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.
