Ciclopirox is an antifungal medicine that prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

Ciclopirox topical (for the skin) cream, gel, and lotion formulations are used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Ciclopirox shampoo is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition of the scalp.

Ciclopirox nail lacquer is used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails.

Ciclopirox topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Ciclopirox comes as a solution to apply to nails and the skin immediately surrounding and under the nails. It is usually applied once a day. To help you remember to use ciclopirox, apply it around the same time every day, usually at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use ciclopirox exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Ciclopirox is used to improve the condition of nails, but may not completely cure nail fungus. It may take 6 months or longer before you notice that your nails are getting better. Continue to use ciclopirox daily as directed. Do not stop using ciclopirox without talking to your doctor.

Ciclopirox topical solution will work best if you trim your nails regularly during your treatment. You should remove all loose nail or nail material using a nail clipper or nail file before you begin treatment and every week during your treatment. Your doctor will show you how to do this. Your doctor will also trim your nails once each month during your treatment.

Only apply ciclopirox topical solution to your nails and the skin under and around your nails. Be careful not to get the solution on any other areas of the skin or parts of your body, especially in or near your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina.

Do not use nail polish or other nail cosmetic products on nails treated with ciclopirox topical solution.

Do not take a bath, shower, or swim for at least 8 hours after applying ciclopirox topical solution.

Ciclopirox topical solution may catch fire. Do not use this medication near heat or an open flame, such as a cigarette.

To use ciclopirox topical solution, follow these steps:

1. Be sure that you have trimmed your nails properly before your first treatment.
2. Use the applicator brush attached to the bottle cap to apply ciclopirox topical solution evenly to all affected nails. Also apply the solution to the underside of the nail and the skin beneath it if you can reach these areas.
3. Wipe off the bottle cap and neck and replace the cap tightly on the bottle.
4. Let the solution dry for about 30 seconds before you put on socks or stockings.
5. When it is time for your next dose, apply ciclopirox topical solution over the medication that is already on your nails.
6. Once a week, remove all the ciclopirox from your nail(s) with a cotton square or tissue soaked with rubbing alcohol. Then, remove as much of the damaged nail as possible using scissors, nail clippers, or nail files.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are using ciclopirox to treat a hand condition.

To apply the cream, gel, or lotion:

• Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cream (usually twice daily) for 2 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

• Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate (occlusive dressings) on areas treated with ciclopirox cream or lotion, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton).

• If the infection does not clear up in 4 weeks, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor.

To use ciclopirox shampoo:

• Wet the hair and apply approximately 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of the shampoo to the scalp. Up to 2 teaspoons (10 mL) may be used for long hair. Lather and leave on the hair and scalp for 3 minutes. A timer may be used.

• Treatment should be repeated twice per week for 4 weeks, with a minimum of 3 days between applications. If no improvement is seen after 4 weeks of treatment, contact your doctor.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve after using ciclopirox topical cream, gel, lotion, or shampoo. Keep using the medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

To use ciclopirox nail lacquer:

• Use on the nails and immediately surrounding skin only. Avoid contact with other areas. Remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or a nail file.

• Apply ciclopirox nail lacquer once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply the lacquer evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, apply the nail lacquer to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Allow the lacquer to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying the medication, wait 8 hours before taking a bath or shower.

• Apply ciclopirox nail lacquer daily over the previous coat. Once a week, remove the nail lacquer with alcohol. Remove as much as possible of the damaged nail using nail clippers or nail a file.

• To prevent the screw cap from sticking to the bottle, do not allow the solution to get into the bottle treads. To prevent the solution from drying out, close the bottle tightly after every use.

Treatment with ciclopirox nail lacquer may require several months before initial improvement of symptoms is noticed. Up to 48 weeks of daily application of the nail lacquer, monthly removal of the unattached infected nail by a health care professional, and weekly trimming by the patient may be required for complete treatment.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antifungal medicine.

Store all forms of this medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Once a bottle of ciclopirox shampoo is opened, it should be used within 8 weeks.

Ciclopirox nail lacquer is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

You should not use ciclopirox if you are allergic to it.

To make sure ciclopirox topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); or

• a condition for which you use steroid medication (including skin conditions or breathing disorders).

Ciclopirox topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ciclopirox topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use ciclopirox topical on a child without medical advice. Ciclopirox shampoo and gel are not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old. Ciclopirox nail laquer is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Ciclopirox cream and lotion are not approved for use by anyone younger than 10 years old.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of ciclopirox topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep the bottle of ciclopirox topical solution in the package it came in, away from light.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and inside of the mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with ciclopirox topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with ciclopirox nail lacquer.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

ciclopirox topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using ciclopirox topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, dryness, or irritation of treated skin; or

• discoloration or other changes in the nails.

Common side effects of ciclopirox topical may include:

• mild burning, itching, or redness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.