What is Ciclopirox? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the prescriber’s instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using ciclopirox.

Use this medicine only on the skin, scalp, fingernails, or toenails. Do not get any in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. 

Applying ciclopirox cream:

• Use ciclopirox cream only on the skin.

• Apply doses twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

• Gently massage a thin layer of cream into the affected area and surrounding skin.

• Store the closed tube at room temperature.

Applying ciclopirox suspension:

• Use the suspension only to treat fungal skin infections.

• Apply doses twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

• Vigorously shake the bottle before use.

• Gently massage the suspension into the affected area and surrounding skin.

• Store the closed bottle at room temperature.

Applying ciclopirox gel:

• Apply the gel twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

• The gel can be used on the skin or the scalp.

• Clean the affected area first.

• Gently massage the gel into the affected area and surrounding skin.

• Store the closed tube at room temperature. 

Applying ciclopirox shampoo:

• Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.

• Wash the hair with ciclopirox shampoo twice weekly for four weeks.

• Wet the hair.

• Use one teaspoon of ciclopirox shampoo (two teaspoons for long hair).

• Lather the hair with the shampoo.

• Allow the shampoo to remain on the hair for three minutes.

• Rinse the hair and scalp.

• Store the shampoo at room temperature.

• Dispose of any remaining medicine after treatment ends.

Applying ciclopirox nail lacquer:

• Please follow the Patient Instructions that come with this medicine.

• Apply ciclopirox nail lacquer to the affected nails once daily at bedtime or at least eight hours before washing the hands and nails.

• Apply the nail lacquer evenly over the nail plate and surrounding skin with the applicator brush.

• Also apply the nail lacquer to the exposed nail bed, edge of the nail, and exposed underside of the nail.

• Do not remove the lacquer. Apply each day’s dose directly on top of the previous doses.

• After seven days of dosing, remove the nail lacquer with alcohol. 

• After removing the lacquer, trim the nails.

• Apply that day’s dose onto the bare nail plate.

• Repeat this every seven days.

• The unattached nail should be removed monthly by a professional.

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep the bottle in the carton to protect it from light.

• Store at room temperature.

Do not put any dressings or bandages over the treated area.

Wear loose-fitting or breathable clothes/shoes over the treated area.

Use this medication for the full prescribed duration.

Ask the prescriber how to handle a missed dose.

Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone.

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ciclopirox.

Before starting ciclopirox, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions.

Tell other healthcare professionals treating you that you are using ciclopirox.

Contact the prescriber if:

• You experience worsening irritation, burning, or blistering on the treated skin

• Symptoms do not improve or get worse after four weeks of treatment.

Ciclopirox shampoo may discolor light hair. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Ciclopirox nail lacquer is flammable. Do not use it or store it near heat or an open flame.

Before starting ciclopirox, tell the doctor about all the drugs and supplements regularly taken.

Check with the prescriber before using any other skin product on the same skin being treated with ciclopirox.

Do not use nail polish or other nail cosmetics while using this medicine on the fingernails or toenails.