
The
following information is a summary about Penlac.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Penlac USES
Penlac (ciclopirox) topical solution is used along
with regular nail trimming to treat fungal infections
of the fingernails and toenails (an infection that
may cause nail discoloration, splitting and pain).
Ciclopirox is in a class of medications called antifungals.
It works by stopping the growth of nail fungus.
Penlac DIRECTIONS
Ciclopirox comes as a solution to apply to nails
and the skin immediately surrounding and under the
nails. It is usually applied once a day. To help
you remember to use ciclopirox, apply it around the
same time every day, usually at bedtime. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Use ciclopirox exactly
as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use
it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Ciclopirox
is used to improve the condition of nails, but may
not completely cure nail fungus. It may take 6 months
or longer before you notice that your nails are getting
better. Continue to use ciclopirox daily as directed.
Do not stop using ciclopirox without talking to your
doctor. Ciclopirox topical solution will work best
if you trim your nails regularly during your treatment.
You should remove all loose nail or nail material
using a nail clipper or nail file before you begin
treatment and every week during your treatment. Your
doctor will show you how to do this. Your doctor
will also trim your nails once each month during
your treatment. Only apply ciclopirox topical solution
to your nails and the skin under and around your
nails. Be careful not to get the solution on any
other areas of the skin or parts of your body, especially
in or near your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do
not use nail polish or other nail cosmetic products
on nails treated with ciclopirox topical solution.
Do not take a bath, shower, or swim for at least
8 hours after applying ciclopirox topical solution.
Ciclopirox topical solution may catch fire. Do not
use this medication near heat or an open flame, such
as a cigarette. To use ciclopirox topical solution,
follow these steps: * Be sure that you have trimmed
your nails properly before your first treatment.
* Use the applicator brush attached to the bottle
cap to apply ciclopirox topical solution evenly to
all affected nails. Also apply the solution to the
underside of the nail and the skin beneath it if
you can reach these areas. * Wipe off the bottle
cap and neck and replace the cap tightly on the bottle.
* Let the solution dry for about 30 seconds before
you put on socks or stockings. * When it is time
for your next dose, apply ciclopirox topical solution
over the medication that is already on your nails.
* Once a week, remove all the ciclopirox from your
nail(s) with a cotton square or tissue soaked with
rubbing alcohol. Then, remove as much of the damaged
nail as possible using scissors, nail clippers, or
nail files.
Penlac SIDE EFFECTS
Ciclopirox topical solution may cause side effects.
Tell your doctor if the following symptom is severe
or does not go away: * redness at the place where
you applied ciclopirox Some side effects can be serious.
The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience
any of them, call your doctor immediately: * irritation,
itching, burning, blistering, swelling, or oozing
at the place where you applied ciclopirox * pain
at the affected nail(s) or surrounding area * discoloration
or change in shape of nail(s) * ingrown nail(s) Ciclopirox
topical solution may cause other side effects. Call
your doctor if you have any unusual problems while
taking this medication.
Penlac PRECAUTIONS
Before using ciclopirox topical solution, * tell
your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
ciclopirox or any other medications. * tell your
doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Be sure to mention any of the following: inhaled
steroids such as beclomethasone (Beconase, Vancenase),
budesonide (Pulmicort, Rhinocort), flunisolide (AeroBid);
fluticasone (Advair, Flonase, Flovent), mometasone
(Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Azmacort, Nasacort,
Tri-Nasal); oral medications to treat fungal infections
such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox),
ketoconazole (Nizoral), terbinafine (Lamisil) and
voriconazole (Vfend); medications for seizures; and
steroid creams, lotions, or ointments such as alclometasone
(Aclovate), betamethasone (Alphatrex, Betatrex, Diprolene,
others), clobetasol (Cormax, Temovate), desonide
(DesOwen, Tridesilon), desoximetasone (Topicort),
diflorasone (Maxiflor, Psorcon), fluocinolone (DermaSmoothe,
Synalar), fluocinonide (Lidex), flurandrenolide (Cordran),
halcinonide (Halor), hydrocortisone (Cortizone, Westcort,
others), mometasone (Elocon), prednicarbate (Dermatop),
and triamcinolone (Aristocort, Kenalog, others).
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an
organ transplant, if you have recently had chicken
pox, and if you have or have ever had any disease
that affects your immune system, such as human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) or severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome
(SCID); cancer; cold sores; diabetes; flaky, itchy,
or crusty skin; genital herpes (sexually transmitted
disease that causes painful blisters on reproductive
organs); shingles (painful blisters caused by the
chicken pox virus); fungal infections on your skin
such as athlete's foot and ringworm (ring-shaped
discolored patches of scales and blisters on the
skin, hair, or nails); peripheral vascular disease
(narrowing of blood vessels in feet, legs, or arms
causing numbness, pain, or coldness in that part
of the body); or seizures. * tell your doctor if
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
ciclopirox, call your doctor. * you should know that
you should keep your nails clean and dry during treatment
with ciclopirox topical solution. Do not share nail
care tools. Use different tools for infected and
healthy nails. If your toenails are affected, wear
well-fitting, low heeled shoes, and change them change
frequently, and do not go barefoot in public areas.
Wear protective shoes and gloves when playing sports,
using strong cleaners, or during work that might
injure or irritate fingernails and toenails.
Penlac DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid
sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as
fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine
(e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report
use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Penlac OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Penlac NOTES
Do not share Penlac with others. Medical examinations
including the nose are generally performed during
prolonged use of this product to check for side effects.
Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) Penlac.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Penlac as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Penlac STORAGE
Store Penlac at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture.