Lamisil

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last updated on 12/10/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Terbinafine / Terbinafine hydrochloride

CHINESE NAME: 樂膚舒

DRUG CLASS: Antifungals

SUB CLASS: Allylamines

USED FOR: Athlete’s foot, Jock itch, Fungal infection of the arms, legs and nails

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS:
– 250mg (tablets)
– 1% (spray)
– 1% (cream)
– 1% (gel)
– 1% (topical solution)

What is Lamisil for?

Lamisil is a brand product that contains Terbinafine, which is a type of antifungal. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol which is an important component of fungal cell membrane. Lamisil is used to treat Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and fungal skin infections.

How to use it?

Lamisil is available as oral tablets, as well as topical cream, spray, solution or gel.

For oral tablets, the usual starting dose is 250 mg once daily. The suggested treatment duration may vary depending on the nature of infections:
– 2-6 weeks for Athlete’s foot
– 2-4 weeks for jock itch
– 6-12 weeks for fungal nail infections. Toenail infections require longer treatment duration than fingernail infections.

For topical cream, gel or spray, apply once daily to the affected area. The suggested treatment duration vary depending on the nature of infections:
– 1 week for Athlete’s foot
– 1-2 weeks for jock itch

For topical solution (Lamisil ONCE), apply once only to the affected area.

What are the side effects of Lamisil?

Common side effects of oral Lamisil include nausea, vomiting, increased liver enzymes and headache. For topical Lamisil, common side effects are redness and itchiness.

Who should not take Lamisil?

– People who are allergic to Terbinafine or any component of the formulation.
– Patients with chronic or acute liver diseases should not take oral Lamisil.

Pharmacist Tips:

– Wash and dry thoroughly the affected skin area before use.
– Wash hands before and after application to avoid re-infection.
– It may take a few weeks to see the maximum effect of oral Lamisil.
– As oral Lamisil can cause skin sensitivity, it is recommended to apply sunscreen.

Common dosing schedule:
For tablets, take 250mg once daily with or without food.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Lamisil may interact with:
– Antidepressants, e.g. Amitriptyline, Citalopram
– Rifampicin
– Tamoxifen
– Tramadol

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

Where to buy Lamisil in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Lamisil spray/cream/gel is an over-the-counter medicine and can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. Lamisil tablet is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

In Hong Kong, Lamisil topical solution is a pharmacy only medicine and can be purchased without a prescription in a registered pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Lamisil in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.