Ciclopirox

What is Ciclopirox?

Ciclopirox is a topical antifungal treatment for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. It can be applied to infected nails on your hands or feet.

It comes in a clear lacquer you apply to your nail in the same way you use nail polish. It stops the growth of fungus, allowing you to trim your nails with nail clippers and clear the infection. You usually apply Ciclopirox once a day in the evening, before you go to bed. This allows it to dry as it’s exposed to air overnight, and won’t be disrupted by your daily activities.

How does Ciclopirox work?

Ciclopirox belongs to a class of medications known as antifungals. It stops nail fungus from growing and spreading, while attacking fungal cells. This destroys the fungus, allowing healthy nail to grow in its place.

Fungal nail infections tend to range in severity. Ciclopirox is used as a first-line treatment for mild or moderate infections — these are infections that might appear as a white or yellow spot under your nail, and don’t cause much discoloration or other changes to your nail’s appearance. Severe fungal nail infections are those that have caused extensive damage to the nail, and might have spread to other nails. These usually need treatment with tablets or capsules that treat your whole system.

You paint a thin layer of Ciclopirox onto your nail, using the brush provided. It penetrates the nail, and you can then file down or trim away the infected part of the nail.

What doses of Ciclopirox are there?

Ciclopirox comes in one form, which is a 6.6ml bottle of clear liquid. The solution contains 8% ciclopirox. The bottle contains a brush, attached to the lid, that you use to apply the solution to your nail.

You usually use Ciclopirox daily, until your infection has cleared. You’ll need to trim or file your nail until you’re sure the fungus has been killed. Any files or nail clippers you use should be disinfected, and only used on your infected nails. This will stop the nail fungus spreading.

How to use Ciclopirox

You should always use Ciclopirox exactly as it’s been prescribed.

Before you apply Ciclopirox, wash and carefully dry your affected hands or feet.

Apply a thin layer of the lacquer to the infected nail and the surrounding skin. Try and reach the free edge of your nail, as this will help penetrate the fungus under your nail.

The lacquer needs to dry in order to work properly, so it’s best to use Ciclopirox in the evenings before you go to bed. This means it won’t smudge or come off entirely, like it might in footwear during the day.

Once you’re in a regular routine of applying the solution, you’ll need to trim away the infected nail often, until you can’t see any fungus on the nail’s surface.

How long does Ciclopirox take to work?

The antifungal effects of Ciclopirox will start to work from your first application, but it can take six months or longer before your nail is fully restored.^[1]

Fungal nail infections can be stubborn, and won’t clear at the same rate for each person that has one. To make sure the nail is completely fungus-free and healthy, you’ll need to trim your infected nail as it grows out.

If it seems like your nail fungus isn’t responding well to Ciclopirox, or is showing signs that it’s getting worse (such as spreading to other nails), a physician might suggest a stronger treatment. If topical treatments haven’t worked, the next thing to try would be antifungal tablets or capsules. These work systemically, meaning they’re absorbed into your bloodstream and target the fungus internally.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Ciclopirox?

By sticking to your prescribed dosage routine, it’s unlikely you’ll make any mistakes while using Ciclopirox.

If you accidentally ingest the contents of the bottle, go to your nearest emergency department and get urgent help.

The standard dose is one thin application of the lacquer each evening, so if you miss a dose, you don’t need to apply more of the solution the next time you use it. Instead, just skip your missed dose and carry on with your usual routine.

You should avoid stopping Ciclopirox too soon, before your nail’s appearance is fully restored and you’re free of infection. The fungi could still be living in your nail bed, so by sticking to your nail hygiene routine while continuing to apply the solution, you’ll ensure the infection doesn’t return.