What is Ciclopirox
CiclopiroxThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryCiclopirox olamine is an antifungal medication used to treat superficial fungal infections on the skin. It is commonly sold under the brand names Batrafen, Loprox, Mycoster, Penlac and Stieprox. Ciclopirox olamine is particularly effective in treating Tinea versicolor.
Loproxis the brand name
Ciclopirox Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Loprox
Ciclopirox
1982
77
Effectiveness
How Ciclopirox Affects PatientsCiclopirox is a medication used to fight off a wide range of fungi, bacteria, and inflammation. It works by blocking certain enzymes that are essential for fungal and bacterial growth. It has the ability to kill some fungi, and stop the growth of others. In addition, it can reduce inflammation by blocking substances that cause swelling.
How Ciclopirox works in the bodyCiclopirox works differently than many antifungal medications. Instead of affecting sterol synthesis, as itraconazole and terbinafine do, ciclopirox binds to polyvalent metal cations like iron and aluminum. This prevents the cations from working normally, disrupting cellular processes like energy production and cell division. Ciclopirox also has anti-inflammatory effects, likely from blocking 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. It may also stop the fungi from repairing DNA, or from sending signals and structures that help the cell divide.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed dosage of Ciclopirox is reliant upon the diagnosed condition, such as Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, Cellulitis and mild Onychomycosis. The measure of dosage differs, depending on the system of administration featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Cellulitis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
mild Onychomycosis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
moderate Onychomycosis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Pityriasis versicolor
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
cutaneous candidiasis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Tinea Pedis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Tinea Corporis
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Tinea cruris
, 0.0077 mg/mg, 0.01 mg/mg, 7.7 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 2280.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg, 80.0 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL
, Solution - Topical, Kit, Topical, Shampoo, Lotion - Topical, Solution, Cream, Shampoo - Topical, Suspension, Cream; Kit; Solution - Topical, Suspension - Topical, Cream - Topical, Kit - Topical, Gel, Gel - Topical, Lotion, Cream; Kit; Solution, Shampoo - Oral
Warnings
Common Ciclopirox Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Ciclopirox Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lowest toxic dose of the drug in rats has been found to be greater than 10ml/kg. Those who overdose on the drug may experience drowsiness and headaches.
Ciclopirox Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Ciclopirox?
An active clinical trial is currently underway to assess the potential of Ciclopirox in providing relief for moderate Onychomycosis, Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis and Tinea Pedis.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
0 Actively Recruiting
mild Onychomycosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Tinea Corporis
0 Actively Recruiting
Tinea cruris
0 Actively Recruiting
Cellulitis
0 Actively Recruiting
moderate Onychomycosis
0 Actively Recruiting
Tinea Pedis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
Pityriasis versicolor
0 Actively Recruiting
cutaneous candidiasis
0 Actively Recruiting
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Ciclopirox Reviews: What are patients saying about Ciclopirox?
5Patient Review
3/11/2022 We're only on the third day of using this medication, and I've already seen a significant reduction in redness and swelling. My wife has been applying it twice a day as opposed to once, so that might be why we're seeing such quick results. We were also told that it's important not to miss even one day of treatment, or else you have to start from scratch. Fingers crossed that this continues to work well!
5Patient Review
12/8/2018 I used this treatment nightly for a year, and it finally got rid of my nail fungus. I originally had two nails on each foot affected, but it was starting to spread to a third. I'm glad I persevered.
4.3Patient Review
7/15/2022 This product has been working great for me over the last six months. I start by soaking my feet in a bleach solution to soften up the nails and debris for 15-20 minutes, then use a Dremel tool with a stone tip to file them down. After washing and drying my feet, I apply Ciclopirox to the affected nail(s).
4.3Patient Review
9/8/2021 Ciclopirox has helped clear up my toenail about 70%. I'll be using it for another 3 months as recommended by my podiatrist. They say it works for 35-50% of people, so I'm glad it's working well for me!
3.7Patient Review
2/6/2022 You have to work at it, but this treatment is effective. Make sure to file down the fungus before applying this lacquer; I made the mistake of stopping too soon and the fungus came back.
3Patient Review
12/5/2019 This treatment was effective at first, but then slowly stopped working as well.
3Patient Review
1/10/2022 I've been using this for toenail fungus in conjunction with other treatments like filing and soaking, and I have seen some results. The epson salt baths seem to help the most, but the gel polish does provide some benefits too.
3Patient Review
1/3/2022 I'm cautiously optimistic about this drug. I've read a lot of reviews that are negative, so we'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed!
2.3Patient Review
10/12/2018 I found this medication caused numbness and unfortunately didn't work well for me.
2.3Patient Review
6/8/2022 Worked well at first, then just stopped. I'm now worse off than before and not sure what to do next. I've seen people say they paid a lot for this treatment, but with GoodRx I only pay $20 for a bottle that lasts me over three months.
2Patient Review
11/30/2021 Initially, this product seemed to be working well; however, after a few months of use, the nail growth stopped being as healthy. I refilled the prescription and started using a new bottle, but it seems like that batch wasn't as effective.
2Patient Review
10/20/2021 I have used Ciclopirox for six months now, and I have not seen any improvement in my toenails. It's very expensive, and it doesn't work. I'm disappointed and frustrated.
2Patient Review
7/20/2021 I used this treatment for over six months with no results. My nail was still infected. I highly suggest switching to terbinafine/Lamisil, which may have more side effects but is ultimately more effective and efficient.
1.7Patient Review
9/14/2020 Ciclopirox nail polishes are generally ineffective for clearing nail fungus. Ciclopirox (Penlac is the brand name) is a topical nail polish used for the treatment of mild to moderate nail fungus, but it only results in a cure about 7% of the time.
1.3Patient Review
9/14/2020 Despite using this treatment for 10 months, the fungus is still present. For a short while, it seemed to be working but then came back even worse than before. From what I can tell through research, this product has a very low chance of actually curing the problem.
1.3Patient Review
1/4/2022 This was a total flop. Not only was it difficult to remove, but it also did nothing to actually address the problem. The "Evagloss Repair Pen" ended up being the only thing that worked for me.
Patient Q&A Section about ciclopirox
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is a ciclopirox used for?
"Ciclopirox is used to treat fungal infections. Ciclopirox cream, gel, or lotion are applied to the skin to treat ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)."
Answered by AI
How effective is ciclopirox in treating toenail fungus?
"Although ciclopirox has shown to be effective in treating nail fungus in clinical studies, the success rate is only 12%. Topical medications may be able to prevent nail fungus from recurring or treating very mild cases, however, they are not usually the primary treatment method."
Answered by AI
What does ciclopirox do to your nails?
"Ciclopirox topical solution is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails, in conjunction with regular nail trimming. Ciclopirox belongs to a class of medications called antifungals. It works by inhibiting the growth of nail fungus."
Answered by AI
How long does it take for ciclopirox to work?
"It may take up to 6 months for the topical solution form of this medicine to start improving nail problems. To help clear up your infection completely and to help make sure it does not return, good health habits are also required."
Answered by AI