Ciclopirox
About
Ciclopirox belongs to the class of dermatological medication called topical antifungal primarily used in the treatment of fungal or yeast infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot (affects toes), jock itch (affects the groin area), candidiasis (affects vagina), fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails (an infection that may cause nail discolouration, splitting and pain) and ringworm (affects skin or the scalp) . Athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm are fungal infections closely related, whereas candidiasis is a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. These infections are usually seen in people with weak immune systems. They can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Ciclopirox contains ‘ciclopirox’ that works by inhibiting the growth of fungus and reducing the infection. It causes membrane instability by accumulating inside fungal cells and interfering with protein transport across the fungal cell membrane. Thus, Ciclopirox clears fungal infections and provides relief from cracking, burning, scaling, and itching of the skin caused due to infections.
Ciclopirox is only for external use. Use or Apply Ciclopirox as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Ciclopirox for as long as prescribed, depending on your medical condition. Avoid contact of Ciclopirox with nose, mouth or eyes. If Ciclopirox comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Some people may experience itching, irritation or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Ciclopirox do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Ciclopirox or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Ciclopirox. Ciclopirox is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. If you are using any steroidal cream, lotion or ointment, inform your doctor before taking Ciclopirox so that the dose may be adjusted. Do not use Ciclopirox in more than prescribed doses or for a prolonged time as it may cause adverse effects. Do not wrap or cover the treated area with bandages unless advised by your doctor. Do not apply Ciclopirox to broken skin or cuts. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as Ciclopirox catches fire and burns easily. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, HIV, or AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy and seizures.
Uses of Ciclopirox
Medicinal Benefits
Ciclopirox contains ‘ciclopirox’ is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent with additional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, primarily used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot, seborrheic dermatitis (dry, flaky skin on the face, scalp, chest, upper back or ears), fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails (an infection that may cause nail discolouration, splitting, and pain) and pityriasis (a type of skin rash that causes scaly, discoloured patches on chest, back, legs and arms). It works by stopping the growth of fungus. It causes membrane instability by accumulating inside fungal cells and interfering with protein transport across the fungal cell membrane. Thus, Ciclopirox clears fungal infections and provides relief from cracking, burning, scaling, and itching of the skin caused due to infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ciclopirox
- Itching
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning sensation at the site of application
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid contact of Ciclopirox with nose, mouth or eyes as it may irritate. In case Ciclopirox comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Ciclopirox. If you are allergic to Ciclopirox or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Do not apply Ciclopirox to broken skin or cuts. Do not swallow Ciclopirox. In case of accidental swallowing, contact a nearby poison control centre or consult a doctor immediately. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as Ciclopirox catches fire and burns easily. Avoid the use of nail varnishes and artificial nails while using Ciclopirox. Do not share your nail filer to prevent the spread of infection. Do not use more than what is recommended to relieve your symptoms faster, and do not cover the area being treated with Ciclopirox with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and the side effects. Ciclopirox should be used with caution in people with a weakened immune system due to chronic conditions such as HIV or AIDS and who are receiving chemotherapy, diabetes, or a condition for which you use steroid medication (including skin conditions or breathing disorders).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ciclopirox may interact with steroids such as (beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, triamcinolone, alclometasone, diflorasone, prednicarbate) oral medications to treat fungal infections such as (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, voriconazole) medications for seizures (carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking any herbal supplements, vitamins, or OTC medicines.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have or have ever had an organ transplant, chickenpox, cancer, HIV (AIDS), cold sores, diabetes, flaky, itchy, or crusty skin, genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease that causes painful blisters on reproductive organs), shingles (painful blisters caused by the chickenpox virus), peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of blood vessels in feet, legs, or arms causing numbness, pain, or coldness in that part of the body), psoriasis, and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Ciclopirox with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionCiclopirox is a Category B pregnancy drug given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using Ciclopirox. Your doctor prescribes this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safe if prescribedCiclopirox usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedCiclopirox can be used in patients with liver diseases if prescribed by a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedCiclopirox can be given to patients with kidney problems if prescribed by a doctor.
Children
cautionCiclopirox is not recommended for children below 10 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
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Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
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In wet places such as changing rooms and gym showers, don’t walk barefoot to prevent fungal infections.
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Do not scratch the affected skin, as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
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Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes, or socks with others.
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Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
Special Advise
- Before applying Ciclopirox, clean and dry the affected area.
- Avoid contact of Ciclopirox with nose, mouth or eyes. In case Ciclopirox comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal infection is a skin disease in which a fungus attacks the tissue and causes infection. Fungal infections may be contagious (spread from one person to another). Ringworm is a common fungal infection of the skin or scalp that is contagious and causes a rash resembling a worm in a ring shape. Jock itch (also known as tinea cruris) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes an itchy, red rash in warm and moist areas of the body, such as the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. An athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes, especially in people who have extremely sweaty feet and wear tight-fitting shoes. It occurs most commonly in athletes. It causes itching, burning, or stinging sensation due to a scaly rash. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes an itchy rash with dry, flaky scales on the skin that contains oil glands such as the scalp, face, back, and upper chest.
FAQs
Ciclopirox contains 'Ciclopirox', an anti-fungal medicine that works by stopping protein production in the fungal cells disrupting the cell division process. Thereby clearing the fungal skin infection.
You are recommended to use Ciclopirox on the face only if advised by your doctor and not use it for more than 5 days as the skin on the face thins easily. Avoid the use of dressing or bandages on the face.
Vaginal itching is a symptom that any fungal or bacterial infection can cause. Ciclopirox can be used to treat only fungal infections. It is necessary to determine the cause of itching before using Ciclopirox. So, please consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
Yes, Ciclopirox can also be used to treat fungal infections affecting nails. However, do not take this medicine without a doctor's advice.
Yes, fungal infection is a contagious skin condition that spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact or by contact with contaminated soil or surfaces and infected animals. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid close direct contact until the infection is clear and avoid sharing things with the infected person as it can also spread the infection.
You are not recommended to stop using Ciclopirox without consulting your doctor as it may cause recurring infections. Therefore, take Ciclopirox for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Ciclopirox, please consult your doctor.
No, Ciclopirox is not recommended to treat acne as it may worsen the condition. Ciclopirox is only used to reduce itching, swelling, and redness caused due to certain skin infections. However, please consult a doctor before using Ciclopirox.
