What Is Lamisil (Terbinafine)?

3 Stars


The medicine is also used to treat ringworm, infections of the scalp, jock itch, athlete's foot, and other fungal infections.

The drug can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin.

Lamisil is in a class of medicines known as antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of fungi.

The topical form of this medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. The oral tablets were approved in 1996. Lamisil is manufactured by Novartis, Inc.

Lamisil Warnings

Some people who took Lamisil developed severe liver damage that led to liver transplant or death.

In most of these instances, the person had a serious medical condition before taking Lamisil.

You should tell your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of liver trouble, which may include:

Skipping doses of Lamisil may increase your risk of further infection that's resistant to antibiotics.

Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking this medicine.

Before taking Lamisil, you should tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  • Depression
  • An autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis

If you are taking Lamisil to treat a fingernail or toenail infection, you should know that your fungus may not be completely cured until a few months after you finish treatment.

It will take time for a healthy nail to grow in.

Before taking Lamisil, tell your doctor if you're allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.

Your doctor may want to perform bloodwork frequently while you are on this medicine. Keep all appointments with your physician and laboratory while taking Lamisil.

Pregnancy and Lamisil

Lamisil is an FDA Pregnancy Category B drug, which means it's not expected to harm an unborn baby.

However, you should wait until after your pregnancy to start treating your nail or scalp infection with Lamisil.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this drug.

You shouldn't take Lamisil while breastfeeding.

The medication can pass into breast milk and could harm a breastfeeding baby.

Lamisil (Terbinafine) Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Lamisil


  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Rash, itching, or hives
  • Changes in taste or loss of taste

Serious Side Effects of Lamisil


  • Upset stomach that doesn't go away
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Depression or changes in mood
  • Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
  • Vomiting
  • Fever, sore throat, or other signs of infection
  • Severe skin rash that worsens

Lamisil (Terbinafine) Interactions

You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking while taking Lamisil, especially:

  • Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  • Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
  • Selegiline (Eldepryl)

Lamisil and Alcohol

You should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages while taking Lamisil.

Daily alcohol use can increase your risk of serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about this potential interaction.

Lamisil and Other Interactions

Try to avoid consuming coffee, cola, tea, or other drinks that contain caffeine while taking Lamisil.

The drug can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds, and wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while outdoors.

Lamisil (Terbinafine) Dosage

Topical: Lamisil comes as cream, gel, spray, powder, or solution to treat topical skin infections.

The topical form of the medicine is typically applied to the affected area once or twice a day for about one week.

Tablets: The 250 milligram (mg) oral tablets are usually prescribed for treating fungal nail infections.

The tablets are typically taken once a day for six weeks to treat fingernail fungus or once a day for 12 weeks to treat toenail fungus.

Take the tablet with a full glass of water.

You should follow the directions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine. Don't take more or less of the drug than is prescribed.

Granules: Lamisil oral granules are used to treat a fungal infection of hair follicles in children over age 3.

The granules should be sprinkled into a spoonful of pudding or mashed potatoes and swallowed immediately without chewing. This mixture should be taken with a meal.

You shouldn't mix them with applesauce, fruit juice, or other acidic foods.

Lamisil Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of Lamisil, you should contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.


Missed Dose of Lamisil

If you miss a dose of Lamisil, take it as soon as you remember.


Don't take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Lamisil Pictures

Terbinafine 250 mg-ROX, white, round,
Terbinafine 250 mg-TEV, white, round,
Lamisil 250 mg, white, round,
Terbinafine 250 mg-MYL, white, oblong,
Terbinafine 250 mg-APO, white, round,

Lamisil FAQ

Q: How long will it take for the fungus under your toe nails to be gone when you take Lamisil and will my nail fall off or just grow out?

A: Lamisil works well for fungus of the nails, however it can take a few months to see an improvement. The existing nail should not fall off, it should just grow out and the new nail should be healthy. Treatment with Lamisil is normally 6-12 weeks, depending on the doctor's discretion. Megan Uehara, PharmD

Q: I have been taking Lamisil daily for a year and a half. Can this medication alter platelet counts to 137? Is it safe to take powdered collagen in orange juice daily? Does taking lutein really help the health of the eyes?

