Lamisil Cream

Generic Name: Terbinafine hydrochloride, top
Product Name: Lamisil Cream

Indication

Lamisil cream is used to treat infections caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungal infections include:

• Tinea (ringworm) infections of the body and groin (jock itch)
• Tinea infections of the feet, which is more commonly known as athlete’s foot
• Candida skin infections

Action

Lamisil cream contains an antifungal agent called Terbinafine, which works to kill a group of fungi called dermatophytes which causes fungal infections on the skin, body, feet and groin.

Dose advice

Lamisil Cream is only for external use. Avoid contact with the eyes

• Clean and dry affected areas thoroughly before using the cream Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected skin and surrounding area. Rub it in lightly.
• Apply the cream once everyday, or for the period of time advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Likely durations of treatment are as follows:
  • Tinea corporis, cruris:  One to two weeks.
  • Tinea pedis, interdigital: One week
  • Plantar/ moccasin type tinea pedis: Two to four weeks.
  • Cutaneous candidiasis: One to two weeks.

Do not use occlusive dressings on the affected area while applying the cream.

• For intertriginous infections (e.g. skin folds of breasts or groins, in between the fingers and toes, or between the buttocks) a gauze may be used to cover the application, especially at night.
• Usually, the cream relieves the symptoms within a few days. If there is no improvement within one to two weeks, you should consult your doctor as there might be a more serious problem.
• You have to use this treatment regularly for it to be effective, otherwise the complete recovery may not be achieved.
• Continue using the treatment, for the entire course even if your skin looks better, otherwise complete recovery may not be achieved.

Schedule

Schedule 2

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor however some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your Doctor would have considered these side effects before starting you on Lamisil cream.

Common side effects are those which occur in more than 1% of patients given Lamisil cream. These include;

• Redness
• Itch
• Stinging

Uncommon side effects

Side effects which occur in less than 1% of patients given Lamisil cream are considered uncommon. Patients do not necessarily experience any of these side effects do not become alarmed by this list:

• Allergic reactions

If you experience any of the listed side effects or any other symptoms which appear abnormal or unusual please tell your doctor.

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook 2007, Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2007.
2. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited May 26, 2008] http://www.mims.com.au

For further information talk to your doctor.