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Brand Names: Lamisil

Generic Name: terbinafine (Pronunciation: ter BIN na feen)

• What is terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• What are the possible side effects of terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• What is the most important information I should know about terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• How should I take terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Lamisil)?
• What happens if I overdose (Lamisil)?
• What should I avoid while taking terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• What other drugs will affect terbinafine (Lamisil)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is terbinafine (Lamisil)?

Terbinafine is an antifungal antibiotic.

Terbinafine is used to treat infections caused by fungus that affect the fingernails or toenails. Terbinafine oral granules are used to treat a fungal infection of scalp hair follicles in children who are at least 4 years old.

Terbinafine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lamisil 250 mg

round, white, imprinted with LAMISIL, 250

Terbinafine 250 mg-APO

round, white, imprinted with APO, TER 250

Terbinafine 250 mg-MYL

oblong, white, imprinted with M 571

Terbinafine 250 mg-ROX

round, white, imprinted with 54 744

Terbinafine 250 mg-TEV

round, white, imprinted with 93, 7294

What are the possible side effects of terbinafine (Lamisil)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people taking terbinafine have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether terbinafine actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking terbinafine.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.

Stop taking terbinafine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• joint pain or swelling, swollen glands, patchy skin color, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose;
• changes in mood or behavior;
• weight loss due to taste changes;
• raised, silvery flaking of the skin; or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, mild nausea or stomach pain;
• headache;
• mild skin rash or itching; or
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about terbinafine (Lamisil)?

Before using terbinafine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or an autoimmune disorder such as lupus or psoriasis.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Terbinafine will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Some people taking terbinafine have developed severe liver damage leading to liver transplant or death. It is not clear whether terbinafine actually caused the liver damage in these patients. In most cases, the patient had a serious medical condition before taking terbinafine.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These events can occur whether or not you have ever had liver problems before.

To be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

It may take several months for your nails to return to their normal appearance after your treatment with terbinafine.

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