What is Ciclopirox topical?
Ciclopirox, an antifungal medication, prevents fungus growth on the skin. Topical Ciclopirox (for the skin), cream, gel, and lotion formulations can be used to treat skin conditions such as athletes' foot jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. Ciclopirox is used for the treatment of seborrhoeic skin conditions. Ciclopirox is used for treating fungal infections in the toenails or fingernails. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Ciclopirox Topical.
Side effects of Ciclopirox topical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
The side effects of ciclopirox can be serious. If you experience:
- If you experience unusually severe itching or other symptoms such as redness, irritation, burning, or dryness of the treated skin,
- Discoloration of the nails or any other changes
Side effects of ciclopirox topical include:
- Mild burning, itching, or redness
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 so they may report possible adverse events.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone topical, topical nystatin, clotrimazole topical, ketoconazole topical, and terbinafine
Warnings
Please read and heed all instructions found on the label or package of your medication carefully, informing healthcare providers of all your medical conditions, allergies and medicines currently taken.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ciclopirox, then it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that you are safe using ciclopirox topical:
- Diabetes;
- Epilepsy
- A weak immune system, caused by illness or certain medications.
- A condition for which you take steroid medications (including skin disorders and breathing disorders).
It is not expected that Ciclopirox Topical will harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while receiving treatment. There is no way to know if ciclopirox topical can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who was nursing. You should tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child. Never use Ciclopirox shampoo or gel on children younger than 16 years of age. Ciclopirox nail lacquer should only be used by children older than 12 years. Creme and gel products from this range should also not be given to anyone aged less than 12.
How to take Ciclopirox topical?
Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your physician. Use only the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. Follow the instructions on your prescription label. You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, reach out to your physician or pharmacist immediately. Before and after taking medication intended to treat hand infections, ensure your hands are thoroughly cleansed with soap and water before and afterwards.
Apply the cream, gel, or lotion as follows:
- Dry and clean the affected area. Use a small amount (usually twice daily for two to four weeks) of the cream. Please follow your doctor's advice.
- If instructed otherwise by your physician, do not apply bandages or dressings that restrict air from reaching areas being treated with ciclopirox lotion or cream. This could prevent air circulation being supplied directly into them for healing. Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton).
- See your doctor if the infection does not resolve itself within 4 weeks or worsens over that period.
Use ciclopirox shampoo as follows:
- Apply approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of shampoo to the scalp. For long hair, you can use up to 2 teaspoons (10 ml). Leave the shampoo on for 3 minutes. You can use a timer.
- The treatment should be repeated at least 3 days apart, twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Contact your doctor if you do not see any improvement after four weeks.
After using the topical creams, gels, lotions, or shampoos containing ciclopirox, it may take 4 weeks for your symptoms to improve. Continue to use the medication as directed. Tell your doctor if you experience symptoms that do not improve or worsen.
To use ciclopirox nail lacquer:
- Only apply it to the nail and skin immediately surrounding it. Avoid contact with any other area. Use nail clippers or a file to remove any nail material or loose nails.
- Use the provided applicator brush to apply ciclopirox nail polish once daily, preferably before bedtime. The lacquer should be applied evenly to the nail. Apply the nail lacquer, if possible, to the underside and skin underneath the nail. Allow the nail lacquer (approximately 30 seconds) to dry before you put on your socks or stockings. Wait 8 hours after applying the medication before bathing or showering.
- Apply the ciclopirox nail varnish daily over your previous coat. Remove the nail lacquer once a week with alcohol. Use nail clippers or a nail file to remove as much of the damaged part as possible.
- Close the bottle tightly after each use to prevent the solution from drying out. Close the bottle tightly every time you use it to prevent the solution from drying out.
It may take several months for the first signs of improvement to be noticed after using ciclopirox. For complete treatment, it may take up to 48 weeks for the patient to apply the nail lacquer daily, remove the infected nail monthly by a healthcare professional, and trim the nail weekly by themselves. Do not stop taking the medicine before it is completely cleared. You may experience symptoms before the infection has completely cleared. You may increase your chances of a re-infection that is resistant to the antifungal medication if you skip doses. All forms of this medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. After opening a bottle, you should use it within 8 weeks. Ciclopirox nail lacquer can ignite. Do not use it near an open flame, and don't smoke until your gel is completely dry.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it immediately; otherwise if your next scheduled dosage is quickly approaching, simply skip this missed one and move forward as scheduled.You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of ciclopirox are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows medication, please call the Poison Help Line immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for medical attention or visit an urgent care facility immediately.
What should be avoided?
Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and the inside of your mouth. If this occurs, rinse the affected area with water. Do not use other medications to treat the same areas that you have treated with ciclopirox, unless you are told by your doctor. Use only ciclopirox nail lacquer on nails which have been treated. Do not use artificial nails or any other nail cosmetic. Wear clothing made of natural fibres like cotton to stay infection-free and maintain airflow. Avoid synthetic clothing which restricts this vital process by wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes that restrict it. This should keep the infection at bay.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of any medications you are beginning or planning on discontinuing taking, even those already prescribed to you.
- Inhaled or topical steroids;
- Seizure medication;
Other drugs that you inject or take orally will not have any effect on the topically applied drug, ciclopirox. Many drugs may interact.Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products.Be cautious before beginning any medication without first consulting your physician.
