Lamisil - Terbinafine

What is it?

Composition

Lamisil contains the active substance terbinafine, which provides its antifungal action. Terbinafine belongs to the class of allylamines and has the ability to inhibit the synthesis of sterols in fungal cells, which leads to their death. Depending on the form of release, Lamisil may include various excipients that ensure ease of use and maintain the activity of terbinafine.

• Terbinafine is the main active ingredient responsible for the therapeutic effect of the drug.
• Butylhydroxytoluene is an antioxidant that protects the active ingredient from decomposition.
• Cetyl alcohol is a softening component that gives the drug the desired consistency and facilitates application.
• Benzyl alcohol is a preservative that prevents the development of microorganisms in the drug.
• Isopropyl myristate promotes uniform distribution of the cream on the skin and improves its absorption.

Each form of the drug has its own unique composition of excipients, developed for maximum ease of use and treatment effectiveness.

How to use?

The correct use of Lamisil depends on the dosage form and the nature of the fungal infection. It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and the directions on the package to achieve the best results and avoid side effects.

1. Cream, gel or spray for external use: Apply a thin layer of the drug to the affected areas of the skin 1-2 times a day. Clean and dry the skin thoroughly before use. Treatment usually lasts from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the lesion. You should continue using the drug even after the symptoms disappear to prevent a relapse.
2. Tablets: Lamisil tablets are prescribed to treat fungal infections of the nails and skin when topical treatment is not effective. The dosage is usually 250 mg per day, the course of treatment can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the disease and the bodys response to treatment. Tablets should be taken daily at the same time, regardless of food intake.
3. Solution: Lamisil solution is used to treat large areas of skin. It should be applied once a day, usually at night, before going to bed. It is important to ensure that the solution is applied evenly to avoid missing treatment of the affected area.

When using Lamisil, it is important to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. In case of a missed dose, the drug should be used as soon as possible, but do not double the dose to compensate.

How does it work?

Lamisil works thanks to its active ingredient terbinafine, which destroys the cell membranes of fungi, causing their death. Terbinafine inhibits the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which is involved in the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of the cell membrane of the fungus. Without ergosterol, the cell membranes of fungi become vulnerable, which disrupts their vital functions and leads to the death of fungal cells.

A feature of terbinafine is its ability to accumulate in the skin, hair and nails, where fungi usually live. This ensures the prolonged action of the drug even after the completion of the course of treatment, which reduces the likelihood of relapse of the infection. Thus, Lamisil effectively copes with infections caused by dermatophytes, mold and yeast-like fungi.

Indications

Lamisil is intended for the treatment of various fungal infections affecting the skin, nails and hair. Its broad spectrum of action allows the drug to be successfully used for both local and systemic fungal diseases. Lamisil can be used in the treatment of both adults and children, but the dosage and form of the drug are selected individually depending on the patients age and the severity of the infection.

• Onychomycosis: A fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails that causes discoloration, thickening, and deformation.
• Dermatomycoses: Fungal infections of the skin caused by dermatophytes, such as athletes foot, jock itch, and tinea cruris.
• Cutaneous candidiasis: Infections caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, often affecting moist areas of the skin, such as the folds under the breasts, groin, and between the toes.
• Tinea versicolor: An infection caused by the yeast Malassezia that appears as discolored patches on the skin.
• Tinea capitis: Fungal infections of the hair and scalp that can cause hair loss and inflamed patches of skin.

Contraindications

Although Lamisil is an effective treatment for fungal infections, its use has certain limitations and contraindications. It is important to take them into account in order to avoid possible complications and adverse reactions. Before starting treatment, you must consult a doctor and inform him about any diseases or body features.

• Hypersensitivity to terbinafine or any of the components of the drug: The use of Lamisil is contraindicated in the presence of allergic reactions to the active substance or auxiliary components.
• Severe liver or kidney disease: Since terbinafine is metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys, the presence of severe dysfunction of these organs can complicate the elimination of the drug and lead to its accumulation in the body.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Lamisil is not recommended for use by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, due to the possible risk to the fetus. During lactation, the use of the drug should be avoided, since terbinafine can be excreted in breast milk.
• Children under 12 years: Lamisil in tablet form is not recommended for use in young children, since the safety and effectiveness of the drug in this age group have not been sufficiently studied.

If there are contraindications, the doctor may recommend alternative treatments or select a different therapy regimen to avoid unwanted consequences.

Side effects

Although Lamisil is considered a relatively safe drug, it can cause some side effects, especially when used long-term or in tablet form. It is important to monitor your condition closely during treatment and contact your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

• Gastrointestinal disorders: Taking Lamisil orally may cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
• Allergic reactions: Skin rashes, itching, hives, and more serious allergic reactions such as angioedema or anaphylactic shock may occur.
• Headaches and dizziness: In some cases, patients may experience headaches, dizziness, or a feeling of weakness while taking the drug.
• Skin and nail changes: Increased peeling of the skin, dryness, redness, or irritation at the site of application of the cream or gel may occur.
• Liver dysfunction: Rarely, Lamisil may cause liver dysfunction, which is manifested by jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools, and a general deterioration in health.

If any of the above symptoms occur during treatment with Lamisil, especially those associated with allergic reactions or liver dysfunction, you should immediately stop taking the drug and seek medical attention.