Ciclopirox Olamine
About
Ciclopirox Olamine belongs to the class of medications called antifungals. It is 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) and pityriasis (scaly, reddish-pink skin rash developed on the abdomen, chest, or back). Athlete’s foot, jock itch, pityriasis and ringworm are fungal infections closely related. These infections are usually seen in people with weak immune systems. They can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Ciclopirox Olamine contains ‘ciclopirox olamine’, which is used in the treatment of fungal skin infections. It blocks certain enzymes that are essential for the growth of infectious organisms (fungi), thus leading to a decrease in infection and improving the symptoms.
Ciclopirox Olamine should be used as recommended by your doctor. Do not use it for more than the prescribed period. Consult your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsen after four weeks of treatment. Some people may experience itching, irritation or burning sensation at the application site. Most of these side effects of Ciclopirox Olamine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Ciclopirox Olamine should be avoided if allergic to it. Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about the prescription and non-prescription drugs you take, including vitamins and herbal products. Also, inform your doctor if you have diabetes or seizures disorder or if you are using any other topical steroid medications. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before using Ciclopirox Olamine. It is an external preparation. Hence avoid contact with eyes, ears, nose, mouth and inside the vagina. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with cool water immediately.
Uses of Ciclopirox Olamine
Medicinal Benefits
Ciclopirox Olamine contains ‘ciclopirox olamine’ used to treat fungal skin infections. It can inhibit the growth of infectious organisms by regulating DNA replication. It blocks certain enzymes that are essential for this process. Ciclopirox Olamine can improve symptoms of skin infections effectively within the duration prescribed by your doctor.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ciclopirox Olamine
- Mild burning
- Itching
- Redness
- Irritation
- Skin rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if the skin infection doesn’t improve or worsen after the course of treatment. Do not apply any cosmetic products to the infected skin unless advised by your doctor. Also, it is not advised to use in large areas of open skin lesions. Do not use Ciclopirox Olamine in children without proper medical advice. Shampoo and gel dosage forms are not approved for use in children younger than 16 years old. The nail lacquer is not approved for use in children below 12 years old, and cream and lotion are not approved for use in children below ten years old. Before using Ciclopirox Olamine, inform your doctor if you have diabetes, seizure disorder, or if you are using any other topical steroid medications. Stop using Ciclopirox Olamine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, discolouration, or other changes in the nails. As it is a topical/external preparation, avoid contact with eyes, ears, nose, mouth and the vagina. In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid the use of nail varnishes and artificial nails while using Ciclopirox Olamine. Do not share your nail filer to prevent the spread of infection. Also, do not cover the area being treated with Ciclopirox Olamine with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and the side effect.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Ciclopirox Olamine may interact with any other topical steroid medications.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Ciclopirox Olamine should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, seizures and weak immune system.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicableNo interactions were found.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIf you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using Ciclopirox Olamine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorCiclopirox Olamine should be used in breastfeeding only if prescribed by your doctor. Before prescribing this medicine, your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks. Your doctor may suggest you stop breastfeeding if this medicine is to be applied to the breast.
Driving
not applicableCiclopirox Olamine may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
safe if prescribedCiclopirox Olamine can be used in patients with liver diseases if prescribed by a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedCiclopirox Olamine can be used in patients with kidney diseases if prescribed by a doctor.
Children
cautionWithout proper medical advice, do not use Ciclopirox Olamine in children. Cicloprix olamine shampoo and gel are not recommended for use in children under the age of 16. Cicloprix olamine nail lacquer is not recommended for use in children under the age of 12, and cream and lotion dosage forms are not approved for use in children under the age of ten.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume a healthy diet that contains fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Do not wear tight-fitting clothes. Prefer breathable fabrics such as cotton.
- Protect your skin from the sun while going outdoors.
- Avoid strong soaps or detergents as they may act as irritants to the skin.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.
- Don't walk barefoot in wet places such as changing rooms and gym showers to prevent fungal infections.
- Do not scratch the affected skin, as it can spread the infection to other body parts.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bedsheets, shoes, or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Fungal skin infection: It 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. Pityriasis is a scaly, reddish-pink skin rash that usually develops as a large circular spot on the abdomen, chest, or back. This spot can be up to 4 inches. It occurs most commonly in people ages between 10 and 35 years old.
FAQs
Ciclopirox Olamine contains ‘ciclopirox olamine’, which is an anti-fungal drug. It stops the growth of infective organisms by interfering with the DNA replication process and reduces the infection.
Ciclopirox Olamine is used in the treatment of skin infections such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, pityriasis, and ringworm. All these are fungal infections closely related.
Use Ciclopirox Olamine in the dose and duration as prescribed by your doctor. However, if the skin condition does not improve, consult your doctor immediately after using Ciclopirox Olamine for four weeks.
If you miss a dose, apply the medication as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and apply the next dose of medication at the regular time.
