Lamisil cream

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How does it work?

Lamisil cream contains the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections caused by fungi.

Terbinafine kills fungi and yeasts 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.

Lamisil cream is applied to the skin to treat a wide range of fungal skin infections. Improvement in symptoms is usually seen after a few days of treatment, but the prescribed course should be finished to ensure the infection is completely cured and prevent it returning.

What is it used for?

- Fungal infections of the skin such as those below:
- Athlete's foot
- Fungal infection of the groin, ie jock itch
- Ringworm
- Pityriasis versicolor
- Yeast infections of the skin, eg Candida albicans

Warning!

- This medicine is for external use only.
- Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes. If it does enter the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
- Make sure you use 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 is not recommended for use in children.

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 may pass into breast milk.

The manufacturer states that women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

. Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Redness of skin at site of application
- Itching of skin at site of application
- Stinging of skin at site of application

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

There are no known interactions with this medicine when applied to the skin.

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