Why is this medication prescribed?
Lamisil is used to treat fungal infections of the
toenail and fingernail. Lamisil is in a class of
medications called antifungals. It works by stopping the growth of
fungi.
How should this medicine be used?
Lamisil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken once a day for 6 weeks for fingernail fungus and once a
day for 12 weeks for toenail fungus. Follow the directions on your
prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to
explain any part you do not understand. Take lamisil
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your fungus may not be completely cured until a few months after you
finish taking lamisil. This is because it takes time
for a healthy nail to grow in.
Other uses for this
medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before taking lamisil,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lamisil
or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and
herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the
following: anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin);
antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin),
clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin,
Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor),
protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil);
beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne),
metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and
propranolol (Inderal); cimetidine (Tagamet); medications that
suppress the immune system such as azathioprine (Imuran),
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), methotrexate (Rheumatrex),
sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf); rifampin (Rifadin,
Rimactane); and selegiline (Eldepryl). Your doctor may need to
change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for
side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver
disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lamisil,
call your doctor. You should not take lamisil while
breast-feeding.
What special
dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I
forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
missed one.
What side effects can
this medication cause?
Lamisil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if
any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- upset stomach
- stomach pain
- rash
- itching
- hives
- changes in taste or loss of taste
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are
uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor
immediately:
- upset stomach that does not go away
- loss of appetite
- extreme tiredness
- vomiting
- pain in the right upper part of the stomach
- dark urine
- pale stools
- severe skin rash that keeps getting worse
- fever, sore throat, and other signs of infection
Lamisil may cause other side effects. Call your
doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What
storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from
excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call
local emergency services at 911.
What other
information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to lamisil.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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