Lamisil (Terbinafine)

Name: Lamisil
Brand: Novartis
SKU: 1560
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Lamisil Tablet

Manufacturer: Novartis

Country: Canada

Dosage: 250 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Lamisil

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Terbinafine Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 250 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Terbinafine Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 250 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Lamisil Information

medically reviewed by Dr. HaVy Ngo, Pharmacist on June 12, 2025.

Lamisil and Terbinafine at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand Lamisil, manufactured by Novartis, is available in Canada.

Generic terbinafine is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Terbinafine:

Generic terbinafine contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Lamisil, and meets the same effectiveness and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Lamisil. While specific bioequivalence studies are conducted to ensure generic medications have comparable absorption rates and overall effects, individual responses to any medication can vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about using generic terbinafine.

For information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca.

Dosage:

Brand Lamisil is commonly available in the strength of 250 mg oral tablets.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and treatment duration based on your needs and medical condition.

Usage:

Brand Lamisil (terbinafine) is a prescription medication used to treat fungal nail infections and scalp ringworm.

For more information, refer to the product labeling information: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/020539s033lbl.pdf.

Mechanism of Action:
Lamisil (terbinafine) works by targeting and disrupting the ability of fungi to build their essential cell membrane, which is crucial for their survival and function. Fungi need a substance called ergosterol to make this membrane strong and functional. Terbinafine interferes with a key enzyme, squalene epoxidase, which is crucial for producing ergosterol. By blocking this enzyme, Lamisil causes two important things to happen: the fungal cell becomes dangerously low on ergosterol, making its membrane weak, and it also builds up a toxic substance called squalene, which further damages the cell. This dual action ultimately leads to the fungal cell breaking down and dying, effectively clearing the infection. Importantly, terbinafine is very selective, mainly affecting fungal cells without significantly harming human cells.

Use Lamisil exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dosage or stop using the medication without consulting your doctor and following the instructions in the product monograph | Novartis, https://www.novartis.com/ca-en/sites/novartis_ca/files/lamisil_scrip_e.pdf. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Lamisil, it is essential to discuss all possible aspects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Lamisil, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects: These are examples of some common side effects of Lamisil, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Decreased appetite.
• Dizziness.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach, indigestion, and gas are frequently reported. Taking the tablets with food might help reduce some of these symptoms.
• Headache: This is a very common side effect.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Rash and itching: Skin reactions can occur, sometimes with increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• Taste disturbance or loss (dysgeusia/ageusia): This is a notable side effect, ranging from a metallic taste to a complete loss of taste. While often temporary, it can sometimes be persistent, leading to reduced appetite and weight loss. Changes in smell can also occur.

Serious or rare side effects: Stop taking Lamisil and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
• Allergic reactions: Signs include hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
• Blood disorders: Rare instances of significantly low white or red blood cell counts, which can lead to unusual weakness, easy bruising, bleeding, or increased susceptibility to infections.
• Liver problems: This is a serious concern with oral Lamisil. Symptoms can include persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale stools, stomach pain (especially in the upper right side), and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment.
• Lupus-like syndrome: New onset or worsening of symptoms associated with lupus (e.g., joint pain, specific rashes).
• Mood changes: Rarely, new or worsening feelings of depression or anxiety.
• Severe skin reactions: Although rare, these can be life-threatening and may include widespread blistering, peeling skin, or a severe rash often accompanied by fever or flu-like symptoms (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS syndrome).
• Vision changes, Such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

Contraindications:

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. It is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Lamisil.

