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Ciclopirox
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Description
Ciclopirox is an antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by fungi affecting your scalp, skin, and nails. This medicine works by stopping the growth of fungi and preventing the spread of infection. This medicine is not used for infections caused by other microorganisms like bacteria, parasites, etc.
Ciclopirox may show some side effects like skin rash, dry, and irritated skin. These side effects often subside on their own after some time.
Ciclopirox is for external use only. It is available in various forms like cream, lotion, scalp lotion, shampoo, spray, and nail lacquer. Use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may advise a patch test (a skin test used to find the cause of a possible allergic reaction on the skin) to see if this medicine suits you or not. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine. Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Ciclopirox should be avoided if you are allergic to it. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below the age of 10 years. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding before using this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Ciclopirox
Nail discolouration
Skin rash
Sudden hair loss (alopecia)
Burning, itching, and irritation of the skin
Dry skin
Uses of Ciclopirox
What is it prescribed for?
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that causes discolouration, thickening, and separation of nails from the nail bed. Ciclopirox is used in the treatment of onychomycosis that may affect your fingernails and/or toenails.
Athlete's foot
An athlete's foot is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin between your toes. It commonly occurs in people with sweaty feet while confined within tightfitting shoes. Ciclopirox is used in the treatment of athlete's foot.
Jock itch
Jock itch is a fungal infection that causes an itchy rash in the warm and moist parts of your body like the skin of your external reproductive organs, buttocks, and inner thighs. Ciclopirox is used in relieving the symptoms of jock itch such as itching and redness with a rash.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales mainly on the scalp. Ciclopirox is used to treat the fungal infection of the skin or scalp characterized by dandruff, red skin, itching etc.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection resulting in small, discoloured patches on your skin. Ciclopirox is used in the treatment of tinea versicolor.
Tinea Corporis
Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, is a skin infection caused by fungi. It causes an itchy and circular rash that may affect any part of your body. Ciclopirox is used in the treatment of ringworm.
Cutaneous Candidiasis
Cutaneous candidiasis is a fungal infection of your skin caused by the candida fungus. It often causes a red, itchy rash to form, most commonly in the folds of your skin. Ciclopirox is used in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
Onset of action
The amount of time required for Ciclopirox to show its action is not clinically established.Duration of effect
The time duration for which Ciclopirox remains active in your body is not clinically established.Safe with alcohol?
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.Is it habit forming?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Ciclopirox.Usage in pregnancy?
The effect of Ciclopirox during pregnancy is not known. Hence, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.Usage while breast-feeding?
Ciclopirox may be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation. A very low amount of this medicine will get absorbed into your blood after topical administration. Hence, the risk to your baby is minimal. However, avoid application to the nipple area.
Allergy
Ciclopirox is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling and/or itching (especially in the face, lips, throat), breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
The effect of Ciclopirox during pregnancy is not known. Hence, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Ciclopirox may be used while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation. A very low amount of this medicine will get absorbed into your blood after topical administration. Hence, the risk to your baby is minimal. However, avoid application to the nipple area.
General warnings
External Use only
Ciclopirox is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, or open wounds.
Use in Children
Ciclopirox is not recommended for use in children below 10 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not clinically established.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose of Ciclopirox as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
An overdose of Ciclopirox is not likely to cause severe symptoms unless it is applied for a prolonged period of time in large volumes. However, ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Ciclopirox should be used as instructed by your doctor. Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert.
For cream and lotion, apply a thin layer of Ciclopirox to the affected areas. Avoid covering the application area with bandages or other coverings unless specifically instructed by the doctor. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, wounds, or broken skin.
For nail lacquer, apply it evenly over the entire nail plate and 5 mm of surrounding skin.
For Ciclopirox shampoo, apply the medicine on wet hair and gently rub to create lather. Leave for 3 minutes and then rinse off with water. Avoid contact with your eyes.
Maintain good personal hygiene and dry yourself completely after shower to avoid getting fungal infections. Avoid wearing tight-fitted clothes and shoes as they can entrap moisture.
Complete the whole treatment for maximum benefits. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after four weeks of use.
Keep this medicine away from children and pets.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Ciclopirox prevents the growth of fungi and helps to treat fungal infections.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical antifungals
Schedule
Schedule H
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Ciclopirox Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Ciclopirox. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - CICLOPIROX lotion. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 22 September 2021].
2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 October 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.