Type of medicine: antifungal
Generic and brand names: terbinafine hydrochloride, oral; Lamisil Tablets; Lamisil Oral Granules
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails. It may be used also for other fungal infections.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes for as long as prescribed. Usually you will take it for 6 weeks for fingernail infections and 12 weeks for toenail infections.
You may take the tablets with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If you have the granules, sprinkle them on soft food such as pudding. Do not mix with applesauce or other foods that contain fruit. Swallow the dose without chewing.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: drowsiness, lack of coordination, shortness of breath, stomach pain, frequent urination, rash, headache.
The nails may not be completely healthy for several months after you start taking the medicine. It takes many months for completely new nails to grow.
You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
This medicine may cause changes in the lens and retina of the eye. If you notice any changes in your vision while taking the tablets, contact your healthcare provider.
This medicine may cause liver damage. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of side effects. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine unless your healthcare provider approves.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. If you develop any signs of infection while taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe rash, light-colored bowel movements, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, vision changes, blistering or peeling skin, severe vomiting.
Other: Headache, diarrhea, gas, nausea, dizziness, loss of hair, decreased appetite, unusual taste in your mouth.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