A: There have been reports of Lamisil causing pancytopenia (a condition resulting in a lowered number of red and white blood cells and platelets). This is a rare occurrence. Powdered collagen is not an FDA-approved medication and therefore has not undergone the rigorous testing that the FDA performs on drugs it approves. Therefore, it is difficult to comment on their safety. The following article from Everyday Health addresses the link between diet and eye disease. http://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/101/benefits-of-healthy-eating/eradicating-eye-disease.aspx The article states that lutein is a nutrient associated with eye health. It is believed that lutein helps to deter waste build up in the retina which helps to decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration. As always, talk with your health care provider regarding questions and concerns about your medications and supplements. Jen Marsico, RPh

Q: I would like to know if there is any adverse affect when taking Lamisil with fish oil, red clover, and calcium with vitamin D.

A: Lamisil is an antifungal medication that can inhibit an enzyme system in the liver known as Cytochrome P450. Several medications are metabolized by this system in the liver and can interact with Lamisil. The medication classes that Lamisil interacts with are the beta blockers, antipsychotics, antiarrhythmic, dextromethorphan (DM in cough/cold products), some antidepressants, and phenergan to name a few. Your list of medications, fish oil, red clover, and calcium with vitamin D do not seem to have any issues with interacting with the medication Lamisil. Here is a link to some information on Lamisil: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/lamisil Lori Mendoza, PharmD Poulin, PharmD

Q: My doctor prescribed terminafine 250 mg for three months. Can this cause liver problems?

A: You typed terminafine, but did you mean Lamisil (terbinafine)? It is very common for this medication to be prescribed for three months, and although there are no dosage adjustments recommended for liver disease, it is recommended that LFTs (liver function tests) be checked if the medication is used for over six weeks. You should discuss this with your doctor to see what he/she would like to do. For more information on medications, visit http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/ Patti Brown, PharmD

Q: How effective is Lamisil for treating toenail fungus and what are the health risks of this drug?

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) is a prescription medication that is used to treat fingernail or toenail fungus. Nail fungus, onychomycosis, is caused by certain types of fungi that cause nails to become brittle, discolored or thick. The medication comes in oral tablets or cream. If the tablets are taken it works by entering the bloodstream where it acts on the fungi to either kill or slow down the growth of the fungus that is causing the infection. The tablet is taken once a day for 12 weeks. In studies of the medication, it was found that in 70 percent of cases it was effective in curing the toenail fungus. It defined a cure as no evidence of fungus when observed through a microscope. It takes a significant amount of time to see the effects of the medication because you have to wait for the toenail to grow out. The average time it takes to see the overall improvement is 10 months. About 15 percent of patients saw a recurrence of the fungus. Side effects of Lamisil, according to the prescribing information, are: headache, diarrhea, heartburn/indigestion, rash, increased liver enzymes, changes in taste, stomach discomfort. There have been rare cases of Lamisil causing liver failure. Some of these people required a liver transplantation or died as a result. This is more likely to happen in people with existing liver disease. Your health care provider should check your liver function (using blood tests) before you start using Lamisil. For more information on Lamisil, click on this link: http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/lamisil Lori Mendoza, PharmD Poulin, PharmD

Q: Will terbinafine 250 mg cause a loss of taste after taking it for approximately one month? And if so, how long will it last after you stop taking it?

A: Terbinafine (Lamisil) is an antifungal medication that is used for the treatment of toenail and fingernail fungal infections, also called onychomycosis. According to the package insert, the most common side effects of terbinafine are diarrhea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, liver test abnormalities, rash and itching, and taste disturbances. In general, these side effects were mild, transient (did not last), and did not cause people to stop taking the drug. This is not a complete list of the side effects associated with terbinafine. Michelle McDermott, PharmD

Q: After 30 years of keratosis on my arms and legs, it cleared up after using oral lamisil. Can you explain this?

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) is an antifungal agent that is available for oral or topical use. Oral Lamisil is FDA approved for use in fungal infections of the nail and scalp. Topical Lamisil is approved for the treatment of athlete

Q: Is there a generic form of Lamisil? If so,what is the cost difference between Lamisil and its generic pill?

