Athlete’s foot is quite common and is not a severe condition. However, it may cause the skin to itch, crack and even not look appealing. The fungus could also spread to the other regions of the foot such as the toenails especially if left untreated. Luckily, the infection can be treated effectively using over the counter creams, gels, sprays, and home remedies. In this write up, we are going to explore one of the most effective athlete’s foot drug terbinafine.
Does terbinafine kill athlete's foot?
Oral terbinafine for athlete’s foot
Basically, terbinafine tablets are used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails and athlete’s foot. The tablets can also be used to cure ringworm infection of the groin and body. All the mentioned infections are caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes.
Terbinafine, active ingredient in Lamisil tablets, works by killing the fungus. It interferes precisely with fungal biosystem at a first stair. This can lead to a deficiency in ergosterol and an intracellular accumulation of squalene, leading to the death of the fungal cell.
When taken orally terbinafine concentrates in skin and nails at levels associated with antifungal infection activity, thus killing athlete’s foot. Lamisil tablets have 250 mg terbinafine for every tablet. Ask your podiatrist if you have any concerns about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your physician may have prescribed it for another reason.
Terbinafine tablets are only available with a doctor’s prescription, and they are not addictive. However, there is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine in children.
How does oral terbinafine work?
Terbinafine, active ingredient in Lamisil tablets, works by killing the dermatophytes.Terbinafine interferes in particular with fungal sterol biosynthesis at an early process. This causes a deficiency in ergosterol and to an intracellular accumulation of squalene, thus killing fungal cells. Terbinafine acts by inhibition of squalene epoxidase in the fungal cell membrane. The enzyme squalene epoxidase is not linked to the cytochrome P450 system. When given orally, the drug concentrates in skin and nails at levels associated with antifungal activity.
Terbinafine tablets also comprise of magnesium stearate (E 572), silica-colloidal anhydrous, hypromellose (E464), sodium starch glycolate, and cellulose-microcrystalline (E 460). Lamisil tablets do not have lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine, or any other azo dyes.
How to take oral terbinafine?
For the medicine to work effectively follow the following guideline when using them:
- Do not take Lamisil if you have an allergic reaction to terbinafine
- If you are allergic to Lamisil, do not take the tablets
- If you are allergic to any medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes, first talk to your doctor to find out if you are allergic to terbinafine tablets too.
- If you have kidney or liver problems, avoid taking Lamisil or any other drug which has terbinafine as an active agent.
- Inspect the expiry date on the pack before buying the tablets. If the pack has any signs of tampering or is torn return it to the pharmacy.
- Follow the directive given to you by your physician or pharmacist carefully. Beware that instructions might vary depending on your infection and other factors.
- The usual dose for Lamisil is one tablet which contains 250 mg each day. However, if you have kidney problems, the treatment may reduce to one-half tablet each day.
- Take the Lamisil tablet with a full glass of warm or cold water. If Lamisil tablet upsets your stomach, try taking it immediately after a light meal.
This medication is not recommended if you presently have a liver problem because it may make the problem worse. If you had a liver problem in the past and your liver is functioning normally now, your doctor may prescribe Lamisil tablets but may want to check your liver function before and during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor might take blood tests to monitor your liver function. In case of abnormal test results, he or she may ask you to stop taking Lamisil.
Signs of oral terbinafine side effects
Inform the doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you are ill while taking Lamisil tablets, even though you do not think it is connected with the medicine. All medicines can have side effects. The side effects might be mild or severe. Be alarmed by the signs below as they are possible signs of an allergic reaction of terbinafine athlete’s foot:
- Shortness of breath
- Producing a wheezing sound or difficulty in breathing
- bumps of the face, lips, tongue or other body parts
- Rash, itching or hives on the skin, redness, joint pain, enlarged lymph nodes
- Chest pain
- Potential symptoms of the severe liver condition such as constant nausea, loss of appetite, unfamiliar tiredness, spewing up, pain in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the skin, or dark urine.
- Upset stomach, heartburn, cramps, wind, and belching
- Stop the medication if you notice any of the above signs and see a doctor immediately.
What to do in case of oral terbinafine overdose?
Oral Terbinafine may be harmful if swallowed in excess. If an individual has had an overdose and has severe signs such as fainting and difficulty in breathing, call 911.You might also call a poison control center right away.
