Ciclopirox, Ciclodan

Introduction

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on July 6, 2023

Ciclopirox (sye kloe PEER ox) is a generic medication prescribed for fungal infections in adults and some
children. It’s also used to treat a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) in adults and
some children. Ciclopirox belongs to a group of drugs called antifungals.

Common questions about ciclopirox

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about ciclopirox.

Can I get ciclopirox over the counter?

No, ciclopirox isn’t available over the counter. You’ll need a prescription to get it.

You can buy other antifungal medications over the counter. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which medications are right for you.

Is ciclopirox a steroid?

No, ciclopirox isn’t a steroid. It’s an antifungal medication. It treats infections of the skin and nails that are caused by fungi.

If you have questions about ciclopirox, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What brand names are available for ciclopirox?

Ciclopirox is a generic drug. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

Brand-name versions of ciclopirox include:

• Loprox
• Ciclodan 

To learn more about brand-name ciclopirox, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does ciclopirox work? And how long does it take to start working?

Ciclopirox is an antifungal drug. It works by stopping fungi from growing. This helps your body fight off the fungus and clear the infection.

Ciclopirox will start working as soon as you start using it. But fungal infections can take some time to get better. Usually, you’ll see some improvement within a week of starting ciclopirox. Symptoms should continue to improve through 4 weeks of treatment. Your doctor may reevaluate your symptoms at 4 weeks.

If you’d like to know more about how ciclopirox works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions and warnings for ciclopirox

Below, you’ll find information about ciclopirox’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of ciclopirox

Ciclopirox isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with ciclopirox won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with ciclopirox.

Because of this, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with ciclopirox. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:

• vaccines
• foods or alcohol
• other drugs

Warnings for ciclopirox

Ciclopirox should not be used by certain people.

Ciclopirox could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether ciclopirox is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for ciclopirox, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Ciclopirox can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to ciclopirox or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe ciclopirox. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to ciclopirox, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of ciclopirox

If you use ciclopirox, you should not use more ciclopirox than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much ciclopirox, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and ciclopirox

Information about ciclopirox and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Ciclopirox and pregnancy

It’s not known whether ciclopirox should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Ciclopirox and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether ciclopirox should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Uses of ciclopirox

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as ciclopirox for certain conditions. Approved uses for ciclopirox are described below. These uses differ based on the form of ciclopirox prescribed.

Use for certain fungal infections

Doctors may prescribe ciclopirox topical gel for treating the following fungal infections:

• athlete’s foot
• ringworm

It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 16 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Doctors may prescribe ciclopirox topical cream and topical lotion for treating the following fungal infections:

• athlete’s foot
• jock itch
• ringworm
• tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches of skin)
• yeast infections of the skin

It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 10 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Doctors may prescribe ciclopirox topical liquid for treating fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With fungal infections of the skin and nails, a fungus causes symptoms that can vary with the site of infection. Nail infections can cause yellowish, thick, crumbly fingernails or toenails. Skin infections often cause redness or discoloration and itching. Common skin sites include the feet, groin, and skin folds. Using ciclopirox can help clear the infection and ease symptoms.

Use for seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)

Doctors may prescribe ciclopirox shampoo or gel for treating seborrheic dermatitis that affects your scalp (dandruff). It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 16 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition caused by inflammation. This inflammation may come from a fungus that usually lives on your skin. In some people, it can invade the skin and cause a reaction that leads to dandruff. With dandruff, dead skin cells flake off your scalp. You might see the flakes on your shoulders or clothing.  

Seborrheic dermatitis most commonly affects the scalp but can also affect other body areas. Ciclopirox shampoo and gel are only approved for treating seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp include:

• dandruff
• greasy, oily skin
• itchy skin
• hair loss

Side effects of ciclopirox

Ciclopirox may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of ciclopirox and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about ciclopirox’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for ciclopirox listed in the “Article resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of ciclopirox are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of ciclopirox you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about ciclopirox’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ciclopirox listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Ciclopirox topical shampoo’s mild side effects include:

• burning of the scalp
• itching of the scalp
• redness or discoloration of the scalp
• hair discoloration
• mild allergic reaction*

Ciclopirox topical cream’s mild side effects include:

• burning at the application site
• itching at the application site
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ciclopirox” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of ciclopirox are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of ciclopirox you use.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about ciclopirox’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for ciclopirox listed in the “Article resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, ciclopirox’s serious side effects include:

• severe irritation of the skin or scalp
• severe allergic reaction*

For ciclopirox topical shampoo, hair discoloration with lighter hair colors may also occur.

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for ciclopirox” section.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes ciclopirox’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about ciclopirox or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Are there any other medications you can prescribe for my condition?
• What are my options if I can’t afford my medication?
• How long do I need to use ciclopirox?

Resources

• Ciclopirox gel, 0.77%. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/808733e7-9402-4f9b-99ce-ca6d04ad4aee/spl-doc
• Ciclopirox olamine cream USP, 0.77%. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/92bb2354-5592-4f16-b193-f34306d7bc39/spl-doc
• Ciclopirox olamine topical suspension USP, 0.77%. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/29c638cd-b6cb-4e17-8cb3-636253a2e47c/spl-doc
• Ciclopirox shampoo, for topical use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c3722d52-407c-499b-a08b-b299609f203c/spl-doc
• Ciclopirox topical solution, 8%. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/efcd78c0-2426-4fcc-a1c8-527e4e6f99d3/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.