Lamisil AT Cream, and even Lamisil Spray 125ml with its own dosage and storage guidelines, are topical antifungal medications often used to treat common skin infections like athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
If you’re curious about what’s in this cream, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the lamisil cream ingredients, both active and inactive, that help it do its job.
The Active Ingredient: Terbinafine Hydrochloride
The active ingredient in Lamisil AT Cream is 1% terbinafine hydrochloride. So, what does that mean for you?
Terbinafine is an antifungal medication. It works by blocking the fungus from producing ergosterol, which is essential for the fungus to live. Without ergosterol, the fungus dies, and your skin starts to clear up.
What are the inactive ingredients in Lamisil?
Lamisil cream contains terbinafine hydrochloride, which is the active ingredient. But it also contains a number of inactive ingredients that help the cream work as expected.
The inactive ingredients in Lamisil AT cream are:
- Benzyl alcohol
- Cetyl alcohol
- Cetyl palmitate
- Isopropyl myristate
- Polysorbate 60
- Purified water
- Sodium hydroxide
- Sorbitan monostearate
- Stearyl alcohol
The inactive ingredients in a topical cream give it the right texture and help to keep it stable and prevent contamination. Here are a few examples of how the inactive ingredients in Lamisil work:
- Benzyl alcohol acts as a preservative.
- Cetyl alcohol and Stearyl alcohol are emollients that soften the skin.
- Polysorbate 60 and Sorbitan monostearate are emulsifiers that help oil and water-based ingredients mix properly.
Uses and Indications
Lamisil AT Cream is FDA-approved to treat the following fungal infections:
- Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)
- Jock itch (tinea cruris)
- Ringworm (tinea corporis)
If you’re dealing with any of these conditions, Lamisil cream may relieve symptoms like:
- Itching
- Burning
- Cracking
- Scaling
Important Warnings and Precautions
Before using Lamisil AT Cream, it’s important to know the warnings and precautions. For example:
- It’s for external use only.
- Don’t use it on your nails or scalp.
- Make sure it doesn’t get in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
- Keep it away from children.
Also, if you are thinking of using Lamisil AT Cream on a child under 12, be sure to talk to a doctor first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was oral terbinafine discontinued?
Oral terbinafine (Lamisil tablets) hasn’t been discontinued, but it’s always important to confirm with your pharmacy or doctor. The oral version is sometimes avoided due to the potential, albeit rare, risk of liver problems. Topical Lamisil cream is often preferred for less severe infections to minimize systemic side effects.
Can you use too much Lamisil cream?
It’s generally best to follow the directions on the packaging or as prescribed by your doctor. Applying too much Lamisil cream won’t necessarily make it work faster or better, and could potentially lead to skin irritation or increased absorption into the bloodstream. A thin layer is usually sufficient.
Is Lamisil better than clotrimazole?
Lamisil (terbinafine) and clotrimazole are both antifungals, but they work differently. Terbinafine is often considered more effective against certain types of fungi because it inhibits a different enzyme in the fungal cell membrane. Which one is “better” depends on the specific fungus causing the infection and individual response.
What permanently kills foot fungus?
Complete eradication of foot fungus can be challenging, and “permanently” is a strong word. While antifungal medications like Lamisil can be very effective, recurrence is possible. If Lamisil isn’t working, you may want to consider Itraconazole Cream or other alternatives for relief. Maintaining good foot hygiene, keeping feet dry, and wearing breathable socks can help prevent reinfection. In some cases, long-term management is necessary.
What does soaking your feet in hydrogen peroxide do?
Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties and can help kill some bacteria and fungi. However, it’s not a primary treatment for fungal infections like athlete’s foot. While it might help clean the area, it can also irritate the skin. It’s best to use hydrogen peroxide cautiously and consult with a doctor or podiatrist for effective treatment options.
Conclusion
Lamisil AT Cream contains terbinafine to fight fungus, plus inactive ingredients that help it penetrate your skin, but is it the best option? You may also want to consider Fungisol liquid vs. creams to determine which antifungal is best for you. Always use as directed, and talk to a doctor if your condition doesn’t improve or gets worse.