Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) is a topical treatment for fungal infections on the skin. It's available as a cream or spray that you apply on your skin. Both formulations can be used in people 12 years and older. This medication is generally well tolerated and doesn't have many side effects. You can find terbinafine (Lamisil AT) over the counter (OTC) as a brand name or generic.
Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) is an antifungal. It kills the fungus causing the infection by preventing it from forming its protective outer layer.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Dryness
redness
burning
peeling
rash
stinging
tingling
or other signs of skin irritation not present before use of this medicine
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Before using terbinafine (Lamisil AT), wash the affected area(s) with soap and water. Make sure the area dries completely before applying the medication.
Wash your hands after using terbinafine (Lamisil AT) to avoid getting it in your eyes or other parts of your body.
If you're treating athlete's foot, it's recommended that you change your shoes and socks at least once a day. This helps prevent your infection from getting worse.
Let your provider know if your symptoms are getting worse after using terbinafine (Lamisil AT) or if your infection doesn't go away after using the medication for the recommended amount of time. You might need a different medication.
Keep terbinafine (Lamisil AT) up and away from children. If someone you know accidentally swallows the medication, call a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Tips for using the spray
Keep the terbinafine (Lamisil AT) spray can at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, or flames. There's pressure inside the can so it might burst if it gets too hot.
Hold the can 4 to 6 inches from the skin, and spray a thin layer over the affected area(s).
Wipe any excess medication from the can opening after each use.
Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
The spray version of terbinafine (Lamisil AT) is flammable and can catch on fire. Avoid open flames while you're applying the medication. Store the can in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Never puncture the can, throw it into a fire, or store it in high heat, even if you think it's empty. The spray can has pressure inside, so the can might burst.
Athlete's foot:
Cream: If you're treating between the toes only, apply the cream to the affected area(s) twice a day (morning and night) for 1 week. If you're treating the bottom or sides of the foot, apply twice a day for 2 weeks.
Spray: If you're treating between the toes, spray onto the affected area(s) twice a day for 1 week.
Jock itch and ringworm:
Cream: Apply the cream to the affected area(s) once a day for 1 week.
Spray: Spray the medication onto the affected area(s) once a day for 1 week.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Jock itch - cream only
Ringworm - cream only
Tinea versicolor - cream only
Yeast infection on the skin - cream only
Jock itch
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Antimicrobial-resistant fungi.
Choudhary, S., et al. (2013). Efficacy and safety of terbinafine hydrochloride 1% cream vs. sertaconazole nitrate 2% cream in tinea corporis and tinea cruris: A comparative therapeutic trial. Indian Journal of Dermatology.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC. (2021). Lamisil AT- terbinafine hydrochloride aerosol, spray. DailyMed.
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings (US) LLC. (2022). Lamisil AT- terbinafine hydrochloride cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Puri, V., et al. (2022). Quality by design guided development of polymeric nanospheres of terbinafine hydrochloride for topical treatment of onychomycosis using a nano-gel formulation. Pharmaceutics.
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