Ciclopirox (On The Skin)

Ciclopirox (sye-kloe-PEER-ox)

Treats skin infections caused by fungus, such as ringworm or athlete's foot.Belongs to a class of drugs called antifungals.

Brand Name(s):

Penlac, Loprox, Loprox TS
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to ciclopirox.

How to Use This Medicine:

Shampoo, Lotion, Cream, Gel/Jelly, Ointment, Solution

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• Wash your hands before and after using the cream, gel, or ointment.
• Use this medicine only on the skin, fingernails, or toenails. Do not get any in your eyes or mouth.
• Use enough ciclopirox to cover the infected area and the skin around it. Rub the cream, gel, or ointment in gently. Apply the nail lacquer using the brush that came with your medicine.
• Do not put a bandage over the area unless your doctor has told you to.
• If you are using ciclopirox on the groin (crotch) area, wear loose cotton underwear. You may use talcum powder on your skin between the times you use ciclopirox.
• If you are using ciclopirox on your feet, dry them carefully, especially between the toes, after bathing.
• If you cannot go barefoot, wear clean cotton socks. Avoid socks made from wool, rayon, or nylon. Wear sandals or shoes that allow air to get to your feet. Use talcum powder between your toes and sprinkle some in your socks and shoes once or twice daily.
• The nail lacquer is flammable. Do not use near heat or an open flame.
• To use the nail lacquer: Apply the medicine one time each day, at bedtime or at least 8 hours before bathing or showering. After each use, close the medicine bottle tightly and put it back in the carton it came in. Leave the medicine on your nails. Apply each daily treatment without removing the medicine you applied the day before. Once a week, use rubbing alcohol to remove the medicine. Then file or trim away any loose nail or skin before applying your next daily dose.
• Your doctor may want to remove the unattached, infected part of your nail every month while you are using this nail lacquer medicine.
• You may need to use the nail lacquer for up to 6 months before seeing any improvement in your nail infection. It may take up to one year of treatment for your nails to clear completely.
• Keep using ciclopirox for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your infection may return.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep your medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Check with your doctor before using any other skin ointment (prescription or non-prescription) on the same area of the skin you are treating with ciclopirox.
• Do not use nail polish or other nail cosmetics while using this medicine on your fingernails or toenails.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Hives, severe itching
• Infection gets worse
• Severe burning, redness, swelling, or oozing of skin around nails
• Swollen, burning, or peeling skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild, temporary stinging

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.