Note: This document contains side effect information about ciclopirox topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Penlac.
Applies to ciclopirox topical: topical cream, topical gel/jelly, topical shampoo, topical solution, topical suspension.
Serious side effects of Penlac
Along with its needed effects, ciclopirox topical (the active ingredient contained in Penlac) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking ciclopirox topical:
Less common
- with ciclopirox shampoo- Fainting
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- palpitations
Rare
- Burning, itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation not present before use of this medicine
Other side effects of Penlac
Some side effects of ciclopirox topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- with ciclopirox shampoo- Dandruff
- headache
- itching skin or scalp
- oily skin
- rash
- skin disorder
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to ciclopirox topical: compounding powder, topical cream, topical gel, topical kit, topical lotion, topical shampoo, topical solution, topical suspension.
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects associated with the use of ciclopirox shampoo have included headache.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects associated with ciclopirox shampoo have included ventricular tachycardia.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects have included irritation, itching, erythema, and burning in 1% to 4% of treated patients. Seborrhea was the most common cause of early termination in subjects being treated with the shampoo. The shampoo has also been associated with rash and skin disorder. The topical nail solution has been associated with periungul erythema (1%) and proximal nail fold erythema, nail shape change, irritation, ingrown toenail, and nail discoloration.[Ref]
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects associated with the topical nail solution have included 1 case of elevated creatine phosphokinase.[Ref]
