Loprox

What is Loprox?

Ciclopirox prevents the growth of fungus on your skin.Loprox (for skin) formulations of cream, gel, and lotion are used to treat skin conditions such as athletes foot jock's itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.Ciclopirox is used for the treatment of seborrhoeic skin conditions.Ciclopirox is used for treating fungal infections in the oenails or fingernails.Loprox can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Loprox

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.

Loprox may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:

• 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

Loprox can cause the following side effects:

• Mild burning, itching, or redness

There may be other side effects.Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Warnings

You should read the entire label and package instructions before taking your medicine. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.

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 Loprox will be safe for you:

• Diabetes;
• Epilepsy
• A weak immune system, caused by disease or certain medications.
• A condition for which you take steroid medications (including skin disorders and breathing disorders).

Loprox should not harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while on 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.Loprox should not be used on children under 16 without consulting a doctor. Ciclopirox gel and shampoo are not recommended for anyone younger. Ciclopirox nail lacquer cannot be used by children younger than 12 years. Ciclopirox crème and gel is not recommended for anyone younger than 12 years.

How to take Loprox?

Do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your physician. Use only the recommended dose. Do not exceed it.Please follow the directions on the prescription label.You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.You should wash your hands both before and after taking this medication, unless it is to treat an infection in the hand.

Apply the cream, gel, or lotion as follows:

• Dry and clean the affected area. Use a small amount (normally twice daily) of the cream for 2 to 4 weeks. Please follow your doctor's advice.
• If your doctor has not instructed you otherwise, do not apply bandages or dressings (occlusive) that prevent air from circulating to the area treated with ciclopirox lotion or cream. Wear loose clothing (preferably cotton).
• See your doctor if the infection doesn't clear up within 4 weeks or appears to be getting worse.

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.

Loprox gel, cream, shampoo, or lotion may take 4 weeks to improve your symptoms. Continue to use the medication as directed. Tell your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms or if they 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. Once a week, remove the nail polish 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, heat, 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?

Take the missed dose as soon you remember. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdoses of Loprox are not considered dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and the inside of your mouth. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.Do not use other medications to treat the same areas that you have treated with Loprox, unless you are told by your doctor.Use only ciclopirox nail lacquer on nails that have been treated. Do not use artificial nails or any other nail cosmetic.Avoid wearing synthetic clothing that is too tight or restricts airflow. Wear loose-fitting cotton or other natural fibres to keep the infection at bay.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.

• 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. Tell your doctor about all medications that you are taking. Included are prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Never start a new medicine without consulting your doctor.