What is it used for?

Fungal infections of the skin such as those below.

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
• Fungal infection of the groin, ie jock itch (tinea cruris).
• Ringworm (tinea corporis).
• Pityriasis versicolor.
• Yeast infections of the skin, eg Candida albicans.

How does it work?

• Lamisil cream contains the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride, which is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections caused by fungi.
• Terbinafine kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the cell membrane and causes holes to appear.
• The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As terbinafine causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and hence clears up the infection.
• Lamisil cream is applied to the skin to treat a wide range of fungal skin infections. Improvement in symptoms is usually seen after a few days of treatment, but the prescribed course should be finished to ensure the infection is completely cured and prevent it returning.

Not to be used in

• Breastfeeding.
• This medicine is not licensed for children.
• This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

• The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy, unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you are pregnant.
• This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Infants should not be allowed to come into contact with any treated skin, including the breasts. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Occasionally, redness, itching or stinging of the skin at the site of application.
• Rarely, allergic reactions such as a rash, blistering or hives at the site of application. Stop using this medicine if you think you are allergic to it.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines when it is applied to the skin. However, as a precaution you should avoid applying other medicinal products to the area you are treating at the same time.

References:

http://patient.info/medicine/terbinafine-for-topical-use-lamisil

https://www.drugs.com/cdi/lamisil-at-cream.html

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a7915/lamisil-cream-terbinafine/

http://www.medicinenet.com/terbinafine-topical_cream/article.htm