Ciclopirox

Tinea Pedis, Cellulitis, cutaneous candidiasis + 7 more

Treatment

2 Active Studies for Ciclopirox

What is Ciclopirox

Ciclopirox

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Ciclopirox 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.

Loprox

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Ciclopirox Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Loprox

Ciclopirox

1982

77

Effectiveness

How Ciclopirox Affects Patients

Ciclopirox 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 body

Ciclopirox 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

Tinea Pedis

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Cellulitis

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

cutaneous candidiasis

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Dermatitis, Seborrheic

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Tinea Versicolor

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

mild Onychomycosis

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

moderate Onychomycosis

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Tinea Cruris

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Tinea

0.0077 mg/mg, , 7.7 mg/mL, 100.0 mg/mL, 0.08 mg/mg, 71.3 mg/mL, 0.077 mg/mL, 80.0 mg/mL, 2280.0 mg/mL, 1.0 %, 1.5 %, 8.0 %, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mg, 0.03 mg/mg

, Topical, Cream, Cream - Topical, Lotion, Lotion - Topical, Gel, Solution, Solution - Topical, Kit, Suspension, Suspension - Topical, Shampoo, Shampoo - Topical, Gel - Topical, Kit - Topical, Shampoo - Oral

Warnings

Common Ciclopirox Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Ciclopirox Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

mild Onychomycosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Tinea Pedis

0 Actively Recruiting

cutaneous candidiasis

0 Actively Recruiting

Dermatitis, Seborrheic

0 Actively Recruiting

Tinea

0 Actively Recruiting

Tinea Versicolor

0 Actively Recruiting

moderate Onychomycosis

0 Actively Recruiting

Cellulitis

0 Actively Recruiting

Tinea Cruris

0 Actively Recruiting

Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal

2 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3

Ciclopirox Reviews: What are patients saying about Ciclopirox?

5

Patient Review

3/11/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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!

5

Patient Review

12/8/2018

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

4.3

Patient Review

7/15/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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).

4.3

Patient Review

9/8/2021

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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!

3.7

Patient Review

2/6/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

3

Patient Review

12/5/2019

Ciclopirox for seborrheic dermatitis of scalp

This treatment was effective at first, but then slowly stopped working as well.

3

Patient Review

1/10/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

3

Patient Review

1/3/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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!

2.3

Patient Review

10/12/2018

Ciclopirox for Athlete's Foot

I found this medication caused numbness and unfortunately didn't work well for me.

2.3

Patient Review

6/8/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

2

Patient Review

11/30/2021

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

2

Patient Review

10/20/2021

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

2

Patient Review

7/20/2021

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

1.7

Patient Review

9/14/2020

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

1.3

Patient Review

9/14/2020

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.

1.3

Patient Review

1/4/2022

Ciclopirox for Fungal Disease of the Nails

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.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

Clinical Trials for Ciclopirox