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) is an antifungal medication, meaning that it is effective against fungi. It is used to treat infections caused by fungus that affect the fingernails or toenails. Lamisil comes as a topical medication that is applied to the skin or nails and as an oral tablet that is taken by mouth. There are generic products available for both the topical and oral products. The tablet is only available by prescription. The price of Lamisil can vary depending on the wholesaler and pharmacy from which the medication is acquired. Pharmacies sell medication to consumers at a price that includes the cost for acquiring the drug from the wholesaler, plus a retail markup. If a third-party payer (for example, a health insurance company or Medicare) is providing coverage for Lamisil, they determine the final cost of the product. Costs will vary from one plan to another, and the payer may cover or reimburse part or all of the cost. Your local pharmacist is your best resource for prescription drug pricing. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications. Sarah Lewis, RPh

Q: Are there oral antifungal drugs available without a prescription? Can Lamisil cream treat fungal infections of the fingernails?

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) cream is an antifungal medication that prevents fungus from growing in the skin. It's used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm infections. Topical antifungal creams have limited usefulness in treating onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nails), because they only penetrate the superficial (top) layers of the nail. So they can only be used for mild infections. Most fungal infections of the nail are effectively treated with oral antifungal medications, including Lamisil and Sporanox (itraconazole). Oral antifungal medications are only available by prescription. These medications are often involved in drug interactions and may cause potentially serious side effects. Therapy usually lasts for three months in order to clear the growing nail of the infection. Severe infections that are resistant to treatment with oral antifungals may require surgical removal of the nail. Your doctor is best able to guide your treatment decisions based on your specific circumstances. Sarah Lewis, RPh, PharmD

Q: My husband has toenail fungus and type 2 diabetes, and he's taking Lamisil and Prandin. He had his first month's follow-up bloodwork, and his liver function tests came back fine but with billirubin slightly raised (1.0). At what values would his podiatrist need to say these levels are too high and he must discontinue treatment with Lamisil? He goes for more blood work after this second month's treatment. He also has slightly higher levels of protein in his urine that he's seeing a nephrologist for. We just don't want to take any chances with a new non-mandatory med harming any of his organs.

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) is an antifungal medication that is used for the treatment of toenail and fingernail fungal infections, also called onychomycosis. Lamisil can cause liver disease or liver failure. It is recommended that patients have a baseline blood level of liver transaminases (AST and ALT) before they start taking Lamisil, followed by routine monitoring during treatment with Lamisil. Elevation in AST or ALT consistent with liver dysfunction would suggest that the medication be stopped. In addition, patients prescribed Lamisil should be warned to report immediately to their health care provider any symptoms of persistent nausea, anorexia, fatigue, vomiting, right-upper abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or pale stools. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Michelle McDermott, RPh, PharmD

Q: Does Lamisil cause kidney problems?

A: Generally, Lamisil (terbinafine) is associated with liver problems, not kidney problems. Some people taking Lamisil have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether Lamisil actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking Lamisil. However, Lamisil is not recommended in patients who already have kidney problems. People with kidney problems may end up with higher levels of the medication because their bodies can't get rid of it. Consult your health care provider if you have concerns about your kidneys while taking Lamisil. You may also find helpful information at http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/lamisil Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Q: Can I wear nail polish on toenails while I use oral Lamisil?

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. Commonly reported side effects of Lamisil include diarrhea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, liver test abnormalities, rashes, itching, and taste disturbances. There is no information to suggest that toenail polish will affect how Lamisil works, because the drug works from the inside out. However, toenail polish on its own is associated with fungal infections, because it weakens the nail and it keeps the nail moist, providing a good environment for the fungus to grow. Antifungal medications that are taken orally, like Lamisil, offer the best chance to eliminate fungal infections of the toenails, but the infections can come back after treatment. Ways to prevent the infection include washing and drying your feet thoroughly before bed, avoid wearing wet shoes, wearing cotton socks, and using shower shoes (like flip-flops) in wet public areas, such as gym locker rooms. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Michelle McDermott, PharmD

Q: Is Lamisil a prescription from doctors?

A: Lamisil (terbinafine) is an antifungal medication. Lamisil is available as a topical medication that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot and ringworm. This topical product is available over-the-counter and can be purchased with a prescription from your doctor. Always read and follow the complete directions and warnings on over-the-counter medicines and discuss their use with your doctor before taking them. Lamisil is also available as a tablet that is taken by mouth. Lamisil tablets are used to treat onychomycosis, or fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails, and are available by prescription only from your doctor. Lamisil tablets carry the risk of developing certain serious side effects and can be involved in a variety of drug interactions. Laboratory tests are needed to monitor for these side effects, such as liver problems. Therefore, it is important to keep all of your doctor appointments and to work closely with your doctor while taking Lamisil tablets. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or local pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Sarah Lewis, PharmD