Ciclopirox

Ciclopirox Ciclopirox is a topical antifungal medication formulated to treat various skin and scalp infections like athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, yeast infections, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also available as a nail lacquer to treat fungal infections in the fingernails and toenails. Ciclopirox can help prevent fungi from reproducing. Read more about dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).
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Ciclopirox is also available as a treatment for fungal infections
*Prescription treatment requires a virtual medical consultation with a medical provider to determine if a prescription is appropriate.
How to use this information
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of a medical provider. If you have any questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a callback for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Medication Name

CICLOPIROX LACQUER - TOPICAL

(SYE-kloe-PIR-ox)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Penlac

What you should know about Ciclopirox
  • This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. It is used as part of a treatment program that may include the removal of unattached, infected nails by a health care professional.
  • Ciclopirox works by stopping the growth of fungus.
How to take Ciclopirox
  • Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using Ciclopirox and each time you get a refill. If you have questions, go to your patient dashboard and request a medical provider callback for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
  • Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail material using nail clippers or a file. If you have diabetes or numbness in your fingers/toes, talk to your medical provider before filing or trimming your nails. It may be safer for your medical provider to file or remove your nails.
  • Use this medication on the nails and skin next to the nails only. Apply Ciclopirox as directed by your medical provider, usually once daily at bedtime.
  • Using the applicator provided, apply this medication evenly over the entire affected nail and to the area of the skin next to the nail (5 millimeters or 1/5 of an inch around the nail). If the applicator can reach the undersurface of the nail and the skin under the nail, apply the medication to those areas as well.
  • Avoid contact with skin that is not right next to the affected nail. Do not use nail cosmetic products (such as nail polish) on the treated nails.
  • Do not apply the medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, rinse with plenty of water.
  • Let the medication dry (around 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. Do not wash the treated area for at least 8 hours.
  • Every 7 days, remove the medication from the nail by applying alcohol. Then trim the nail and file away any loose nail material.
  • Since this product is flammable, do not use this product near heat or open flame.
  • Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
  • Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.
  • Contact your medical provider through your patient dashboard if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 6 months of treatment. It may take up to one year for the nail to be clear or almost clear.
Potential side effects
  • Redness/burning of treated skin or changes in shape/color of nail may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, request a callback from your medical provider through your patient dashboard.
  • Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
  • Contact your medical provider right away through your patient dashboard if you have any serious side effects, including blistering/swelling/oozing at the application site.
  • A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

    • rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
    • severe dizziness or
    • trouble breathing.
  • This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Precautions to be aware of
  • Before using Ciclopirox, tell your medical provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have any other allergies.
  • This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
  • Before using this medication, tell your medical provider or pharmacist your medical history, especially of diabetes or numbness in fingers/toes (such as diabetic neuropathy).
  • Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products).
  • During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your OB/GYN.
  • It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your OB/GYN or child’s pediatrician before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions
  • Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
  • Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider and pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
What to do in the event of an overdose
  • This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
  • If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Additional notes

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your medical provider. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

What to do if you miss a dose
  • If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
  • If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not apply more of this medication to try to catch up.
How to store this medication
  • Store at room temperature away from light, heat or open flame. To protect the medication from light, store the bottle in the carton after each use. Keep bottle tightly closed.
  • To prevent the cap from sticking to the bottle, avoid getting the medication on the bottle threads.
  • Keep all medications away from children and pets.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Generic Name
Ciclopirox
Brand
Ciclopirox
Drug Class
Antifungal

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