Ciclodan

Ciclopirox is an antifungal dermatologic agent used to treat fungal infections. This drug works by killing the fungus or preventing its growth. This drug is available in cream, gel, or lotion for topical use.

Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies on this drug have only been done only in adult patients, and no specific data is established comparing use of this drug in children under the age of 10 and elderly with use in other age groups. It may not be known whether the effect of this drug is exactly the same way in younger adults.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems.

Prevent any contact of this drug from the eyes and mucous membranes when using the cream, shampoo, gel, or lotion form.

Apply enough ciclopirox to cover the affected and surrounding skin or scalp areas and rub in gently.

1. Wet your hair first before applying the shampoo form of this drug.
2. Lather and leave on hair and scalp for 3 minutes then rinse off.

Follow the directions given in the information sheet of this drug.

Visit your healthcare professional at regular intervals to have the unattached infected nails removed. Use of nail polish or other nail cosmetic products on the treated nails is not recommended.

Use this drug away from heat or open flame. An occlusive dressing is not recommended when treating certain types of fungal infections of the skin as doing so may irritate the skin. Use this drug for recommended treatment period to ensure full recovery.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

• Adults and children with fungal infections and seborrheic dermatitis are prescribed for topical cream and lotion dosage forms applied two times a day, morning and evening.
• Adults and children with seborrheic dermatitis in the scalp are prescribed with 1 teaspoon (or up to 2 teaspoons for long hair) of this drug in shampoo form two times a week for four weeks with at least three days between each application.

A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Consult with your healthcare professional if skin problem does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or if it becomes worse, or it shows signs of increased irritation such as:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Blistering
• Swelling
• Oozing

Nail infections usually need six months of treatment before showing any signs of improvement.

Good health habits are also required for optimal treatment.

• Alwasy keep the affected area cool and dry.
• Patients with tinea cruris should avoid wearing synthetic or tight-fitting underwear.
• Use an antifungal powder between applications of ciclopirox.
• For patients with tinea pedis, drying of feet is important, especially between the toes, after bathing.
• Refrain from wearing socks made from wool or synthetic materials.
• Wearing of sandals or well-ventilated shoes is recommended.
• Use an antifungal powder between the toes, on the feet, and in socks and shoes freely once or twice a day. It is best to use the powder between applications of ciclopirox.

Consult with your health care professional if you have any questions about these directions.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.

Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.