A topical antifungal
Ciclopirox
A topical antifungal for skin and nail fungal infections and, as a shampoo, for dandruff.
What is Ciclopirox?
Ciclopirox is an antifungal applied to the skin, nails or scalp to treat fungal infections rather than being swallowed. As a cream or solution it treats fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, as a lacquer it can treat fungal nail infections, and as a shampoo it is used for seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff (a flaky, itchy scalp). It works where it is applied, so very little gets into the rest of the body. Fungal infections, especially of the nails, can be slow to clear, so it often needs to be used regularly for some time and the full course completed.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Ciclopirox — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Ciclopirox is a topical antifungal, an antifungal applied directly to the skin, nails or scalp rather than taken as a tablet. Depending on the product, it is used for fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and other tinea infections, for fungal nail infections (as a nail lacquer), and as a shampoo for seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff, where a yeast on the skin contributes to a flaky, itchy, sometimes red scalp. It targets the fungi and yeasts living in the surface layers of the skin, nails or scalp and is intended for use on the affected area.
How it works
Ciclopirox interferes with the way fungi and yeasts take up and use the substances they need to grow, which stops them multiplying and allows the skin or scalp to recover. On the skin it clears the itching, scaling and redness of fungal infections; in the nail it slowly works on the fungus within the nail plate as the healthy nail grows out; and on the scalp it reduces the yeast that drives the flaking and itching of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff. Because it stays mainly on the surface where it is applied, it acts locally and very little reaches the rest of the body.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic (long-established).
A topical antifungal used in the UK for fungal skin and nail infections and, as a shampoo, for dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Practical use
How to take Ciclopirox
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- For skin, apply it to the affected area and just beyond the edge as directed, and keep going for the full course even once it looks clear.
- For a nail infection, use the lacquer regularly as instructed; expect it to take many months as the healthy nail grows out.
- For the shampoo, massage it into a wet scalp, leave it on for the short time stated, then rinse, using it regularly then less often as advised.
- Wash your hands after applying, keep it out of the eyes, and use it on the skin, nails or scalp only.
- See a doctor if the area is very inflamed or weeping, is not improving, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation affecting the feet.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Ciclopirox
Advantages
- Treats a range of fungal problems, from skin infections to nail infections and dandruff, depending on the product.
- Acts mainly where it is applied, so very little is absorbed into the rest of the body.
- Generally well tolerated, with side effects usually limited to mild irritation at the site of use.
Disadvantages
- Fungal infections, especially of the nails, are slow to clear and may need many months of regular use.
- Can cause local irritation, redness, burning or itching where it is applied.
- Not suitable for severe, widespread or deep infections, which may need a tablet antifungal instead.
Practical use
Good to know
Ciclopirox is a flexible topical antifungal, but which product you use depends on where the infection is. For skin infections, apply it to the affected area and a little beyond the edge, and keep using it for the full course, often for a while after the skin looks clear, to stop it coming back. Nail infections are slow: a nail lacquer may need to be used regularly for many months while the new, healthy nail grows out, and results can be partial. The shampoo for dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis is left on the scalp for a short time before rinsing and is used regularly, then less often once things settle; avoid getting it in the eyes. It is for external use only and is generally well tolerated, with any irritation usually mild and at the site of use. See a doctor if the area is very inflamed, weeping or not improving, if you have diabetes or poor circulation with a foot problem, or if a nail or scalp condition is severe, as these may need a different approach.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with a known allergy to ciclopirox or any ingredient in the product should not use it.
- It should be kept away from the eyes and is for external use on skin, nails or scalp only.
- People with diabetes or poor circulation and a foot or nail problem should seek advice rather than self-treat.
Monitoring
- Checking that skin infections clear over the expected period and using it long enough to prevent return.
- For nails, reviewing slow progress over many months as the healthy nail grows out.
- Watching for irritation or an allergic reaction at the site of use.
Side effects
- Local irritation, redness, burning or itching at the site where it is applied is the most common effect.
- Occasionally dryness or peeling of the treated skin or scalp.
- Rarely, a localised allergic-type reaction, which means it should be stopped.
Key interactions
- Because so little is absorbed, it is very unlikely to interact with tablets or other medicines.
- Avoid using other creams, lacquers or shampoos on the same area at the same time unless advised.
- Tell your prescriber about other skin, nail or scalp treatments you are using.
Available as: Cream, solution, nail lacquer and shampoo applied to the skin, nails or scalp.
Answers
Ciclopirox: frequently asked questions
What is ciclopirox used for?
It is a topical antifungal used for fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, for fungal nail infections as a lacquer, and as a shampoo for seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.
How long does it take to work?
Skin infections often improve over a couple of weeks, but nail infections are slow and a lacquer may need to be used regularly for many months as the healthy nail grows out.
How do I use the shampoo?
Massage it into a wet scalp, leave it on for the short time stated on the pack, then rinse, using it regularly at first and then less often as your scalp settles.
Is it absorbed into my body?
Very little is absorbed, as it acts mainly on the surface where it is applied, so it is unlikely to interact with medicines you take by mouth.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if the area is very inflamed, weeping or not improving, if a nail or scalp condition is severe, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation affecting your feet.
The wider class
About Topical antifungals
Ciclopirox belongs to the topical antifungals class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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