Cutaneous fungal infections including cutaneous candidiasis (lotion and cream only), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) (gel, lotion, and cream only), tinea cruris (jock itch) (lotion and cream only), tinea corporis (ringworm) (gel, lotion, and cream only), tinea versicolor (lotion and cream only), seborrheic dermatitis (shampoo and gel only), and onychomycosis of fingernails and toenails (nail lacquer only).
Contraind./Precautions⬆⬇
Contraindicated in:
Hypersensitivity to active ingredients, additives, preservatives, or bases;
Some products contain alcohol (nail lacquer) and should be avoided in patients with known intolerance;
.
Use Cautiously in:
OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children <16 yr (gel and shampoo), <12 yr (topical solution), or <10 yr (cream and lotion).
Adv. Reactions/Side Effects⬆⬇
Local: burning, itching, local hypersensitivity reactions, redness, stinging
Interactions⬆⬇
Drug-drug:
None reported.
Availability⬆⬇
(Generic available)
Cream: 0.77%; 1%
Gel: 0.77%
Lotion: 1%
Nail lacquer: 8%
Shampoo: 1%
Suspension: 0.77%
Route/Dosage⬆⬇
(Adults and Children ≥16 yr): Shampoo:Apply 5 mL (10 mL may be used for long hair) to scalp and leave on for 3 min before rinsing off. Use twice weekly (wait ≥3 days between treatments) for 4 wk. Gel: Apply twice daily for 4 wk.
(Adults and Children ≥12 yr): Topical solution (nail lacquer): Apply to nails once daily (at bedtime or 8 hr before bathing) for up to 48 wk. Each daily application should be made over the previous coat and then removed with alcohol every 7 days.
(Adults and Children ≥10 yr): Cream/lotion: Apply twice daily for 2–4 wk.
Inhibits the transport of essential elements in fungal cell, disrupting the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein.
Therapeutic effects:
Decrease in symptoms of fungal infection.
Classifications⬆⬇
Therapeutic Classification: antifungals (topical)
Pharmacokinetics⬆⬇
Absorption: Absorption through intact skin is minimal (<5%).
Distribution: Distribution after topical administration is primarily local.
Metabolism/Excretion: Eliminated by kidneys (3–10% for gel).
Half-Life: 5.5 hr (gel).
Time/Action Profile⬆⬇
ROUTE
ONSET
PEAK
DURATION
Top
unknown
unknown
unknown
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Explain purpose and side effects of ciclopirox. Instruct patient to apply medication as directed for full course of therapy, even if feeling better. Emphasize the importance of avoiding the eyes and use of occlusive dressings. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
Caution patient that some products may stain fabric, skin, or hair. Check label information. Fabrics stained from cream or lotion can usually be cleaned by handwashing with soap and warm water.
Patients with athlete’s foot should be taught to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes, to wash affected areas thoroughly, and to change shoes and socks at least once a day.
Advise patient to report ↑ skin irritation or lack of response to therapy to health care professional.
Nail lacquer: File away loose nail and trim nails every 7 days after solution is removed with alcohol. Do not use nail polish on treated nails. Advise patient to inform health care professional if they have diabetes mellitus before using.
Inform patient that early relief of symptoms may be seen in 2–3 days but that full therapeutic response may take ≥3–4 wk. Recurrent fungal infections may be a sign of systemic illness.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