How long does it take for oral terbinafine to work on athlete’s foot?
The period of treatment depends on the type of infection an individual has and how early it is treated, what area of the body is affected and how your body responds to terbinafine treatment. If you have athlete’s foot terbinafine treatment typically takes two to six weeks. If the athlete's foot virus spread to the body like the groin, one will take terbinafine tablets for two to four weeks. Beware that the symptoms of the athlete's foot may last for several weeks after the infection has been killed.
Does Lamisil cream work on athlete’s foot?
Lamisil cream
Lamisil cream is used to cure a variety of fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. Terbinafine, the main ingredient in this cream, is an antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.
How to use Lasmill cream?
- Ensure you use the cream on the skin only.
- Clean the affected area and thoroughly dry the area to be treated.
- Apply a thin layer of terbinafine cream on the athlete’s foot and around the affected area. Mostly one daily as directed on the product package. If you are not sure about any information, you can consult a doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after using the cream.
Precautions when applying Listerine cream
1. After applying Listerine cream on athlete’s foot, do not cover the area unless asked to so by a doctor.
2. Do not apply the cream in the eyes, nose or mouth or around the groin, if you use in these regions wash with a lot of water.
3. Do not apply Listerine cream on the scalp or nails unless advised to do so by a doctor.
4. Do not apply more frequently or use longer than directed by a doctor or pharmacists; this increases the chances of side effects.
5. Apply the cream the same time daily to help you remember to use the cream.
6. Continue using the Listerine cream for some days even after the signs go away. Stopping to use the cream early increases the chances of the infection return.
How long does it take for Lamisil cream to work on athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot condition might keep on improving since you start using Listerine cream. Keep applying the ointment for as long as the doctor has directed. Usually, it takes one to two weeks for Listerine cream to treat athlete’s foot. Inform your doctor or pharmacists if you do not notice any change in two weeks.
It is essential to complete the dose even after the signs have cleared up to ensure the infection is gone completely. Otherwise, the disease might return. In some cases, the symptoms might disappear several days after you stop using the cream.
Side effects of Listerine cream
An individual might experience burning, irritation, or itching at the use of Listerine cream. If any of these symptoms worsen, inform a doctor immediately. It is essential to trust your doctor and remember that he has judged that the benefit is higher than the threat of side effects. There are rare cases of side effects. Severe allergic reactions are not also common, but tell your doctor if blistering, swelling, oozing at the application of Listerine cream occurs.
How long does it take for terbinafine to work on toenail fungus?
How long does it take for terbinafine cream to work on toenail fungus?
Fungal nail infection takes longer to treat than fungal skin infections. An individual will have to take tablets from six weeks to three months. Especially if the nail infection affects the big toe or your nails grow slowly, you will have to take the tablets for up to six months. Note that it could take several months after you stop taking the tablets for your nail to appear normal- your deformed area of the nail has to grow out and be replaced by a healthy nail.
How long does terbinafine stay in your system?
Terbinafine can last for some time in your order as it is slowly removed from tissues such as skin and adipose (fat). Usually, 70% of terbinafine is excreted in the urine. The half-life is thirty-six hours; the terminal half-life is 200-400 hours as a result of prolonged removal from skin and adipose tissue. If you are having side effects such as diarrhea, this is a common effect of terbinafine. You may want to consult your doctor if you should keep using the medicine and if it is still in the system.
What should I avoid while taking terbinafine?
- While taking terbinafine to avoid taking coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks or any other sources of caffeine.
- You should also avoid sunlight exposure or tanning beds. Terbinafine can make you sunburn more easily. To prevent this, you should wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
- Other drugs may interact with terbinafine such as prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products. It is crucial to inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any medication you will start using or stopped using.
- Limit alcoholic drinks. Daily use of alcohol might increase the chances of severe side effects.
- The medication passes into breast milk and might have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Thus, breastfeeding is not recommended while using the drug. It is crucial to inform a doctor before breastfeeding.
- The medication passes into breast milk and might have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Thus, breastfeeding is not recommended while using the drug. It is crucial to inform a doctor before breastfeeding.
- Beware that the use of terbinafine might change how your medications work or increase your threat for severe side effects. Keep a record of all the things you use- herbal products, non prescribed drugs, and prescription- and share it with your doctor or pharmacist.
