Lamisil Approved to Treat Ringworm of the Scalp

FRIDAY, Oct. 5 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new oral form of the Novartis drug Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride) to treat people age 4 years and older with tinea capitis, a contagious infection commonly called ringworm of the scalp.

Most of the 3 million to 4 million people in the United States with the condition are children under age 10, Novartis said in announcing the approval. The newly approved Lamisil Oral Granules are meant to be taken once daily for six weeks.

People with liver or kidney problems, and pregnant and nursing women, shouldn't take the drug unless directed by a physician, Novartis said. In addition, the company said Lamisil could interact with other medications, including some popular antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antiarrhythmics.

Lamisil Oral Granules are expected on U.S. pharmacy shelves starting in January 2008, Novartis said.

More information

Here's more about this approval from the FDA.