Ciclopirox (Penlac) nail solution
What is ciclopirox nail solution?
CICLOPIROX NAIL SOLUTION (Penlac™ Nail Lacquer Topical Solution 8%) is an antifungal solution for treating fungal infections on the nails or within the nail bed. Generic ciclopirox nail solution is not available.
What should my health care professional know before I use ciclopirox nail solution?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- taking corticosteroid medication (including steroid inhalers, cream, or lotion)
- diabetes mellitus
- history of seizures (convulsions)
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection
- immunosuppression or organ transplant
- large areas of burned or damaged skin (skin abrasions)
- peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation
- an unusual or allergic reaction to ciclopirox, isopropryl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Ciclopirox nail solution is for external use only; do not take by mouth and avoid contact with the eyes, mouth or nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label exactly. Wash and dry your hands before use. Apply the nail solution as described below for the full course of treatment prescribed, even if you think the infection is getting better. Use at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Do not use this medicine for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed.
Every day of treatment:
1. Avoid contact with skin other than skin immediately around the treated nail(s).
2. Do not use regular nail polish or other cosmetic products on the treated nails.
3. Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or nail files as advised by your health care provider.
4. Twist open the screw cap of the ciclopirox nail solution bottle. To prevent the screw cap from sticking to the nail solution bottle, do not allow the solution to get on the outside of the bottle.
5. Apply ciclopirox nail solution once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush. Apply the nail solution evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, nail solution should also be applied to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Contact with the surrounding skin may produce mild, temporary irritation (redness). Allow the nail solution to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying the medication, wait at least eight hours before taking a bath or shower.
6. Close the nail solution tightly after every use to prevent it from drying out.
7. Repeat the process (steps 3 through 6) each day, applying a new coat of medication directly over the old coat.
Once a week:
1. Once a week, you will need to remove the ciclopirox nail coating completely with alcohol. You should file away (with an emery board) loose nail material and trim nails, as required, at this time. After filing, apply a new coat of ciclopirox nail treatment as above (steps 1 - 7).
Removal of the unattached, infected nail, as frequently as monthly, by a health care professional is needed with use of this medication.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or take extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with ciclopirox nail solution?
Other skin products may affect the action of ciclopirox. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply ciclopirox nail solution at the same site as other skin preparations without the advice of your prescriber.
What side effects may I notice from using ciclopirox nail solution?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- increased irritation (redness, itching, burning, blistering, peeling, swelling, oozing)
- infection gets worse
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- mild reddening of the skin
- temporary burning or stinging (mild) at the site of application
- nail discoloration
What should I watch for while taking ciclopirox nail solution?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms worsen. It is important not to use ciclopirox nail solution more often than prescribed.
Four to six months of treatment may be needed for the nail(s) to improve; some people may not achieve a complete cure or clearing of the nails by this time.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. If your nail infection returns after stopping using this product, contact your prescriber.
Do not get this solution in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Contact your prescriber if eye irritation occurs.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C); do not freeze. Protect from light by storing the bottle in the carton after every use. Caution: Flammable. Keep away from heat and flame. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 2/9/2000 ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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