problems. It is recommended that patients have blood tests before and during Lamisil treatment to monitor liver function.

An increase in liver enzymes may be notices in liver function blood tests.

Other serious side effects from Lamisil 250 mg tablets may include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Rash or purplish spots on the skin
• Stomach pain that radiates to the back - a possible sign of pancreas problems
• Muscle weakness or pain or dark-brown urine which may indicate muscle breakdown.

Common side effects from Lamisil 250 mg tablets include:

• Headache
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhoea
• Skin discomfort and itching
• Muscle and joint pain

Uncommon side effects from Lamisil 250 mg tablets include:

• Taste loss or change in taste
• Changes in mood including depression and anxiety
• Feeling sick and dizzy
• Numbness or tingling
• Hair loss
• Vertigo
• Changes in lupus condition
• Reduction in blood cells

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For more information regarding the safety of this medicine, please consult the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medication.

Reporting side effects of Lamisil cream or tablets

If you experience any side effects, whether listed above or in the patient information leaflet, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. You can find your nearest pharmacy by using the NHS' Find A Pharmacy service.

Always keep medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Lamisil?

It is best to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Lamisil 250 mg tablets. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness or nausea. There should be no problem drinking alcohol while using the cream, however.

What should I do if I or someone else accidentally gets Lamisil cream in their mouth or eyes?

If the cream gets in your eyes, rinse it off immediately under running water. If a small amount gets in your mouth, avoid swallowing and wash your mouth out with clean water. If someone ingests a large amount of the medication, seek immediate medical help.

Can I use Lamisil cream alongside other topical treatments?

While treating an infection with Lamisil cream, you should allow several minutes to elapse between applying Lamisil cream to the affected area and any other topical treatment. This allows time for the Lamisil cream to be absorbed by the skin and prevents mixing with ingredients of other products.

Do I need to take all the Lamisil 250 mg tablets?

You should complete your course of Lamisil unless your doctor has ordered you to stop. If you experience any side effects which pose a significant danger to your health, stop taking Lamisil and report them to your doctor.

Can I drive while taking Lamisil 250 mg Tablets?

If you experience dizziness while taking Lamisil tablets, you should avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel well enough to do so.

Sources

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 25/04/2019 Reviewed on: 26/10/2023