Health Centres - Lamisil AT spray
How does it work?
Lamisil AT spray 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 and toxic compounds can enter. This kills the fungi and hence clears up the infection.
Lamisil AT spray can be bought without a prescription to treat the fungal skin infections athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris).
What is it used for?
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Fungal infection of the foot, ie athlete's foot
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Fungal infection of the groin, ie jock itch
If you are not sure that the infection you are treating is athlete's foot or jock itch, or if you have other fungal infections, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor for advice before using this medicine.
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.
- Lamisil AT spray contains alcohol and so should be used with caution on areas of skin that may be irritated by alcohol. It should not be used on the face. Avoid inhaling the spray.
- Clean and dry the affected area of skin thoroughly before applying this medicine.
- Make sure you use this medicine regularly and complete the course as directed in the packet leaflet. 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.
Not to be used in
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Pregnancy
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Breastfeeding.
- There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children under 16 years of age. It is not recommended for children.
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 before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
- This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. 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.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
There are no known interactions with this medicine when it is applied to the skin.
