Penlac Nail Lacquer: Side Effects, Dosage & Uses - Drugs.com

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# Penlac Nail Lacquer

Generic name: ciclopirox topical [ sye-kloe-PEER-ox-TOP-i-kal ]
Drug class: Topical antifungals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

## What is Penlac Nail Lacquer?

Penlac is an antifungal medicine that prevents fungus from growing on your skin.

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.

## Warnings

Use 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.

Avoid getting Penlac nail lacquer in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use Penlac if you are allergic to ciclopirox.

To make sure Penlac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

- diabetes;

- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

- a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines); or

- a condition for which you use steroid medication (including skin conditions or breathing disorders).

Penlac is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether ciclopirox topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice. Penlac nail lacquer is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Penlac pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

## Related/similar drugs

terbinafine, itraconazole, Lamisil, griseofulvin, ciclopirox topical, Jublia, Sporanox

## How should I use Penlac Nail Lacquer?

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.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

To use Penlac nail lacquer:

- Use 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.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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 this medicine 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 antifungal medicine.

Store Penlac nail lacquer at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Penlac nail lacquer is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the lacquer has completely dried on your skin.

Detailed Penlac dosage information

## 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 while using Penlac Nail Lacquer?

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and inside of the mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Penlac unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with Penlac nail lacquer.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

## Penlac Nail Lacquer side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Penlac nail lacquer: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

- unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, dryness, or irritation of treated skin; or

- discoloration or other changes in the nails.

Common 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.

Penlac side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Penlac Nail Lacquer?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

- an inhaled or topical steroid medicine; or

- seizure medication;

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied ciclopirox. 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.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Penlac nail lacquer only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

What home remedies work well for toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is common, but it can be difficult to treat, particularly if it is severe and affects most nails. Whatever treatment is used, the nails should be trimmed and preferably debrided (most of the damaged nail removed) before applying the treatment. Change socks daily and wear shoes that are well ventilated and allow your feet to breathe. Research has shown that the following home remedies can be effective for toenail fungus, and in some cases, more effective than medicinal products brought on prescription or over the counter: Vicks Vaporub, Snake root extract (Ageratina pichinchensis), Tea Tree oil (Malaleuca alternifolia), Oregano oil, and Ozonized sunflower oil. Continue reading

How do I get rid of nail fungus?

The most effective treatments for a fungal infection of the nail (onychomycosis) include prescription oral antifungal medicines you take by mouth or prescription topical medicines you apply to the nail and surrounding skin. In some cases, your doctor may decide to combine oral or topical treatments. Continue reading

## More about Penlac (ciclopirox topical)

- Reviews (3)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: topical antifungals
- Breastfeeding

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Loprox, Ciclodan, CNL8 Nail, Loprox TS

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Other formulations

- Penlac Nail Lacquer

### Related treatment guides

- Onychomycosis, Toenail
- Onychomycosis, Fingernail

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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