
Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in the toenails, fingernails, and scalp hair follicles. It is available in the form of pills, creams, and generic formulations. As an antifungal, Lamisil works by disrupting the cell structure of fungi, preventing their growth and ultimately killing them. While it is a powerful treatment option, it can be tough on the liver and kidneys, and users are advised to limit alcohol intake and sun exposure while taking the medication. In this article, we explore the question: does Lamisil kill mushrooms?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is Lamisil | Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is an antifungal antibiotic |
How does it work | It stops certain types of fungi from growing and kills them by disrupting their cell structure |
Dosage forms | 250 mg oral tablets |
Dosage instructions | For fingernail infections: one 250 mg tablet once daily for 6 weeks. For toenail infections: one 250 mg tablet once daily for 12 weeks |
Storage instructions | Store at room temperature between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Keep in a tightly closed container away from light |
Side effects | Headache, diarrhoea, rash, nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain, itching, change in taste, gas, abnormal liver function tests |
Precautions | May interact with other medications. Can be harmful to the liver. Should only be used during pregnancy when prescribed by a doctor |
What You'll Learn
Lamisil is an antifungal medicine
Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is an antifungal medicine used to treat infections caused by certain types of fungi. It is available in the form of oral tablets and granules. The medicine works by disrupting the cell structure of the fungi, thereby stopping their growth and killing them.
Lamisil is commonly used to treat fungal infections of the scalp, body, groin (jock itch), feet (athlete's foot), fingernails, and toenails (onychomycosis). For fingernail infections, the typical dosage is one 250 mg tablet taken daily for 6 weeks. For toenail infections, the treatment course is longer, with one 250 mg tablet taken daily for 12 weeks.
It is important to note that Lamisil is a prescription medication, and its use should be carefully discussed with a doctor. While it is effective in treating fungal infections, it may cause side effects such as headache, diarrhea, rash, nausea, stomach pain, itching, changes in taste, gas, and abnormal liver function. Therefore, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience any bothersome or persistent side effects while taking Lamisil.
Additionally, Lamisil may interact with other medications, including cimetidine, rifampin, other antifungal antibiotics, blood thinners, heart rhythm medications, antidepressants, MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), and beta-blockers. It is essential to disclose all medications you are currently taking to your doctor to ensure safe and effective use of Lamisil. Furthermore, during pregnancy, Lamisil should only be used when prescribed by a doctor, as the risks and benefits need to be carefully considered.
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It disrupts the cell structure of fungi
Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is an antifungal antibiotic used to treat infections caused by certain types of fungi that affect the fingernails, toenails, scalp, body, groin (jock itch), and feet (athlete's foot). It is available in the form of oral tablets and granules.
Terbinafine belongs to the group of medicines called antifungals, which work by disrupting the cell structure of fungi, thereby stopping their growth and killing them. Chemically, terbinafine hydrochloride is (E)-N-(6,6-dimethyl-2-hepten-4-ynyl)-N-methyl-1-naphthalenemethanamine hydrochloride, with the empirical formula C21H26CIN and a molecular weight of 327.90.
The disruption of the fungal cell structure by terbinafine is a critical mechanism that leads to the effective treatment of fungal infections. This mechanism involves targeting and interfering with the cell membrane of the fungi.
Fungal cells have a unique structure, with a cell membrane composed mainly of lipids and sterols, such as ergosterol. Terbinafine specifically inhibits the enzyme squalene epoxidase, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of ergosterol. By blocking this enzyme, terbinafine disrupts the production of ergosterol, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of the fungal cell membrane.
The cell membrane is vital for the survival of fungi as it regulates the transport of nutrients and waste products in and out of the cell. It also maintains the shape and stability of the cell. By disrupting the cell structure, terbinafine compromises the cell membrane's function, leading to an imbalance in the cell's internal environment. This disruption can cause the leakage of essential nutrients and the loss of vital cellular components, ultimately leading to the death of the fungal cells.
