Penlac (ciclopirox) is an antifungal medication. Ciclopirox prevents fungus from growing.
Penlac nail lacquer is used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails.
Penlac may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Penlac if you are allergic to ciclopirox.
Avoid getting Penlac nail lacquer in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Use this Penlac for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Before using Penlac
You should not use Penlac if you are allergic to ciclopirox.
To make sure you can safely use Penlac, tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions, especially:
FDA pregnancy category B. Penlac is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether ciclopirox passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Penlac nail lacquer without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Penlac?
Use Penlac nail lacquer exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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Use Penlac on the nails and immediately surrounding skin only. Avoid contact with other areas. Remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or a nail file.
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Apply Penlac nail lacquer once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply the lacquer evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, apply the nail lacquer to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Allow the lacquer to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying the medication, wait 8 hours before taking a bath or shower.
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Apply Penlac nail lacquer daily over the previous coat. Once a week, remove the nail lacquer with alcohol. Remove as much as possible of the damaged nail using nail clippers or nail a file.
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To prevent the screw cap from sticking to the bottle, do not allow the solution to get into the bottle treads. To prevent the solution from drying out, close the bottle tightly after every use.
Treatment with Penlac nail lacquer may require several months before initial improvement of symptoms is noticed. Up to 48 weeks of daily application of the nail lacquer, monthly removal of the unattached infected nail by a health care professional, and weekly trimming by the patient may be required for complete treatment.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.
Store Penlac nail lacquer at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Penlac nail lacquer is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Penlac is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid?
Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and inside of the mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with Penlac nail lacquer.
Penlac side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Penlac: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Penlac and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, dryness, or irritation of treated skin; or
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discoloration or other changes in the nails.
Less serious Penlac side effects may include mild burning, itching, or redness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Penlac?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on Penlac nail lacquer, but many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
