Generic Lamisil

Lamisil is an antifungal medication dispensed either in pill form or cream form. As a pill, it is commonly prescribed to treat fungal infections of the toe nails or finger nails. As a cream it is commonly prescribed to treat fungal infections of the skin or hair such as Barber’s itch, jock itch, or athlete’s foot. Lamisil can be generically prescribed as terbinafine hydrochloride.

Lamisil should not be prescribed to anyone who has had a previous allergic reaction to it or to its generic form. Fungal infections that are under nails are very difficult to get rid of, and it takes several months of treatment before Lamisil begins to work. Patients should not increase or decrease their dose without first consulting the prescribing physician. Patient with Lupus or those with an otherwise compromised immune system can not take Lamisil. Lamisil is not approved for children. Patients who develop an additional infection should report this to the prescribing physician immediately.

The American Food and Drug Administration has yet to determine whether or not Lamisil tablets will cause harm or birth defects in unborn babies. The tablet does pass through the mother’s breast milk and is likely to affect a nursing infant. The prescribing physician should avoid this medication with patients who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. Pregnancy testing on the Lamisil cream form is inconclusive and it is recommended to avoid using the cream unless absolutely necessary for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Lamisil may cause side effects, which generally should be reported to the prescribing physician even if they are not severe. Common side effects include symptoms such as diarrhea, headaches, indigestion, or a skin rash are likely to occur when taking the Lamisil tablets and do not require medical attention. Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, peeling, and a skin rash may occur when using the Lamisil cream and also do not require medical attention.

Some serious side effects have been known to occur, including changes in the retina and liver damage. Patients should be urged to seek urgent medical attention if they experience changes in vision, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, skin irritation that cracks, peels, oozes, or is otherwise beyond reasonable, or a worsening rash.

Lamisil should be taken as it has been prescribed by the physician. Taking too much of this medication is likely to result in an overdose. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken when it has been remembered, unless of course it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. If it is nearing time for the next dose, the missed dose should simply be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. An overdose will present with symptoms which are likely to include headaches, nausea vomiting, rash, abdominal pain, dizziness, and frequent urination.

There is a risk of drug interactions associated with taking Lamisil, and the prescribing physician should be sure to evaluate a medical history thoroughly before prescribing this medication. Patients should always inquire with a medical professional before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that are known to interact with Lamisil include certain antidepressant medications including Paxil, Nardil, Elavil, Norpramin, Pamalor, Parnate, Zoloft, and others, cyclosporine, beta blockers for heart conditions, cimetidine, Rifampin, and blood pressure medications including Sectral, Inderal, and Tenormin.