Penlac (Ciclopirox Topical Solution) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Penlac

Fungal Nails »

What other conditions can be mistaken for fungal nails?

Here are some other conditions you may have instead of fungal nails:

Lines and ridges: These are common and may be considered normal. They may worsen during pregnancy. A large groove down the center of the nail can be caused by nail biting.
Senile nails: As you age, the nails become brittle, develop ridges and separation of the nail layers at the end of the nail. Try to avoid cleaning solutions, and don't soak the nails in water to avoid worsening of the problem.
Whitish or yellowish nails due to onycholysis. This means separation of the nail from the nail bed. The color you see is air beneath the nail. The treatment is to trim the nail short, don't clean under it, polish if you want to hide the color, and wait two to three months.
Red or black nails due to a hematoma, or blood under the nail, usually occur from trauma ...

Read the Fungal Nails article »

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Penlac

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Penlac Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CICLOPIROX LACQUER - TOPICAL

(cyc-low-PIE-rocks)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): PENLAC

USES: This medication is used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. It is used as part of a treatment program that includes the removal of unattached, infected nails by a health care professional as frequently as once a month. Ciclopirox works by stopping the growth of fungus.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using ciclopirox and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail material using nail clippers or a file. If you have diabetes or numbness in your fingers/toes, talk to your doctor before filing or trimming your nails. It may be safer for your doctor to file or remove your nails.

Use this medication on the nails and skin next to the nails only. Apply ciclopirox as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Using the applicator provided, apply this medication evenly over the entire affected nail and to the area of the skin next to the nail (5 millimeters or 1/5 of an inch around the nail). If the applicator can reach the undersurface of the nail and the skin under the nail, apply the medication to those areas as well. Avoid contact with skin that is not right next to the affected nail. Do not use nail cosmetic products (such as nail polish) on the treated nails.

Do not apply the medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, rinse with plenty of water.

Let the medication dry (around 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. Do not wash the treated area for at least 8 hours.

Every 7 days, remove the medication from the nail by applying alcohol. Then trim the nail and file away any loose nail material.

Since this product is flammable, do not use this product near heat or open flame.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after 6 months of treatment. It may take up to one year for the nail to be clear or almost clear.