Toenail fungus, known in medical circles as onychomycosis, is a frustratingly common infection that can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and brittle. When this occurs, using toenail fungus clippers can help safely trim thick nails at home. If you’ve ever dealt with it, you know it can be stubborn to treat.
One of the prescription medications doctors often turn to for toenail fungus treatment is Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride). It’s an oral antifungal medication, meaning you take it by mouth, and it works by targeting the fungus from the inside out.
Terbinafine is the active ingredient in Lamisil. It’s a powerful antifungal that has a good track record for clearing up these types of infections, but is it effective enough to kill the fungus on your tools? Find out if Barbicide kills toenail fungus and what you must know.
This article will provide you with comprehensive information about Lamisil for toenail fungus treatment, including its uses, potential side effects, precautions you should take, and alternative treatment options to consider.
Understanding Lamisil and Terbinafine
What is Lamisil?
Lamisil is the brand name for a prescription medication called terbinafine hydrochloride, which comes in tablet form and is used to treat fungal infections, including onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a toenail fungus infection that occurs when fungus grows under the nail.
You may also be able to purchase a generic version of terbinafine, so ask your doctor.
How Lamisil Works
Terbinafine works by disrupting the way the fungus creates its cell membranes. It blocks an enzyme called squalene epoxidase, which the fungus needs to make ergosterol. Without ergosterol, the fungal cells die.
When you swallow a terbinafine tablet, the medication enters your bloodstream and travels to the site of the infection.
Benefits of Oral Lamisil Treatment
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you might be wondering if oral Lamisil is the right choice for you. A lot of people choose this treatment because it’s more effective than topical treatments. The problem with creams and solutions is that they can’t always get to the root of the infection because the medication can’t penetrate the nail.
Fungal spores tend to grow under the infected nail, which is why it’s so difficult to treat them with topical medications. It is also important to address your shoes as well to prevent reinfection and to know if Lysol kills fungus in shoes with safe use and best practices. The medicine needs to get under the nail to really work. Oral Lamisil works faster than topical solutions. It can be a very effective way to eliminate fungal nail infections.
Lamisil dosage and how to take it
Lamisil comes in a 250 mg tablet form that you take by mouth.
The typical dose is one 250 mg tablet per day.
You’ll need to take Lamisil for a while, even after your toenail starts to look better. The exact duration of treatment will vary, but you’ll likely be prescribed Lamisil for 6–12 weeks if you have a fingernail infection, and 12–24 weeks if you have a toenail infection.
What are the possible side effects of Lamisil?
Like all medications, Lamisil carries the risk of side effects, some more common and others more serious.
Common side effects
The more common side effects of Lamisil include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Itching
- Gas
- Changes in taste or smell
Serious side effects
Although less common, some serious side effects can occur with Lamisil. These include:
- Allergic reactions, such as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
- Liver damage
- Changes in taste or smell
- Depressed mood
- Blood disorders (low lymphocytes or neutrophils)
- Severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
- Lupus
- Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA)
If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms while taking Lamisil, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
Photosensitivity
Terbinafine, the active ingredient in Lamisil, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You’ll need to take extra precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, when you’re outdoors.
Warnings, Precautions, and Contraindications
Lamisil isn’t a medication to take lightly. Here are some important things to consider before starting treatment.
Liver Function Monitoring
After four weeks on Lamisil, you’ll need to get a finger-prick blood test to check your liver function. It’s a must-do to make sure Lamisil isn’t causing any liver damage (hepatotoxicity). Your doctor will keep a close eye on your liver while you’re taking this medication.
Medical History and Medications
Before you even think about taking terbinafine, spill the beans to your doctor about your medical history. Tell them about any medications you’re currently taking, and definitely mention any past or present liver problems.
Lamisil can play dirty with other medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, MAO-B inhibitors, other antifungals, and blood thinners. You need to make sure everything plays nicely together.
Contraindications
Don’t even think about taking Lamisil if you have certain pre-existing conditions or allergies. It’s not worth the risk.
Drug Interactions with Lamisil
As with any medication, Lamisil can interact with other drugs you may be taking. These include:
- Certain antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- MAO-B inhibitors
- Other antifungal medications
- Blood thinners like warfarin
Because of these potential drug interactions, it’s important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking – even over-the-counter drugs and supplements – before starting Lamisil. This will help them determine if Lamisil is a safe choice for you.
Obtaining a Lamisil Prescription
You can’t just walk into a drugstore and buy Lamisil. It’s a prescription-only medication, so you’ll need to talk to a doctor first.
The good news is that you can now get a Lamisil prescription online. A full doctor consultation is still required, but you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Usually, that means filling out a detailed medical questionnaire and maybe even having a quick video chat with a healthcare provider.
Important considerations during Lamisil treatment
If your doctor prescribes Lamisil for your toenail fungus, keep the following in mind:
- Stay out of the sun (including tanning beds) while you’re on it.
- Limit how much alcohol and caffeine you drink.
- Don’t share your terbinafine with anyone else.
- Keep the medication where children can’t get to it.
- Read the package insert to learn about all precautions and side effects before you take the medicine.
It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking, as Lamisil can interact with other drugs.
The Bottom Line
Lamisil is a pill you can take to treat toenail fungus. It works well, but it’s important to consider the potential side effects and how it might interact with other medications you’re taking.
Before you start taking Lamisil, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you, and they can monitor you for any problems while you’re taking it. If you and your doctor decide that Lamisil is the right treatment for you, be sure to follow the directions carefully and keep all your appointments.