Lamisil 1% Cream

Lamisil 1% Cream is a topical antifungal cream from the Lamisil brand, formulated with terbinafine hydrochloride 1% w/w. It belongs to the allylamine class of antifungal actives, the same active-ingredient class as Lamisil Dermgel, and is sold as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product.

Unlike Lamisil Dermgel, which is an alcohol/water-based gel, Lamisil 1% Cream is built on a smooth, white, emollient cream base. A representative formulation for this cream line, based on the equivalent UK-registered product, uses excipients such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, polysorbate 60, isopropyl myristate, sorbitan monostearate, cetyl palmitate, benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, and demineralised water; the exact excipient list on the Malaysia-registered pack should be checked against the product insert, as formulations can vary slightly by market.

Lamisil 1% Cream is the companion cream-based formulation to Lamisil Dermgel: the moisturising, occlusive cream base sits differently on the skin from the fast-drying gel, and does not contain the ethanol found in the Dermgel formulation. Lamisil 1% Cream is sold in Malaysia in a 15g tube.

Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area and the surrounding skin before application. Apply a thin layer of cream to cover the affected area and a small margin of the surrounding skin, once or twice daily as stated on the pack labelling. Gently rub it in until absorbed; do not cover the area with an airtight dressing or bandage. Wash your hands after application, unless the hands themselves are the area being treated.

For adults, apply a thin layer to the affected and immediately surrounding skin once or twice daily, following the duration stated on the product labelling — commonly around 1 to 2 weeks, though the labelled duration can vary by the site being treated, so the pack instructions or a pharmacist’s advice should be followed rather than a fixed number of days. As this is a topical product applied by the day rather than an oral dose, a formal missed-dose rule does not apply; simply apply the next application at the usual time and do not apply extra to make up for a missed application.

See a doctor if there is no improvement after the labelled course of treatment, if the affected area spreads or worsens, if the skin shows signs of secondary infection (increasing redness, pain, swelling, or discharge), or if the nails or scalp are affected, as this cream is intended for skin use only.

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep the tube tightly closed after use and out of reach of children.

• Known hypersensitivity to terbinafine hydrochloride or to any excipient in the cream.
• A non-obvious allergen to be aware of: cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol (fatty-alcohol and preservative-type excipients typically used in this cream base, distinct from the ethanol used in the Dermgel) are recognised, if uncommon, causes of contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals.
• Not for use on broken skin, open wounds, or areas of active dermatitis without medical advice.
• Not for use near the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes.
• Not for oral or internal use — for external application to the skin only.

• Topical terbinafine has minimal systemic absorption when used as directed on intact skin, so clinically significant interactions with oral medicines are unlikely with normal use; people using extensive skin areas or with broken skin should check with a pharmacist.
• Avoid applying other topical medicines or cosmetic products to the same area at the same time without checking with a pharmacist, as this may affect how well the cream is absorbed by the skin.
• No specific food interactions apply, as this is a topical (skin-applied) product rather than one that is swallowed.

• Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in gently until absorbed.
• Wash your hands after applying, unless the hands are the treated area.
• Avoid sharing towels, socks, or footwear while treating a fungal skin infection, as a general hygiene measure.
• Keep affected areas clean and dry between applications, particularly skin folds and between the toes.
• Complete the full course stated on the labelling, even if the skin looks improved earlier.
• The cream base is not alcohol-based like the Dermgel, so it may feel more comfortable on dry or cracked skin.

Precautions: For external use on the skin only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes; rinse promptly with water if accidental contact occurs. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and parents considering use in young children, should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use, as labelled age guidance should always be followed. People with a known sensitivity to fatty-alcohol excipients (such as cetyl or stearyl alcohol) should check the ingredient list before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if there is no improvement after the labelled treatment course, if the affected skin area is extensive, if the nails or scalp appear affected, if there are signs of secondary bacterial infection, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation, as skin infections in these situations are best assessed by a healthcare professional rather than self-treated.