Lamisil is one of the UK’s most commonly prescribed antifungal medications based on terbinafine as an active ingredient. While it can be successfully used in the treatment of numerous fungal infections, it is most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections and also certain types of skin infections. Highly adept at killing off the infection, this branded medication can achieve its goal with just one tablet per day. With Lamisil, treating onychomycosis has never been easier. Available with a valid medical prescription only, this medication can be obtained from numerous pharmacies and online clinics in the UK.

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When should I use Lamisil?

Fungal nail infections are rather common and while there is still no consensus on their exact causes, statistical data indicates that a majority of adults aged 55 and over will likely experience fungal nail infection at least once. This condition does not initially produce any discomfort and pain, which may lead the person affected to ignore it. However, when left untreated, it can cause inflammation, discolouring and thickening of the nail, eventually causing it to become brittle and flake off or get detached from the nailbed completely.

In order to avoid this, proper medication is highly recommended since fungal nail infections aren’t dangerous and can be treated very efficiently and without too much trouble. However, your doctor is the only one that can recommend you the exact type of treatment that will be optimal for you.

How does Lamisil treat fungal nail infections?

As opposed to a majority of other medications used for fungal nail infections, Lamisil is a tablet and as such, it does not act locally, but is instead introduced directly into the bloodstream. The active ingredient of Lamisil, terbinafine, belongs to the class of pharmaceutical compounds called antifungal medicines group. As such, it works by rebalancing the amount of fungal cells present in the body.

More precisely, it acts by inhibiting the production of ergosterol, a compound naturally synthesised by fungal cells that is used for their multiplication and subsequently, the spread of infections. Once terbinafine is introduced into the system, it will prevent the fungal infection from spreading and compromise the integrity of the cell membranes of fungal cells, thus causing them to die off and become an easy target for the body’s natural defences.

Can I buy Lamisil online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Lamisil online, in fact, there are numerous online pharmacies operating in the UK that offer this medication. However, as a non-local antifungal medicine, Lamisil can be obtained only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional and this is true regardless of whether you buy Lamisil online or in your local pharmacy. This is also true for both branded and generic version of this medicine.

If you opt to use the benefits of modern technology and buy Lamisil from the comfort of your own home, you can do this very easily. In this case, the consultations with the doctor will, of course, look somewhat different. Most online clinics will present you with a specialised medical questionnaire aimed at helping the doctor get an in-depth understanding of your medical profile and history, so he can properly assess your condition and determine whether you are suitable for using Lamisil fungal nail infection treatment.

How is Lamisil used?

Lamisil can be used both a continuous treatment and so-called pulsed therapy, but this is usually related to off-label use. In either case, to ensure the best possible results when using this medication, you should always follow the instructions provided by your prescriber exactly. By doing so, you will be able not only to optimise the results, but also minimise the risk of experiencing side effects.

Below, we will provide you with some of the most general guidelines that you should keep in mind when using this medication.

  • Always use exactly as prescribed
  • Take the tablet whole, without crushing, breaking or chewing them
  • Ideally, you should take Lamisil at the same time each day
  • Don’t stop the course before the time scheduled by the doctor even if the symptoms have subsided

For a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use Lamisil, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that is available within every pack of the medicine.

What are Lamisil side effects?

Even though Lamisil is considered to be a rather safe medication, certain side effects can manifest in people who are especially susceptible to them. This is why it is recommended to get familiar with the potential adverse effects prior to commencing treatment, so you will be able to act accordingly if something does go wrong.

If you notice any of the following, be sure to contact your doctor and ask him for advice:

Frequency of occurrence Side effects
Common (1 in 10 users) Headache, diarrhoea, itching, rash, swelling, muscle pain, joint pain
Uncommon (1 in 100 users) Changes in the sense of taste, in some cases lack of sense of taste
Rare (1 in 1000 users) General malaise, dizziness, numbness, tingling sensation in various body parts
Very rare (1 in 10.000 users) Tiredness, decrease in number of specific groups of blood cells, bruising easily, vertigo, hair loss, lupus

Please keep in mind that this is not a full list of all documented side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Lamisil.

Is Lamisil safe for me?

Lamisil is considered to be rather safe medication, but it still has potential to interact with certain other pharmaceutical products and to exacerbate the symptoms of pre-existing conditions. This is why the final verdict on your suitability for using Lamisil can be given only by a doctor, after he has collected all the relevant information regarding your medical profile and history. However, we can mention some already known situations when Lamisil treatment won’t be recommended.

Lamisil interactions

  • Rifampicin
  • Cimetidine
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Beta-blockers
  • Anti-arrhythmic medications
  • Warfarin
  • Ciclosporin
  • Caffeine

Don’t use Lamisil if you:

  • Are pregnant or are trying to conceive
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have problems with your kidneys or liver
  • Have psoriasis
  • Have systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE)

For a more detailed overview of these questions, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.