Ciclopirox 8% Nail Lacquer

Apo-Ciclopirox general information

What is Apo- Ciclopirox used for?

Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer is a topical treatment for fungal infections of the nails, known as onychomycosis, due to dermatophytes like Tinea and moulds like Trichophyton that cause common skin infections known as ringworm.  These include tinea of the body (tinea pedis), foot (tinea corporis) and groin (tinea cruris); also tinea (pityriasis) versicolor a form of dermatitis due to the dermatophyte Malassezia.  Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer is also effective against candidiasis or thrush of the nail caused by infection with yeasts like Candida albicans.  

How does Apo- Ciclopirox work?

Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer contains ciclopirox, a broad spectrum antifungal that is used in solution as a topical application for treatment of onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nails.  Unlike other antifungals, Ciclopirox in Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer does not have any effect on the fungal cell membrane or its integrity.  Instead Ciclopirox in Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer works mainly by binding to (chelating) metal ions (Fe3+ or Al3+) and inhibiting metal-dependent enzymes that are responsible for the degradation of peroxides, which protect cells against oxidative damage.  Ciclopirox in Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer is also thought to cause disruption of intracellular process like DNA repair, cell division and intracellular transport.  Ciclopirox in Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer is fungistatic (prevents fungal cell growth) and fungicidal (kills the fungus) against a wide range of fungi and yeast, including tinea pedis, tinea cruris and tinea corporis due to trichophyton rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes, epidermophyton floccosum and microsporumcanis.

What does Apo- Ciclopirox contain?

Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer is a topical solution that contains the active ingredient ciclopirox 8%w/w (80mg ciclopirox/m nail varnish).  It also contains monobutyl ester of poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic acid) in isopropyl alcohol, isoprophyl alcohol USP, ethyl acetate NF.

Treating fungal infections of the nails with Ciclopirox

Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer contains ciclopirox, a broad spectrum antifungal that is used in solution as a topical application for treatment of onychomycosis or fungal infection of the nails.  Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer is effective against several fungi that that cause common skin infections such as tinea, also known as ringworm and candidiasis or thrush of the nail caused by infection with yeasts like Candida albicans.  Apo-Ciclopirox nail lacquer works by preventing fungal cell growth and killing the fungus by mechanisms that include disruption of several intracellular processes.

What are the side effects of Apo- Ciclopirox?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Apo- Ciclopirox include skin irritation, redness or rash around the application area.

When should Apo- Ciclopirox not be used?

You should not use Apo-Ciclopirox if you:

• are allergic to ciclopirox or any ingredients in Apo-Ciclopirox
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have diabetic neuropathy with numbness in your toes or fingers without discussion with your doctor

How should Apo- Ciclopirox be applied?

You apply take your Apo- Ciclopirox nail lacquer using the applicator brush provided, after first removing any loose nail or pieces with nail clippers or a nail file.  Apply to all the affected nails preferably at bedtime, and allow the lacquer to dry fully before putting on socks; wait 8 hours before showering or bathing.  Apply every other day for one month then twice per week for four weeks, then once per week for another month.  If the infection has not cleared up, start the treatment again.  Initially apply the next coat over the previous coat then once a week (every 7 days) remove the nail lacquer using a commercial nail polish remover before applying a fresh coat; continue to remove areas of damaged nail.  It usually takes 48 weeks before the infection has cleared up and it may take up to 6 months before any signs of improvement are seen.  Keep away from the eyes and genital area, as it is an irritant and do not take orally, it is only intended for topical application.  Do not apply a commercial nail varnish while using Apo- Ciclopirox.

How long should you apply Apo- Ciclopirox?

You should continue to apply your Apo- Ciclopirox nail lacquer until the infection has cleared up, or as long as recommended by your doctor, which may take up to 6 months.

Missed dose of Apo- Ciclopirox

If you miss a dose of Apo- Ciclopirox apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Apo- Ciclopirox be stored?

You should store your Apo- Ciclopirox below 25°C in a cool dry place and keep away from heat, light and moisture.  Keep away from a naked flame as the solvents are flammable.