Lamisil Once

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Lamisil Once

Method of action: Antifungal Broad Spectrum

Treatment option: Athlete'S Foot

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Lamisil Once

Defining the Allylamine Antifungal Agent

Lamisil Once is a specialized, single-application topical medicine containing the active substance, Terbinafine Hydrochloride. This product is classified as an Allylamine Antifungal Agent and is typically available as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication intended to counteract superficial fungal skin infections. This classification is used for its targeted efficacy against dermatophytes, which are the organisms primarily responsible for common skin issues like athlete’s foot.

The therapeutic distinction of this synthetic Allylamine derivative is its fungicidal action, which is characterized by its capacity to actively kill fungal cells rather than merely inhibiting their growth. This specialized effect is fundamental to the medicine's identity and its general therapeutic purpose.

Active Composition and Unique Delivery Form

The formulation is a Monotherapy utilizing Terbinafine Hydrochloride as its sole active substance. It is presented as a viscous Cutaneous Solution intended exclusively for topical administration to adults. A major differentiating factor is its specialized engineering as a film-forming solution.

This solution is designed to rapidly form a smooth, barely visible film on the skin upon application. This unique physical delivery system serves as a sustained-release reservoir for the Terbinafine, designed to simplify patient adherence by consolidating the required therapeutic application into a single use, contrasting with conventional multi-day topical regimens.

What side effects are possible with Lamisil Once?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Terbinafine Hydrochloride in the Cutaneous Solution form is predominantly characterized by localized reactions at the application site. Adverse reactions are classified according to official regulatory systems, grouping them based on the body systems or organs affected.


Classification of Adverse Reactions

The officially documented adverse events typically affect the Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and General disorders and administration site conditions system-organ classes. Most reported reactions are generally mild and transient.

Frequency Classification Examples of Reactions
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) Skin irritation, skin dryness, or a burning sensation at the application site.
Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) Hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria (hives) or rash.
Frequency Not Known Application site pain, eye irritation, and skin colour changes.

Safety Restrictions and Population Considerations

The most significant safety restriction is the contraindication in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the active substance, Terbinafine, or to any of the other excipients in the formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions, while very rare, are documented as requiring discontinuation.

Due to limited safety data in this age bracket, the product is not recommended for use in the paediatric population (children and adolescents under 18 years of age). Furthermore, the product is intended strictly for external use only, and contact with the eyes should be avoided due to the risk of irritation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help


Overdose Classification and Risk

The risk of overdose following topical application of Lamisil Once is documented as extremely unlikely by regulatory authorities due to the product’s low systemic absorption of the active substance. The official guidance on overdose pertains exclusively to the specific circumstance of accidental oral ingestion of the cutaneous solution. In this scenario, immediate medical attention is required.

Following accidental ingestion, consideration must also be given to the high alcohol content (over 81% w/w) present in the formulation, as explicitly stated in the official regulatory documents.


Documented Manifestations and Management

Documented manifestations following accidental oral ingestion are anticipated to be similar to those associated with an overdosage of oral terbinafine tablets. These specific signs include headache, nausea, epigastric pain, and dizziness.

The recommended emergency treatment is aimed at eliminating the active substance, which includes the administration of activated charcoal. As no specific antidote is known for this product, management relies on providing symptomatic supportive therapy to address the documented manifestations, as defined in the regulatory labeling.

Therapeutic Uses of Lamisil Once

What Lamisil Once Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

This medication is generally used to address Tinea Pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, in adults and is relevant for managing this underlying condition. The therapeutic domain focuses on managing the condition caused by dermatophyte fungi.

The treatment is commonly used for managing the pronounced symptoms that interfere with daily functioning in active athlete's foot. It helps to ease severe sensory discomfort, including intense itching and a painful burning sensation, and concurrently assists with addressing visible manifestations like skin scaling, cracking (fissuring), and redness. This supportive relief is particularly relevant during phases when symptoms become more noticeable.

The therapeutic benefit is commonly associated with a prolonged therapeutic benefit: the film-forming solution may assist with limiting the potential for early relapse or re-infection. It supports the patient during difficult episodes by easing distress. This feature helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable, providing supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.


Quick Fact: Symptom management for severe sensory discomfort

Regulatory References

  1. Health Products Regulatory Authority SmPC

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Lamisil Once is indicated for use only in adults 18 years of age and over. Official regulatory information strictly defines the populations who can and cannot use this topical medicine.

