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Ciclopirox


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Topical/Cutaneous
Tinea corporis, Tinea pedis
Adult: As 0.77% ciclopirox base gel or 0.77% ciclopirox olamine cream/susp lotion: Apply to the affected area(s) bid for 4 weeks. Re-evaluate diagnosis if there is no clinical improvement after 4 weeks of treatment.

Topical/Cutaneous
Pityriasis versicolor
Adult: As 0.77% ciclopirox olamine cream/susp lotion: Apply to the affected area(s) and immediate surrounding skin bid for 2 weeks.

Topical/Cutaneous
Cutaneous candidiasis, Tinea cruris
Adult: As 0.77% ciclopirox olamine cream/susp lotion: Apply to the affected area(s) bid for 4 weeks. Re-evaluate diagnosis if there is no clinical improvement after 4 weeks of treatment.

Topical/Cutaneous
Onychomycosis
Adult: For mild to moderate cases of nails without matrix/lunula involvement: As 8% ciclopirox base medicated nail lacquer: Apply evenly to the entire nail plate once daily, preferably at bedtime or 8 hours before bathing. Treatment duration: Approx 6 months (fingernails); 9-12 months (toenails). Dosage and treatment duration recommendations may vary among individual products and between countries (refer to specific product guidelines).

Topical/Cutaneous
Seborrhoeic dermatitis of scalp
Adult: As 1% ciclopirox base shampoo: Apply approx 5 mL (up to 10 mL for long hair) on wet hair and scalp. Lather and leave on hair and scalp for 3 minutes, then rinse off. Repeat use twice weekly for 4 weeks; allow a minimum of 3 days between applications. As 0.77% ciclopirox base gel: Apply to the affected scalp bid for 4 weeks. Re-evaluate diagnosis if there is no clinical improvement after 4 weeks of treatment.
What are the brands available for Ciclopirox in Hong Kong?
  • Apo-Ciclopirox
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity.
Special Precautions
Patient with skin abrasion; type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic nephropathy (medicated nail lacquer). Patients who have light hair colour may develop hair discolouration (shampoo). Immunocompromised patients. Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Sensitisation or skin irritation.
General disorders and administration site conditions: Application site burning, erythema, pain, or pruritus.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash, dry skin, contact dermatitis; periungual or proximal nail fold erythema, nail discolouration (medicated nail lacquer); alopecia, abnormal hair texture, hair discolouration (gel or shampoo).
Patient Counseling Information
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid the use of occlusive dressing. Medicated nail lacquer: Avoid contact with skin other than the skin immediately surrounding the treated nail(s). Do not apply nail polish or other cosmetic products to the treated nails.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Ciclopirox is a hydroxypyridone antifungal agent. The exact mechanism of action is unknown; however, it appears to inhibit fungal transmembrane transport that causes the intracellular depletion of essential substrates and/or ions, resulting in the disruption of protein, RNA and DNA synthesis. It may also chelate polyvalent cations, leading to inhibition of metal-dependent enzymes that are responsible for peroxide degradation in the fungal cell.
Pharmacokinetics:
Distribution: Distributed into the epidermis, dermis, hair, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands (scalp application); penetrates fingernails and toenails depending on nail thickness (medicated nail lacquer).
Metabolism: Conjugated with glucuronic acid.
Excretion: Via urine (3-10% [gel]; <0.5% [shampoo]; 0.01% [cream, susp lotion]). Elimination half-life: 1.7 hours (cream, susp lotion); 5.5 hours (gel).
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Ciclopirox

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2749, Ciclopirox. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ciclopirox. Accessed May 27, 2025.

Storage
Cream/gel/susp lotion/shampoo: Store between 20-25°C. Medicated nail lacquer: Store between 15-30°C. Protect from light. Keep away from heat or open flame.
MIMS Class
Psoriasis, Seborrhea & Ichthyosis Preparations / Topical Antifungals & Antiparasites
ATC Classification
D01AE14 - ciclopirox ; Belongs to the class of other antifungals for topical use.
References
Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Ciclopirox. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox Gel (Padagis US LLC). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox Olamine Cream (Bryant Ranch Prepack). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox Olamine Suspension (Bryant Ranch Prepack). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox Olamine. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox Shampoo (Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox Solution (Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Ciclopirox. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Onytec 80 mg/g Medicated Nail Lacquer (Almirall, S.A.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/05/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Ciclopirox from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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