About the Drug and its uses
Lamisil is otherwise called as Terbinafine. This drug is an antibiotic that is also antifungal. The fungus that infects or attacks the toenails and fingernails is treated by the medication called Lamisil. The Lamisil oral granules are utilized for the treatment of fungal infection in the hair follicles of the scalp in children aged below four years. Terbinafine is the drug that is known to destroy the fungi and yeasts by breaking their cell membranes. This drug functions by releasing a substance called as Ergosterol. Ergosterol is the important constituent of the cell membrane of the fungus. The disturbance in the Ergosterol synthesis disturbs the membrane integrity and creates holes in the membrane. The fungi require the cell membranes for their survival. The cell membranes will generally prevent the unnecessary substances to enter into the fungal cells and contents of the cells also do not leak out due to the membrane. But, the usage of Terbinafine will create holes in the membrane. The toxic substances can enter into the cell and kill the fungus. The infection is cleared by gradually killing all the fungal cells.
Lamisil is available in tablet form as well as in ointment form. The active ingredient of this medicine is Terbinafine hydrochloride. Lamisil is taken as granule mixture as well.
Common side effects of Lamisil are
• Headache is seen in about 12.9 % of people
• Diarrhea and rashes are observed in about 5.6% of people
• Heart burn seen in about 4.3% of people
• Increase in liver enzymes observed in about 3.3% of people
• Itching is seen in about 2.8% of people
• Alterations in taste seen in about 2.8% of people
• Abdominal pain observed in about 2.1% of people
• Hives seen in about 1.1% of people
Serious side effects of Lamisil are
• Symptoms of liver problems like yellowing of skin and eyes, darkened urine, abdominal pain in the upper right side of the abdomen and itching.
• Blurred vision
• Skin rashes
• Loss of smell
• Skin peeling and blisters
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling
• Difficulty in breathing
• Wheezing
Rare side effects of Lamisil are
• Liver failure
• Low counts of blood cells like thrombocytopenia and neutropenia
• Skin reaction that is severe
• Swelling in mouth and throat
• Advanced Psoriasis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Vomiting
• Tiredness
• Joint pain or muscle pain
• Hair loss
Precautions to be taken to avoid side effects
This drug called Lamisil is taken if there are no allergic reactions in the body for it. The doctor has to be informed about these allergies if the person experiences while taking Lamisil. If there are any medical conditions like liver disease, the doctor has to be informed prior to using this medication. The person has to inform the doctor about using the medication if the person has problems in kidney disease and problems with immune system and lupus. The alcohol consumption has to be avoided while taking this drug. Otherwise, it might result in serious side effects.
The pregnancy people can use this drug only if it is very much necessary and have to do it by consulting the doctor. The fungal nail infection can be made to wait for the treatment initiation until the delivery is over. Breast feeding is not suggested while taking this drug as this drug can have harmful effect on the infant. It is better to consult the doctor before this drug is taken by the breast feeder.
Intake of coffee, energy drinks, cola and tea and other sources of caffeine are avoided when this drug is taken. Lamisil if taken in large doses can cause stomach pain, dizziness, vomiting, skin rash and nausea. Lamisil cannot be used for treating viral infections. If the prescribed dose is skipped for some reason, there are chances of the body of the person developing resistance for the antibiotic and the medicine may not be useful for restricting the infection further.
The use of Lamisil is restricted or stopped as per the instructions given by the doctor when the person is taking along with Lamisil other drugs like warfarin, Amiodarone, ketoconazole, beta blockers, cyclosporine and dextromethorphan. The Lamisil is found to be interacting with these drugs.