Eligibility Classification Population Group
Allowed Adults (18 years and over)
Contraindicated Individuals with known hypersensitivity to Terbinafine or any other component (excipient) in the solution.
Prohibited Women who are breast-feeding, as the active substance is excreted in breast milk.
Not Recommended Patients below 18 years of age (paediatric population), as use has not been established in this group.

Use Limitations and Cautions

Official labeling requires specific caution or restriction for certain patient categories and clinical conditions:

  • Pregnancy Status: The solution should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, due to limited clinical experience.
  • Specific Infections: It is not recommended for the treatment of hyperkeratotic chronic plantar tinea pedis (moccasin-type athlete’s foot).
  • Application Site: The solution should not be used on the face and must be used with caution on skin where the alcohol content may cause irritation, such as areas with severe scaling or following sun exposure.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory documents for topical Terbinafine Hydrochloride Cutaneous Solution confirm an interaction profile based primarily on its local application, not systemic drug-drug interactions.

Interaction Classification (Official Regulatory Information)

Interaction Type Status for Topical Solution
Systemic Drug-Drug Interactions None clinically relevant or anticipated
Metabolic (CYP-mediated) Interactions Not applicable due to negligible systemic exposure
Contraindicated Combinations None formally listed with systemic medicines

The official profile is structured by local constraints and procedural rules documented in the regulatory information.

Officially Documented Interaction Constraints

Regulatory authorities state that no clinically significant systemic drug interactions are anticipated because the systemic absorption of the topical solution is very low and variable. Consequently, the extensive drug-drug interactions associated with oral terbinafine are not relevant for this product.

Instead, the primary constraints relate to the application site. There is a documented restriction against the concurrent use of other topical preparations on the treated area, as this may lead to local interference with the medicine's unique film-forming barrier. Furthermore, a mandatory separation from water immediately following application is required. This is a crucial, timing-based interaction rule necessary to ensure the film-forming technology functions as intended, supporting its prolonged therapeutic effect.

Mechanism of Action

The active ingredient, terbinafine, exerts its pharmacodynamic effect by acting as a selective inhibitor of the fungal enzyme squalene epoxidase. This enzyme is crucial for the sterol biosynthesis pathway in susceptible fungi.

Inhibition of squalene epoxidase prevents the conversion of squalene to ergosterol, leading to a dual intracellular consequence. First, a critical deficiency of ergosterol compromises the structural integrity and function of the fungal cell membrane. Second, the precursor molecule, squalene, accumulates to toxic concentrations inside the cell. The combined membrane failure and internal toxicity result in the physiological death of the fungal cell (a fungicidal action). This active destruction cascade leads to the local elimination of the targeted organism, subject to constraints determined by the drug's local concentration relative to the target site.

Dosage and Administration Information

The usage of Lamisil Once 1% Cutaneous Solution follows a single-dose administration protocol. The established instructions define the route, frequency, and specific procedural steps necessary for the correct application of this film-forming solution.

Administration and Frequency

Feature Details
Route of Administration Cutaneous Use (Topical application only).
Dosing Schedule Single Administration of the tube’s contents, sufficient to cover both feet entirely.
Frequency Pattern Once only for a particular episode of infection; reapplication is not permitted.

Procedural and Population Rules

The administration process requires specific preparation steps and adherence to a post-application time constraint. Application must occur on clean, dry feet (e.g., after a shower), covering the entire surface, including the soles, sides, and all interdigital spaces of both feet. The solution must then be allowed to dry to a film for one to two minutes.

A crucial requirement for the product’s intended use is that the treated area must not be washed for 24 hours following the single application. The product is intended for adults 18 years of age and over, and it is not recommended for the pediatric population. The entire contents must be used and any remaining portion discarded.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of Lamisil Once (terbinafine 1% film-forming cutaneous solution) as a single-dose topical treatment for interdigital tinea pedis (athlete's foot).

Efficacy Findings

Several multi-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled Phase III studies support the use of a single application. These studies defined efficacy based on mycological cure (negative microscopy and culture) and the effective treatment rate (combining mycological cure with minimal or absent clinical signs).

