ciclopirox
Ciclopirox works well for various types of fungal skin and nail infections. It's available as a cream, gel, shampoo, suspension, and topical solution. Different formulations of ciclopirox can treat different medical conditions. This medication applied directly to the affected area(s), anywhere from twice daily to twice weekly, depending on what medical condition you have and what formulation of ciclopirox you're prescribed. It typically takes a week to a month before you notice improvements to your condition. But it can take 6 months or longer to see improvements for certain nail infections.
What is Ciclopirox?
What is Ciclopirox used for?
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Ringworm
Tinea versicolor (fungal infection that causes discolored spots on the skin)
Yeast infections of the skin
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp - shampoo and gel only
Fungal nail infection - nail lacquer only
How Ciclopirox works
Ciclopirox is an antifungal. It kills the fungus causing your skin infection by preventing it from getting the nutrients it needs to grow and reproduce.
Drug Facts
Get your GoodRx coupon
What are the side effects of Ciclopirox?
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
- Dry skin
- Rash
- Acne
- Changes to nail shape or color - nail lacquer only
- Hair discoloration - shampoo only
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in nail shape, thickness, or color
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
Pros and cons of Ciclopirox
Pros
Has few side effects
Safe to use if you have liver or kidney problems
Easy to use and can be applied right where you need it
Available as a topical suspension, gel, cream, shampoo, and nail lacquer
Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
Shouldn't be used on young children (age cut-off differs by formulaton)
Can take weeks or months to treat some infections
Requires a prescription
Not the best treatment option for severe or complicated fungal infections
Shampoo can irritate eyes and discolor hair
Pharmacist tips for Ciclopirox
Don't apply ciclopirox cream, gel, nail lacquer, shampoo, or suspension to your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. If you accidentally get the shampoo in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
Make sure to continue to use ciclopirox the entire time your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. Stopping ciclopirox too early can cause your infection to come back.
Be sure to wash and dry the affected areas of your skin before applying ciclopirox. Wash your hands well with soap and water after you finish applying the medication.
Don't use nail polish or any other nail products while you're using ciclopirox to treat your nail infection.
Avoid using dressings like bandages on top of the affected areas, since this could affect how the medication works.
If you're using ciclopirox to treat athlete's foot, be sure to wear shoes that fit well and circulate air, and change your shoes and socks daily. This will help your infection clear up as quickly as possible.
Even though ciclopirox treats tinea versicolor within a few weeks, your skin color may not return to normal for weeks or months after finishing your course of ciclopirox. This doesn't mean ciclopirox didn't work.
If you haven't noticed any improvement of your symptoms after you've been using ciclopirox for 4 weeks, let your healthcare provider know. You may need a different medication to treat your infection.
Tell your provider if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, since it's not known if ciclopirox can harm your baby.
Frequently asked questions about Ciclopirox
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Ciclopirox?
Ciclopirox can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Only for use on the skin, nails, or scalp
Ciclopirox is meant to be applied to the skin, nails, or scalp only. Don't apply it to your eyes, the inside of your nose, lips, mouth, or vagina because it can cause irritation. Fungal infections in these areas need to be treated with different medications. If you accidentally apply this medication to one of those areas, rinse it thoroughly with water and contact your provider. If you or someone you know accidentally swallow ciclopirox, contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Allergic reactions
It's common for ciclopirox to cause some mild redness, burning, or stinging. But if you notice more severe symptoms like blistering, oozing, and swelling, stop using the medication and contact your provider. This might be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you've difficulty breathing after using ciclopirox, get emergency medical help right away.
Ciclopirox dosage forms
Typical dosing for Ciclopirox
Cream, gel, and suspension: Gently massage a thin layer into the affected area(s) and skin around it twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Shampoo: Wet hair and apply about 5 mL to 10 mL of shampoo to scalp. Massage well and leave on for 3 minutes. Rinse well. Use the shampoo 2 times a week, with at least 3 days between each use, for 4 weeks.
Nail lacquer: Apply once a day at bedtime to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Repeat application daily and apply new coat of nail lacquer over the previous coat. Remove nail lacquer once a week with rubbing alcohol.
How much does Ciclopirox cost?
What are alternatives to Ciclopirox?
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Ringworm
Tinea versicolor (fungal infection that causes discolored spots on the skin)
Yeast infections of the skin
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp - shampoo and gel only
Fungal nail infection - nail lacquer only
Ringworm
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
Skin yeast infection caused by Candida
What is the latest news about Ciclopirox?
Ciclopirox images
Get savings updates for Ciclopirox
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Ciclopirox and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
Best studies we foundActavis Pharma, Inc. (2019). CICLOPIROX- ciclopirox shampoo [package insert].
Akorn. (2022). CICLOPIROX solution. DailyMed.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Tinea versicolor: Diagnosis and treatment.
Bryant Ranch Prepack. (2022). CICLOPIROX OLAMINE- ciclopirox olamine suspension [package insert].
Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). CICLOPIROX OLAMINE- ciclopirox olamine cream [package insert].
Gupta, A. K., et al. (2000). Ciclopirox nail lacquer topical solution 8% in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2020). CICLODAN- ciclopirox solution [package insert].
Padagis US LLC. (2021). CICLOPIROX- ciclopirox gel [package insert].
Tucker, D., et al. (2023). Seborrheic dermatitis. StatPearls.
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.