Ciclopirox (Topical)

Brand Names : Loprox, Penlac Nail Lacquer

Proper Use of This Medicine

For patients using the cream, gel, or lotion form of this medicine:

• Keep this medicine away from the eyes .
• Apply enough ciclopirox to cover the affected and surrounding skin or scalp areas and rub in gently.

For patients using the topical solution form of this medicine:

• Keep this medicine away from the eyes and mucous membranes
• This medicine comes with a patient instruction sheet. Read this sheet carefully and follow the directions. If you have any questions on how to use this medicine, be sure to ask your health care professional.
• In addition to daily application of this medicine, you will need to trim your nails as directed, and visit your healthcare professional at regular intervals to have the unattached infected nails removed.
• Do not use nail polish or other nail cosmetic products on the treated nails.
• Do not use near heat or open flame.

When ciclopirox is used to treat certain types of fungus infections of the skin, an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) should not be applied over the medicine. To do so may irritate the skin. Do not apply an airtight covering over this medicine unless you have been directed to do so by your doctor .

To help clear up your infection completely, it is very important that you keep using ciclopirox for the full time of treatment , even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Since fungus infections may be very slow to clear up, you may have to continue using this medicine every day for several weeks or more. If you stop using this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return. Do not miss any doses .

Dosing - The dose of topical ciclopirox will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of topical ciclopirox. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For topical cream and lotion dosage forms:
  • Fungus infections (treatment):
    • Adults and children 10 years of age and over - Apply two times a day, morning and evening.
    • Children up to 10 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  
  For topical gel dosage form:
  • Fungus infections (treatment) or seborrheic dermatitis (treatment):
    • Adults and children 16 years of age and over - Apply two times a day, morning and evening.
    • Children up to 16 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  
  For topical solution dosage form:
  • Fungus infections (treatment):
    • Adults - Apply once daily, preferably at bedtime or eight hours before washing.
    • Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Store the topical solution in the carton to protect from light.
• Store the topical solution away from heat and flame.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.