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MedsAcross

Molecule

Ciclopirox

Also known as ciclopirox olamine
Available on requestDermatology
Presentations
8
Brands
0
Manufacturers
0
Available from stock
0

Ciclopirox is a prescription medicine indicated as topical treatment in immunocompetent patients with mild to moderate onychomycosis of fingernails and toenails without lunula involvement, due to Trichophyton rubrum. It is available as topical solution, cream and gel. MedsAcross supplies Ciclopirox for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.

Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review

Key facts

Pharmacological class
Protein Synthesis Inhibitors, Decreased DNA Replication, Decreased Protein Synthesis, Decreased RNA Replication
ATC classification
D01AE14 Ciclopirox · Antifungals for the skin, subgroup D01A, subgroup D01AEG01AX12 Ciclopirox · Gynaecological anti-infectives, subgroup G01A, subgroup G01AX
US FDA first approval
30 December 1982
EU status
Not recorded
Orphan designation
Not recorded
WHO essential medicine
Not recorded
India (CDSCO)
Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists
Routes
Topical
Dosage forms
Topical solution, Cream, Gel, Topical suspension, Shampoo
Identifiers
UNII 19W019ZDRJRxCUI 21090CAS 29342-05-0DrugBank DB01188Q419468

Clinical information

From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.

Uses

(To understand fully the indication for this product, please read the entire INDICATION AND USAGE section of the labeling.) Ciclopirox topical solution, USP 8% as a component of a comprehensive management program, is indicated as topical treatment in immunocompetent patients with mild to moderate onychomycosis of fingernails and toenails without lunula involvement, due to Trichophyton rubrum. The comprehensive management program includes removal of the unattached, infected nails as frequently as monthly, by a health care professional who has special competence in the diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders, including minor nail procedures. No studies have been conducted to determine whether ciclopirox might reduce the effectiveness of systemic antifungal agents for onychomycosis.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

How it works

The mechanism of action of ciclopirox has been investigated using various in vitro and in vivo infection models. One in vitro study suggested that ciclopirox acts by chelation of polyvalent cations (Fe +3 or Al +3 ) resulting in the inhibition of the metal-dependent enzymes that are responsible for the degradation of peroxides within the fungal cell. The clinical significance of this observation is not known. Activity in vitro and ex vivo In vitro methodologies employing various broth or solid media with and without additional nutrients have been utilized to determine ciclopirox minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the dermatophytic molds. (1-2) As a consequence, a broad range of MIC values, 1-20 mcg/mL, were obtained for Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes species.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Dosing overview

Ciclopirox topical solution, USP 8% should be used as a component of a comprehensive management program for onychomycosis. Removal of the unattached, infected nail, as frequently as monthly, by a health care professional, weekly trimming by the patient, and daily application of the medication are all integral parts of this therapy. Careful consideration of the appropriate nail management program should be given to patients with diabetes. Nail Care By Health Care Professionals Removal of the unattached, infected nail, as frequently as monthly, trimming of onycholytic nail, and filing of excess horny material should be performed by professionals trained in treatment of nail disorders.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Contraindications

Ciclopirox topical solution, 8% is contraindicated in individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Warnings and precautions

Ciclopirox topical solution, 8% is not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. For use on nails and immediately adjacent skin only.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Side effects

In the vehicle-controlled clinical trials conducted in the US, 9% (30/327) of patients treated with ciclopirox topical solution, 8% and 7% (23/328) of patients treated with vehicle reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) considered by the investigator to be causally related to the test material. The incidence of these adverse events, within each body system, was similar between the treatment groups except for Skin and Appendages: 8% (27/327) and 4% (14/328) of subjects in the ciclopirox and vehicle groups reported at least one adverse event, respectively. The most common were rash-related adverse events: periungual erythema and erythema of the proximal nail fold were reported more frequently in patients treated with ciclopirox topical solution, 8%, (5% [16/327]) than in patients treated with vehicle (1% [3/328]).

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Storage

Ciclopirox Topical Solution, USP 8% (Nail Lacquer) should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (between 59° and 86°F). Protect from light (e.g., store the bottle in the carton after every use).

Source: US FDA prescribing information

For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.

All presentations

8 presentations of Ciclopirox, sorted by availability.

MedicineManufacturerRegisterAvailability
Ciclopirox 0.77% creamTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 80 mg/mL topical solutionTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 0.77% gelTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 7.7 mg/100 mL topical suspensionTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 1 g/100 mL shampooTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 10 mg/0.96 mL shampooTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 7.7 mg/mL topical suspensionTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Ciclopirox 71.3 mg/mL topical solutionTopicalGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request

Regulatory status

Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.

RegisterStatusSource
US FDAFirst approved 30 December 1982Drugs@FDA
EU (EMA)Not recorded—
India (CDSCO)Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists—
United StatesRegisteredUS FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026

Conditions

Conditions linked to Ciclopirox in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.

Questions and answers

Is Ciclopirox available for export from India?

Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 8 presentations of Ciclopirox and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.

Is Ciclopirox approved by the US FDA?

Yes. The US FDA first approved Ciclopirox on 30 December 1982, according to Drugs@FDA.

Does Ciclopirox need cold chain shipping?

No listed presentation of Ciclopirox is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.

Which ATC class is Ciclopirox in?

Ciclopirox is classified under ATC code D01AE14 (Ciclopirox).

References

  1. Ciclopirox prescribing information (Acella Pharmaceuticals). U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Retrieved 2 November 2026

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