Lamisil (Terbinafine) - Topical

What Is Lamisil?

Lamisil (terbinafine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical drug used to treat fungal skin infections such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. Lamisil also relieves associated symptoms, such as itching, burning, cracking, and scaling skin.

Lamisil can also treat a fungal infection called pityriasis. Pityriasis causes the skin on the neck, chest, arms, or legs to become lighter or darker.

Lamisil works by preventing the growth of fungus. It is in a drug class known as antifungals.

Lamisil contains the ingredient terbinafine and is available as a topical cream and spray. It is also available orally by prescription as a tablet. However, this article will focus on the OTC topical Lamisil.

What Is Lamisil Used For?

Lamisil can be used to treat various fungal infections, such as:

• Jock itch
• Ringworm
• Athlete’s foot
• Pityriasis

How to Use Lamisil

Before using Lamisil, here are a few general tips for using the medication safely:

• Use Lamisil on the skin only; topical terbinafine is not for internal use.
• Keep the medicine out of your eyes, nose, mouth, and vagina.
• Do not use Lamisil more often or for longer than directed.
• Use the cream for the entire length of treatment, even if your infection looks better. Stopping Lamisil too soon may cause the infection to return.

Always follow directions provided by your healthcare provider or on the packaging. The following are general instructions for applying this medicine:

• Before applying Lamisil, clean and dry the affected area.
• Apply a thin layer of Lamisil on and around the affected area.
• Wash your hands after using Lamisil unless you are treating the hands.
• Do not wrap or cover the affected area unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Your condition may continue to improve after you finish the treatment. However, tell your healthcare provider if your condition gets worse or does not improve in two weeks (jock itch, ringworm) or four weeks (athlete’s foot).

Storage

Lamisil should be stored at room temperature (68 F to 77 Fahrenheit), away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Keep Lamisil out of the reach of children and pets.

What Are the Side Effects of Lamisil?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Lamisil are local reactions that occur where the cream is applied, including:

• Burning
• Dryness 
• Irritation 
• Itching
• Rash 
• Tingling

Severe Side Effects

Serious or long-term side effects have not been reported from topical Lamisil.

However, contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have skin reactions that become severe or develop an allergic reaction to the cream.

Dosage: How Much Lamisil Should I Use?

Modifications

Certain factors may affect how you use terbinafine, such as:

• Age: Topical terbinafine is only intended for use in children above the age of 12. For younger children, contact their pediatrician for further advice.
• Pregnancy: Topical terbinafine is generally safe to use while pregnant. Still, it's best to contact your obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) provider before starting any new medications during your pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: Talk to a healthcare provider before using topical terbinafine while nursing. Although generally safe, it is recommended to be cautious around the nipple area and ensure the infant does not come into direct contact with treated parts of the skin.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Lamisil, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on how much you apply at once.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Lamisil?

Since Lamisil is applied topically, using too much Lamisil would not cause serious problems. Topical irritation may occur.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Use Lamisil?

Lamisil is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use topical Lamisil if you are allergic to terbinafine or any of the inactive ingredients.

What Other Medications Interact With Lamisil?

There are no significant drug interactions with topical Lamisil.

Still, before using topical Lamisil, tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and OTC medicines, and vitamins or supplements.

What Medications Are Similar?

Other topical antifungals that are available OTC to treat conditions such as ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot, include:

• Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole)
• Lotrimin Ultra (butenafine)
• Micatin (miconazole)
• Tinactin (tolnaftate)

Topical antifungals only available by prescription include:

• Loprox (ciclopirox)
• Naftifine
• Ketoconazole
• Ecoza (econazole)

Topical prescription antifungals combined with a topical steroid include:

• Lotrisone (clotrimazole and betamethasone)
• Mycolog II (nystatin and triamcinolone)

Oral antifungals are also available with a prescription. These include:

• Diflucan (fluconazole)
• Lamisil (terbinafine)
• Nizoral (ketoconazole)
• Noxafil (posaconazole)

This is a list of drugs also used to treat fungal conditions. It is NOT a list of drugs recommended to take with Lamisil. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Lamisil?

If you have a fungal infection, use your prescribed medication as directed for the length of time prescribed.

Additionally, you can take certain actions to help prevent fungal infections and their spread.

To prevent athlete's foot:

• Keep nails clean, and cut short.
• Do not walk barefoot in locker rooms or shared shower areas.

If you already have athlete's foot:

• Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool.
• Avoid pools and shared showers. 
• Wear sandals and avoid closed shoes if possible. If not possible, alternate shoes every few days.
• Wear socks made of a fabric that dries easily.

To help prevent ringworm:

• Keep skin clean and dry. 
• Wear shoes that allow air to circulate around the feet. 
• Do not walk barefoot in locker rooms or public showers.
• Keep your fingernails and toenails short and clean.
• Change socks and underwear at least once daily.
• Do not share personal items, towels, or sheets with someone who has ringworm.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after playing with pets. 
• If you participate in close contact sports, shower right after your activity, keep your gear clean, and do not share gear.

To help prevent jock itch:

• After you exercise, shower and dry well. Keep your groin, inner thighs, and buttocks clean and dry. 
• Wash workout clothes, socks, underwear, and towels after every use.
• Wear shower shoes in public showers and locker rooms. 
• If you have athlete’s foot, treat it. While treating athlete’s foot, put your socks on before your underwear, to prevent the fungus from spreading to the groin. 
• If you get athlete’s foot, dry the feet last after bathing. This helps prevent spreading the infection to the groin.