Ciclopirox Topical

In the U.S.

• Ciclodan
• CNL8
• Loprox
• Loprox TS
• Penlac

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Gel/Jelly
• Cream
• Suspension
• Shampoo
• Solution
• Powder

Therapeutic Class: Antifungal

Ciclopirox is used to treat infections caused by fungus. It works by killing the fungus or preventing its growth.

Ciclopirox cream, gel, or lotion are applied to the skin to treat:

• ringworm of the body (tinea corporis);
• ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis; athlete's foot);
• ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris; jock itch);
• “sun fungus” (tinea versicolor; pityriasis versicolor); and
• certain other fungus infections, such as Candida (Monilia) infections.

Ciclopirox gel or shampoo may also be applied to the scalp to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

Ciclopirox topical solution (nail lacquer) is applied to the nails to treat ringworm of the nails (tinea unguium).

Ciclopirox is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your skin problem does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Inform your doctor right away if the area where you applied the medicine shows signs of increased irritation (e.g., redness, itching, burning, blistering, swelling, or oozing) because it could be an allergic reaction.

Nail problems treated with the topical solution form of ciclopirox may take up to 6 months to start improving.

To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, good health habits are also required. The following measures will help reduce chafing and irritation and will also help keep the area cool and dry.

• For patients using ciclopirox for ringworm of the groin (tinea cruris):
  • Avoid wearing underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear.
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or an antifungal powder (for example, tolnaftate) on the skin. It is best to use the powder between applications of ciclopirox.
• For patients using ciclopirox for ringworm of the foot (tinea pedis):
  • Carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing.
  • Avoid wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials (for example, rayon or nylon). Instead, wear clean, cotton socks and change them daily or more often if the feet sweat freely.
  • Wear sandals or well-ventilated shoes (for example, shoes with holes on top or on the side).
  • Use a bland, absorbent powder (for example, talcum powder) or an antifungal powder (for example, tolnaftate) between the toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes freely once or twice a day. It is best to use the powder between applications of ciclopirox.

If you have any questions about these measures, check with your health care professional.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• an inhaled or topical steroid medicine; or

• seizure medication;

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied ciclopirox. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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 doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Missed 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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) 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 medicines 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 for more details about how to safely discard your product.Information last revised July 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.

8% topical solution: Apply once a day (preferably at bedtime or 8 hours before washing) to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply evenly over the entire nail plate and 5 mm of surrounding skin. If possible, the solution should be applied to the nail bed, hyponychium, and the under surface of the nail plate when it is free of the nail bed.

The product should not be removed on a daily basis. Daily applications should be made over the previous coat and removed with alcohol every 7 days. This cycle should be repeated throughout the duration of treatment.

Up to 48 weeks of daily applications and professional removal, as frequently as monthly, of the unattached, infected nail are considered the full treatment to achieve a clear or almost clear nail. Six months of therapy with professional removal of the unattached, infected nail may be required before initial improvement of symptoms is noticed.

0.77% topical cream, suspension (lotion): Gently massage into affected and surrounding skin areas twice a day (in the morning and evening). Clinical improvement with relief of pruritus and other symptoms usually occurs within the first week of treatment.

Patients with tinea versicolor usually exhibit clinical and mycological clearing after 2 weeks of treatment.

10 years or older:
0.77% topical cream, suspension (lotion): Gently massage into affected and surrounding skin areas twice a day (in the morning and evening). Clinical improvement with relief of pruritus and other symptoms usually occurs within the first week of treatment.

Patients with tinea versicolor usually exhibit clinical and mycological clearing after 2 weeks of treatment.

10 years or older:
0.77% topical cream, suspension (lotion): Gently massage into affected and surrounding skin areas twice a day (in the morning and evening). Clinical improvement with relief of pruritus and other symptoms usually occurs within the first week of treatment.

16 years or older:
0.77% topical gel: Gently massage gel into affected areas and surrounding skin twice a day (in the morning and evening) immediately after cleaning or washing areas to be treated. Interdigital tinea pedis and tinea corporis should be treated for 4 weeks.