Lamisil should not be used if:
• Chronic or Active Liver Disease: This is the most significant contraindication. Lamisil is metabolized by the liver, and in patients with pre-existing liver problems, the medication can accumulate to toxic levels or worsen liver damage, potentially leading to severe liver failure, which in rare cases can be fatal or require a liver transplant. Liver function tests are typically performed before starting treatment and monitored during therapy.
• Known Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Terbinafine: If you have previously had an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, or difficulty breathing) to terbinafine or any of the inactive ingredients in Lamisil tablets, you should not take it due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Lamisil. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Lamisil is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to: • Blood Disorders: Very rare cases of serious blood dyscrasias (e.g., neutropenia, agranulocytosis) have been reported. • Pre-existing Psoriasis or Lupus Erythematosus: Terbinafine has been reported in rare cases to precipitate or exacerbate symptoms of psoriasis and cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus. • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While not always an absolute contraindication, Lamisil oral tablets are generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks due to limited human data. It is known to pass into breast milk, and therefore, breastfeeding is generally advised against while taking the medication. • Significant Renal Impairment (Kidney Disease): The use of Lamisil tablets is generally not recommended in patients with significant kidney impairment (e.g., creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min), as its safety and efficacy in this population have not been adequately studied, and the drug may accumulate.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Lamisil, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, refer to the official Lamisil website: https://lamisil.ie/

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Lamisil may interact with other medicines such as:
• Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (Cytochrome P450 2D6): Terbinafine is a moderate inhibitor of the CYP2D6 enzyme in the liver. This means it can slow down the breakdown of other drugs that are primarily metabolized by this enzyme, leading to higher levels of those drugs in the body and potentially increased side effects or toxicity.
• Drugs that Affect Terbinafine Levels:
o Caffeine: Terbinafine can inhibit the metabolism of caffeine. The effects of caffeine (e.g., jitters, sleeplessness) may last longer or be more pronounced.
o CYP Inducers (e.g., Rifampin): Some medications increase the activity of liver enzymes (like CYP3A4, which also metabolizes terbinafine). Rifampin (an antibiotic) can significantly decrease terbinafine levels, making it less effective.
o CYP Inhibitors (e.g., Cimetidine): Cimetidine (an antacid) can inhibit the metabolism of terbinafine, leading to increased levels of terbinafine in the body and potentially increasing its side effects.
o Warfarin (a blood thinner): Although not a direct CYP2D6 interaction, there have been rare reports of altered prothrombin time (a measure of blood clotting) in patients taking both terbinafine and warfarin. Increased or decreased anticoagulant effect of warfarin, potentially leading to bleeding or clotting issues. Close monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) is recommended if these drugs are used together.
• Interacting Drugs: This is a very broad category and includes:
o Antidepressants: Many tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and paroxetine.
o Beta-blockers: Medications used for heart conditions or high blood pressure (e.g., metoprolol, carvedilol).
o Antiarrhythmics: Medications for irregular heartbeats (e.g., flecainide, propafenone, amiodarone).
o Antipsychotics: Certain medications used for mental health conditions (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone).
o Opioids: Some opioids, like codeine and tramadol, are "prodrugs" that need CYP2D6 to be converted into their active pain-relieving forms. Terbinafine can reduce its effectiveness by inhibiting this conversion.
o Tamoxifen: A medication for breast cancer. Terbinafine can reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen by interfering with its conversion to active metabolites. Increased blood levels and potential side effects of the interacting drug, or reduced effectiveness of prodrugs like codeine. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of these medications if taken with Lamisil.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Lamisil is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor determines the benefits clearly outweigh potential risks, as there's limited human research on its effects on the fetus. Similarly, oral tablets are typically advised against during breastfeeding because the medication can pass into breast milk, though the amount and potential effects on the infant are not fully established. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Use in Children:

Oral Lamisil tablets are typically reserved for more severe infections like ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) or extensive fungal nail infections, as these require the medication to work throughout the body. For these cases, dosing is calculated based on the child's weight, usually for children aged 4 years and older, with specialized oral granule formulations available for younger children who cannot swallow tablets. Due to potential side effects like liver issues, children taking oral Lamisil will often need regular blood tests to monitor liver function. Always consult your child’s doctor for the most appropriate and safest treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lamisil at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com:

Why is Lamisil more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Lamisil, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a generic for Lamisil?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, called Terbinafine.

Can I buy over the counter from you?

No, Lamisil requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Blog Post:

Can Fall’s Wet Weather Cause a Fungal Infection? Could Gut Microbiota Help Cure Fungal Infections?

News:

The 7 Best Toenail Fungus Treatments, According to Dermatologists (article published on March 20, 2025)

Similar Drugs in the category of Anti-Fungal:

Jublia Diflucan Nizoral 2% Sporanox Penlac Solution

The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

Reviews From Real Customers