Lamisil for Toenail Fungus Treatment

Lamisil is the trade name for terbinafine, an antifungal antibiotic. It is used to treat infections caused by fungus in the fingernails or toenails. The structure of the terbinafine molecules is lipophilic in nature and tends to accumulate in skin, nails and fatty tissues. Nail fungus infections live deep under the nail bed and surface treatments may not be able to reach it adequately. Hence terbinafine hydrochloride is given orally in tablet form so that it can be absorbed through the bloodstream and can reach the infection. Terbinafine acts by interfering with the ability of the fungi to make chemicals known as sterols, which is an essential part of the membrane that surrounds the fungal cells and holds them together. This serves to weaken the membrane. Terbinafine does not change the appearance of the damaged nails, but by stopping the fungus, it allows new nails to grow normally. Terbinafine may also be applied to the skin.

The method by which lamisil is absorbed in the bloodstream can cause hepatotoxicity or liver damage as well as some other side effects. This is why individuals taking lamisil tablets often have to have blood screenings every month. Before taking lamisil, it is important to tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or autoimmune disorders such as lupus or psoriasis.

Research has shown that most individuals can take terbinafine, without facing the risk of any side effects. This includes people with diabetes, HIV and those who have had transplants. If terbinafine pills are taken for a course of 12 weeks, there is decent chance that the fungal infection will go away. If taken for a term of 24 weeks, the likelihood of getting rid of the fungal infection is much higher. Studies have shown that nearly 9 out of 10 individuals, who have taken terbinafine for a period of 24 weeks, were cured from the fungal nail infection. Terbinafine may sometimes cause taste, vision or smell problems, but these effects are not serious and most people do not have them. They disappear when the pill intake stops. In order to prevent toenail fungus it is important to keep your feet dry and clean and to make sure that your shoes are kept in a cool dry place. It is a good idea to rotate your shoes often and not wear the same pair of shoes every day. It is also advisable to wash your feet with an anti-fungal soap to prevent re-infection and spreading.