We Know: All About Lamisil What Is Lamisil? Lamisil (active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride) is a popular antifungal tablet that can be taken to eliminate fungal growths that creams and other topical treatments cannot reach. One of the most common uses is for toenail or fingernail fungal infections, which can be very unsightly, though they are generally more or less harmless. Lamisil is also sold as a 1% cream or powder for treating jock itch, athlete's foot, and other surface fungal infections. Does It Work? Lamisil has been shown to be very effective in treating fungal infections. Just as with antibiotics, you should complete your course of Lamisil even after you feel better. What Are The Dangers? Lamisil has been in the news recently because of a new warning the FDA required them to use. It has been implicated in hepatoxicity (liver damage). Users should have a blood screening each month. If you've ever had liver disease, kidney disease, compromised immune system, blood problems, or an allergic reaction to Lamisil, you should not take it. Pregnancy is okay, but Lamisil does pass into the breast milk. Side effects and what to watch for are: Liver damage: watch for nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing) of the skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Overdose: drowsiness, poor coordination, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, frequent urination, rash, and headache. Overdose can lead to serious liver damage. Allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, swelling, especially of face and throat. Any of these symptoms individually may mean nothing; it is not uncommon for Lamisil to cause some intestinal upset and sleepiness. Because it can cause blood problems, if your doctor prescribes a blood test you should take it. You should not take Lamisil while also drinking alcohol. Medications that may interfere or cause side effects if taken with Lamisil include: Tagamet, Rifadin, Rimactane, cyclosporine, Sandimmune, Neoral. What other problems might I have? Because many insurance companies see nail bed fungus as a cosmetic problem, they will refuse to pay for the medication. Lamisil is expensive, and must be taken for months; it can ultimately cost thousands of dollars. If they won't pay for Lamisil, many insurance companies will pay for the less-effective -- and less expensive -- fluconazole.
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