General description: Lamisil Cream is an
antifungal medication that is used to treat skin infections such as jock itch, athlete’s foot or ringworm. This
drug is also known for treating a skin condition called pityriasis (tinea
versicolor). Its active ingredient is terbinafine hydrochloride 1%. Other
excipients are benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, cetyl palmitate, polysorbate
60, isopropyl myristate, purified water. Estimated shelf life of the product is
3 years.
Pharmacokinetics:
Terbinafine
belongs to the group of allylamines and has a large spectrum of antifungal
activity. It specifically interferes with sterol biosynthesis in fungi at its
early stages. This leads to reduced levels of ergosterol and to an accumulation
of squalene, which in turn leads to the death of fungal cells. Terbinafine does
not affect the metabolic reactions of hormones or other drugs. The vast
majority of patients with athlete’s foot, 90%, treated with Lamisil 1% cream show no evidence of
re-infection by three months following the start of treatment
Systemic
exposure of the drug is very slight: less than 5% of the cream is absorbed
after topical application.
How to use:
Wash
your hands and the area to be treated and dry them thoroughly before using the
cream. Apply a thin layer of the cream on and around the infected area, once or
twice daily as instructed by your pharmacist. DO NOT wrap, bandage or cover the
treated area; wear loose clothing.
Side effects:
●
Burning
●
Irritation
●
Itching
●
Swelling
●
Blistering
●
Pruritus
●
Skin exfoliation
●
Erythema
It
is very rare to experience a serious allergic reaction to this drug. However,
contact you doctor straight away if you notice any allergic symptoms like rash,
redness, itching.
Precautions:
●
This medication is for external use only
●
Avoid any contact with eyes
●
Should be kept out of children’s reach
●
It is not advised to use Lamisil on face
●
DO NOT breastfeed while using
the medication
●
Consult your doctor if you are allergic to terbinafine or other
antifungals
●
DO NOT apply the medication on
the scalp or nails
●
Avoid eye/mouth/nose area, as well as applying the cream inside
of the vagina