THURSDAY, July 5 (HealthDay News) -- The first generic versions of prescription Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride), used to treat fungal infections of the toenail or fingernail, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Remaining patents for the brand-name drug, made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, expired at the end of June, the agency said. Fourteen manufacturers were granted license to produce a generic equivalent.

The FDA said Lamisil tablets were the 57th highest selling brand name drug in the United States, citing the online trade magazine Drug Topics.

The agency said it also approved a generic version of over-the-counter Lamisil cream to treat athlete's foot.

More information

To learn more about Lamisil, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.