Terbinafine (Lamisil)

Uses

Terbinafine is an anti fungal used to treat fungal infections of the skin, nails and blood. It is available in oral and topical forms.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose

, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

It is important to finish the entire course of this medication. Do not stop taking it because you are feeling better unless directed by a doctor.

Contact your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper right belly, darkened urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, light colored stools, and constant fatigue while taking this medication.

Be sure to have regular check ups with your doctor while on this medication. Blood work may be required if you are taking it for a long period of time.

If you miss a dose

, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Alcohol consumption, kidney disease, liver disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions (hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, vision changes, darkened urine, fever, infection, flue like symptoms, light colored stools, loss of appetite, nausea, right upper belly pain, excessive fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, any red, blistering or peeling skin.

Other Side Effects

Taste changes, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, pain in the muscles or joints, hair loss.

Adult Dose

Dermal Mycosis

1% gel(tinea versicolor, tinea corporis, tine cruris, tine pedis):

Apply topically to affected area of skin once daily for 7 days.

1% Cream(interdigital tine pedis):

Apply topically to affected area of skin twice per day for 7 days.

Plantar:

Apply topically to affected area of skin twice per day for 14 days.

1% Solution(tine versicolor):

Apply topically to affected area of skin twice per day for 7 days.

1% Spray( tine corporis, tine cruris):

Apply topically to affected area of skin once daily for 7 days.

Lymphocutaneous Sporotrichosis

500 mg by mouth twice daily. This therapy is continued for 2-4 weeks after healing of lesions.

Onchomycosis from Dermatophyte

Fingernails:

250 mg by mouth daily for 6 weeks.

Toenails:

250 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks.

Sources

1. Terbinafine hydrochloride [package insert]. Sellersville, PA: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA; 2006.

2. Lamisil [package insert]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2007.

3. Lamisil AT(R) cream, terbinafine hydrochloride cream, Lamisil AT(R) cream, terbinafine hydrochloride cream[package insert]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2006.

4. Lamisil solution, terbinafine hydrochloride solution[package insert]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 1999.

5. Lamisil AT(R) topical spray, terbinafine HCl 1% topical spray. Parsippany, NJ: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. (per FDA); 2013.

6. Kauffman CA, Bustamante B, Chapman SW, et al: Clinical practice guidelines for the management of sporotrichosis: 2007 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 45(10):1255-1265.

By: Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.