Lamisil tablets

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How does it work?

Lamisil tablets contain the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections caused by fungi. (NB. Terbinafine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medcine.)

Terbinafine kills fungi by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the cell membrane and causes holes to appear.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As terbinafine causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and hence clears up the infection.

Terbinafine is taken by mouth to treat a wide range of fungal skin infections that require oral treatment due to either the severity, site, or extent of the infection. Terbinafine tablets are also used to treat fungal nail infections, which can be difficult to treat topically with creams etc.

What is it used for?

- Fungal infections of the skin, such as those below, where oral treatment is necessary due to the severity, site or extent of the infection
- Ringworm
- Fungal infection of the groin, ie jock itch
- Athlete's foot
- Fungal infection of the nails

Warning!

- Make sure you take this medicine regularly and complete the course as directed by your doctor. It is important to complete the course, even if your symptoms have cleared up, otherwise there is a risk of the infection returning. If there are no signs of improvement after two weeks, consult your doctor.
- This medicine may rarely cause liver problems. For this reason you should consult your doctor promptly if you develop unexplained itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine, pale stools, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pains, loss of appetite or flu-like symptoms during treatment, as these could be signs of liver problems.
- This medicine is not recommended for use in people with active or chronic liver disease.
- This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Psoriasis

Not to be used in

- Breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- This medicine passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

- Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

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