  • Mycological Cure: In core studies, the rate of mycological cure at Week 6 (after a single dose) was reported to be around 84% to 86% in the terbinafine group, compared with 12% to 27% in the vehicle (placebo) group. This suggests that the agent successfully eliminated the fungus in the majority of subjects evaluated.
  • Symptom Resolution: Investigators documented a reported reduction in the scores for clinical signs and symptoms (such as scaling, itching, and redness), with statistically significant differences noted in favor of the single-dose solution compared to the placebo by Week 6.

Safety Profile

The formulation, which creates a visible film on the skin, is designed for low systemic absorption. Pharmacokinetic data indicates that terbinafine penetrates the outer skin layer (stratum corneum) efficiently and remains at antifungal levels for up to 13 days, with minimal drug exposure entering the bloodstream.

Reported adverse events from clinical trials were generally mild and localized, consistent with topical products. These typically included transient irritation, redness, or burning at the site of application. No systemic adverse events were reported in significant numbers during these trials.

Key Studies & References

  1. A single application of 1% terbinafine film-forming solution is effective in the treatment of tinea pedis
  2. Summary of Product Characteristics - Lamisil Once 1% cutaneous solution (HPRA/European Regulator)
  3. Terbinafine 1% film forming cutaneous solution – Terbinafine 1% FFS (Internal Substantiation Document referencing core clinical trials)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lamisil Once (FAQ)

Q: What's the difference between Lamisil Once and the regular Lamisil cream?

A: Lamisil Once is a unique film-forming cutaneous solution designed for a single application only. According to official product information, it dries to create a film that acts as a reservoir for the active medicine. Regular Lamisil cream is typically a non-film-forming product that requires multiple daily applications over a specific treatment course.

Q: How does a single-application treatment like Lamisil Once keep working for so long?

A: The solution is engineered to form a reservoir film on the skin's surface after application. This film allows the active ingredient, terbinafine, to penetrate the outermost skin layer. Pharmacokinetic data indicates that the medicine persists at effective antifungal concentrations for up to 13 days.

Q: Does Lamisil Once treat all types of athlete's foot?

A: Lamisil Once is specifically indicated for interdigital tinea pedis, which is the common athlete's foot that occurs between the toes. Official safety warnings state that it is not recommended for the treatment of hyperkeratotic chronic plantar tinea pedis, also known as moccasin-type athlete’s foot.

Q: Can I walk around barefoot immediately after applying Lamisil Once?

A: The product information states that the solution needs 1 to 2 minutes to fully dry and form its protective film. The official instructions indicate that the treated area should not be washed or splashed with water for a full 24 hours to ensure the medicine is effective.

Q: Can Lamisil Once interact with blood thinners like warfarin?

A: No clinically significant systemic drug interactions, including with blood thinners, are anticipated with Lamisil Once. This is because the solution is applied to the skin and its absorption into the bloodstream is very low and variable, according to regulatory documents.

Q: Are there any common over-the-counter medicines or supplements that Lamisil Once interacts with?

A: Official documents report no systemic drug interactions with other medicines or supplements due to the product's topical application. The primary constraint is against the concurrent use of other topical preparations on the same treated area, as this could interfere with the film layer.

Q: Is it safe to use Lamisil Once if I have sensitive skin or eczema?

A: Official warnings state that the solution should be used with caution on skin where the high alcohol content could potentially be irritating, such as areas with severe scaling or after sun exposure. The most common reactions reported are mild, localized irritation, skin dryness, or a burning sensation at the application site.

Q: What should I do if the athlete's foot symptoms haven't completely cleared up after two weeks?

A: Clinical symptoms typically begin to improve within a few days of application. According to the official product label, if there are no signs of improvement within one week after the completed treatment, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to verify the diagnosis.

Q: Does Lamisil Once work on fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)?

A: No, Lamisil Once is specifically indicated only for athlete's foot, which affects the skin. It is not indicated for the treatment of fungal nail infections (onychomycosis).

Q: Can I apply moisturizer or lotion to my feet while waiting for Lamisil Once to work?

A: The medicine is intended for a single application. Concurrent use of other topical preparations on the treated area is restricted to avoid interference with the product's film-forming function.

Q: What happens if I accidentally use Lamisil Once more than once?

A: The product is designed and intended for a single dose only, and reapplication is not permitted. Overusing the solution may increase the risk of application site reactions such as skin irritation, dryness, or a burning sensation, as listed in the safety profile.

Q: What is the difference in how Lamisil Once and miconazole-based products work?

