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Overview: Ciclopirox is used to treat certain fungal infections. The most common side effects are skin itching, burning, and redness. This medicine comes as a shampoo or gel for the scalp, a liquid for the nails, and a cream, lotion, or gel for the skin.

Uses

What is ciclopirox used for?

Ciclopirox is commonly used to treat the following conditions. 

Ciclopirox may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does ciclopirox work (mechanism of action)?

Ciclopirox is an antifungal medicine. It may work by stopping fungi from growing by preventing the formation of a needed part of their cell membranes. 

How is ciclopirox supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Loprox
  • Penlac

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.77% topical cream
  • 0.77% topical gel
  • 1% topical shampoo
  • 8% topical solution (nail lacquer)
  • 0.77% topical suspension (lotion)

How should I store ciclopirox?

Ciclopirox should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the ciclopirox nail lacquer in the carton after every use to protect it from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ciclopirox?

The most common side effect of ciclopirox is skin irritation (see below). Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of ciclopirox that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ciclopirox?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ciclopirox are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ciclopirox may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ciclopirox and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Skin Irritation. Ciclopirox may cause skin itching, burning, and redness where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have skin irritation that is getting worse or if you get swelling, oozing, or blistering.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ciclopirox?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ciclopirox.

  • Ciclopirox
  • Loprox
  • Penlac
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific ciclopirox products they stock.

What should I know about ciclopirox before using it?

Do not use ciclopirox unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ciclopirox with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ciclopirox out of the reach of children.

Ciclopirox is for use on the skin, scalp, or nails. Keep ciclopirox away from your eyes, mouth, and vagina.

Avoid heat or flame (including smoking) while using ciclopirox liquid. Do not expose the container to heat or flame. The contents are flammable.

Do not use any nail cosmetic products, such as nail polish, on the treated nails while using ciclopirox nail lacquer.

Using ciclopirox shampoo may change your hair color, especially if you have lighter colored hair. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns.

When applying ciclopirox nail lacquer to the nails, cover the entire nail plate, nail bed, the skin underneath the end of the nail, and a little of the surrounding skin. 

After applying ciclopirox nail lacquer, allow the liquid to dry before putting on any footwear. This usually takes about 30 seconds. Wait at least eight hours after applying ciclopirox nail lacquer before taking a shower or bath. The applied solution should be removed using alcohol once a week.

When applying ciclopirox shampoo to your scalp, leave it on your hair and scalp for three minutes before rinsing it off. If this medicine gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where ciclopirox topical gel, lotion, or cream is applied, unless your health care provider instructs you to do so. 

If you are using the lotion, shake the bottle before each use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ciclopirox?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ciclopirox is right for you.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ciclopirox could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ciclopirox passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ciclopirox while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ciclopirox interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ciclopirox and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ciclopirox, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infections.

Does ciclopirox interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ciclopirox and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much ciclopirox?

If you or someone else has used too much ciclopirox, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ciclopirox?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of ciclopirox, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to ciclopirox or other similar medicines.