In summary, Lamisil, or terbinafine, effectively treats fungal infections by disrupting the cell structure of fungi. This disruption interferes with the cell membrane's function, leading to an imbalance in the cell's internal environment and, eventually, the death of the fungal cells. As a result, Lamisil helps eliminate the fungi responsible for various types of infections in the human body.
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Lamisil treats fingernail and toenail infections
Lamisil is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections affecting the fingernails and toenails, a condition known as onychomycosis. It contains the active ingredient terbinafine hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of antifungal drugs called allylamines.
Fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat and may require persistent and prolonged treatment. Nails may become brittle and discoloured, with thicker textures and altered shapes. In some cases, the affected part of the nail may detach from the nail bed.
Lamisil is available in tablet form and oral granules. For fingernail infections, the typical dosage is one 250 mg tablet taken daily for 6 weeks. Toenail infections usually require a longer treatment course, with one 250 mg tablet taken daily for 12 weeks. It is important to take Lamisil for the full prescribed length of time, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the risk of further infection or resistance to antifungal medications.
Topical treatments, such as nail polishes and creams, are also available for fungal nail infections. However, oral treatments like Lamisil tablets have been found to be considerably more effective in treating toenail fungal infections. In a study, after one year of a three-month treatment with terbinafine, about 76 out of 100 participants no longer had detectable fungal nail infections.
It is important to note that Lamisil may cause side effects, and severe cases of liver damage have been reported. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor and discuss potential risks and benefits before starting treatment with Lamisil.
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It is also used to treat scalp, body, and groin infections
Lamisil is an antifungal medication that is used to treat fungal infections affecting the fingernails, toenails, and skin. It is available in both oral and topical forms, with the oral form being taken by mouth and the topical form being applied directly to the skin.
When used to treat scalp infections, Lamisil should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor and should not be used for longer than recommended. The typical treatment duration for scalp infections is six weeks. It is important to note that topical Lamisil should not be used on the scalp or nails, as it is specifically indicated for skin-only use.
For body infections, Lamisil can be used to treat certain fungal skin infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Topical Lamisil should be applied to the infected area after washing the area with soap and water and ensuring it is thoroughly dried. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to be aware of potential side effects, such as skin irritation.
Lamisil can also be used to treat groin infections, such as jock itch, which is a fungal infection that commonly occurs in the groin area. Similar to treating body infections, topical Lamisil should be applied to the infected area after washing and drying. It is recommended to wear well-fitting, ventilated clothing and to change your clothes at least once daily during treatment.
It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before using Lamisil, as they can determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific condition. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the prescribed treatment duration, even if your symptoms improve or disappear, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
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Lamisil is available on prescription only
Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) is an antifungal antibiotic used to treat infections caused by fungus that affect the fingernails or toenails (onychomycosis). Oral granules are used to treat fungal infections of scalp hair follicles in children aged four and above. Lamisil is available in generic form and as a brand-name drug.
While Lamisil is available over the counter, this is only for its topical versions, such as cream, gel, or spray. These are used to treat fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot. The oral form of Lamisil, on the other hand, is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider. This is because it can cause some serious health issues, and the risk may be higher for certain groups. For instance, very rarely, terbinafine can cause severe liver damage or even liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
If you are experiencing any side effects from taking Lamisil, it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist. Common side effects include diarrhea, indigestion, and headaches. Lamisil may also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners, heart rhythm medications, and antidepressants. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking.
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Frequently asked questions
Lamisil is a brand name for the antifungal medicine terbinafine, which is used to treat fungal infections of the scalp, body, groin (jock itch), feet (athlete's foot), fingernails, and toenails.
Terbinafine, the active ingredient in Lamisil, is an antifungal medicine that stops certain types of fungi from growing and kills them by disrupting their cell structure.
The most common side effects of Lamisil include headache, diarrhea, rash, nausea, upset stomach, stomach pain, itching, changes in taste, gas, and abnormal liver function.
In studies, Lamisil eliminated the fungus in 10 months for 55% to 70% of people. However, for 15% to 20% of users, the fungus returned within a few months.
No, Lamisil is only available with a doctor's prescription.