A: Lamisil Once contains terbinafine, which is an allylamine antifungal that works by specifically inhibiting a fungal enzyme called squalene epoxidase. This action is fungicidal, meaning it actively kills the fungal cells. Miconazole-based products belong to a different drug class (azoles) and have a different mechanism of action.

Q: Can Lamisil Once be used on other parts of the body besides the feet?

A: The product is indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis (athlete's foot) only. It is not indicated for use on other parts of the body, such as the face, groin (jock itch), or body (ringworm), and official warnings advise against use on the face.

Q: Is it normal for the skin to look slightly shiny or glossy where Lamisil Once was applied?

A: Yes. The product is a film-forming cutaneous solution, which means it is designed to dry rapidly into a smooth, barely visible film on the skin. This unique film formation may initially result in a slightly shiny or glossy appearance.

Q: Does alcohol consumption affect the safety of using Lamisil Once?

A: Since Lamisil Once is a topical treatment with negligible systemic absorption, the systemic drug interactions associated with oral terbinafine (including those related to liver metabolism and alcohol) are not considered clinically significant for this product, according to regulatory documents.

Q: Does the efficacy of Lamisil Once depend on the severity of the athlete's foot?

A: The single application is generally indicated for common athlete's foot. Official product information states the product is not recommended for the treatment of one specific, severe, and chronic form: hyperkeratotic chronic plantar tinea pedis (moccasin-type).

Q: Why do some people report their feet feeling dry after using this product?

A: According to the official safety profile, skin dryness is listed as an uncommon adverse reaction at the application site, meaning it may affect up to 1 in 100 people. This is a known, generally mild side effect listed in the product's safety information.

Q: Is Lamisil Once waterproof after the initial drying period?

A: The regulatory requirement is that the treated area must not be washed or splashed with water for the first 24 hours after application. This 24-hour period is required to ensure the film forms and the medicine is absorbed. The sustained therapeutic effect is based on the penetration that occurs during this time.

Q: Can using Lamisil Once make my feet more sensitive to sunlight?

A: Official warnings state that the solution should be used with caution on skin that has recently been exposed to the sun, where the alcohol content may cause irritation. The product label does not specifically mention increased sensitivity to light (phototoxicity).

Q: Are there clinical trials comparing Lamisil Once to placebos?

A: Yes. The efficacy and safety of Lamisil Once are supported by clinical data, including multi-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled Phase III studies, which compare the treatment to a vehicle (placebo) solution, as noted in regulatory submissions.

Q: What types of foot fungus does Lamisil Once specifically target?

A: The product's active ingredient, terbinafine, is classified as a fungicidal agent that targets dermatophytes. These are the types of fungi, such as Trichophyton species, that are primarily responsible for causing common athlete’s foot infections.

Q: How long does the active ingredient stay detectable in the skin layers?

A: Pharmacokinetic data indicates that terbinafine penetrates and persists in the outer skin layer (stratum corneum). It remains at concentrations needed to kill the fungus for up to 13 days after the single application.

Q: If I have athlete's foot and a cut on my foot, should I still use Lamisil Once?

A: Official warnings state that the solution contains alcohol and should be used with caution on damaged or broken skin, as it may cause a burning sensation. The product should not be applied to the face.

Q: Does the single application of Lamisil Once cover severe cases of athlete's foot?

A: The single application is generally indicated for common interdigital athlete's foot. The product is not recommended for one specific, chronic, and often severe form called hyperkeratotic plantar tinea pedis, as stated in official labeling.

Q: Can I exercise or swim shortly after the solution has dried?

A: To ensure the medicine works effectively, the treated area must not be washed or splashed with water for the first 24 hours following application. Activities that involve heavy sweating or immersion in water are not recommended during the 24-hour period where contact with water must be avoided.

How should Lamisil Once be stored and disposed of?

The official regulatory documents specify strict conditions for the storage and disposal of Lamisil Once (terbinafine 1% cutaneous solution).

Mandatory Storage and Handling

The medicine must be stored in its original package and kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Regarding temperature, the label states that no special temperature precautions are required for storage. However, the solution is classified as flammable and must be kept away from heat, open flames, and other ignition sources.

Official Disposal Requirements

Lamisil Once is a single-application treatment; any unused product must be discarded.

For environmental safety, the regulatory instructions advise that medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste when local collection schemes are available. Patients should consult a pharmacist or local waste authority for proper disposal methods.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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