Ciclopirox is used to treat certain fungal skin infections including ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, and seborrhoeic dermatitis (a skin condition that causes scaly patches, red skin and dandruff on the scalp).
This medicine may also be used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails.
Apply Ciclopirox exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not apply more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different preparations of Ciclopirox may only be used for a specific condition.
Do not use Ciclopirox for any conditions other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a cream, gel, shampoo, lotion or medicated nail lacquer.
If you are using the cream, gel, or lotion, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean and dry the affected area before application. Shake the lotion well before use.
- Rub the cream, gel, or lotion gently on the affected and immediate surrounding area(s) until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Wash your hands after using.
- Replace the cap of the tube or bottle.
If you are using the shampoo, follow these steps:
- Wash your hair and scalp before using the shampoo.
- Apply a sufficient amount onto the hair and scalp then gently massage. Leave the shampoo on for 3 minutes. Do not cover or wrap the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Wash your hands after using.
If you are using the medicated lacquer to treat nail fungal infections, follow these steps:
- Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly.
- Before the first application, file down the affected areas of the nail (including the nail surfaces) using a nail file.
- Clean the nail surface with a cleaning pad after filing. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each affected nail.
- Dip the applicator provided into the bottle of medicated nail lacquer. Do not wipe off the lacquer on the edge of the bottleneck before it is applied.
- Apply the nail lacquer evenly onto the entire surface of the infected nail and allow it to dry for several minutes. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each affected nail.
- After use, clean the applicator thoroughly. Avoid touching newly treated nails with the used cleaning pad.
- Tightly close the medicated nail lacquer bottle. Dispose the used cleaning pads carefully.
- Before subsequent application, carefully remove any remaining Ciclopirox medicated nail lacquer. File down the affected nails again as necessary and clean the nail surfaces thoroughly before application.
Do not use the nail files for infected nails on healthy nails to prevent the spread of the infection.
Avoid contact of Ciclopirox with your eyes or mouth. Rinse immediately with water if this medicine gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.
Apply Ciclopirox at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Ciclopirox if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- cut or abrasion on affected skin
- diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not apply any nail polish or other nail cosmetic products to the infected nails during treatment.
Maintain good hygiene as this is important in managing fungal infections.
Ciclopirox may cause any of the following side effects: dry skin, rash, nail discolouration, hair loss, hair discolouration, and burning sensation, itching, irritation, pain or redness at the application site.
If you develop severe burning sensation, redness, itching or blistering, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of severe skin irritation.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using creams, ointments, or other skin or nail products on the affected area.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect the medicated nail lacquer from heat and light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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