Penlac Nail Lacquer (Ciclopirox)

Do’s

• Before starting, remove loose nail material with clippers or a file. If you have diabetes or numb toes, consult your healthcare provider before trimming/filing your nails. They might need to do it for you.
• Use Penlac only on affected nails and surrounding skin (5mm or 1/5 inch) as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily at bedtime. Apply using the applicator to the entire nail, underside (if reachable), and surrounding skin.
• Allow 30 seconds for drying before putting on socks or stockings. Avoid washing the treated area for at least 8 hours.
• Every 7 days, remove Penlac with alcohol. Then, trim your nails and file away any loose material.
• Use Penlac regularly at the same time each day for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping early can cause the infection to return.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or doesn't improve after 6 months. Complete nail clearing can take up to a year.

Don'ts

• Don't apply near eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina: Avoid contact with these areas. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
• Use with cosmetics: Don't use nail polish or other cosmetic products on treated nails.
• Don't use near flame: Penlac is flammable, so avoid using it near heat or open flames.
• Don't stop early: Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to the recurrence of the infection.

Common side effects:

• Mild burning, itching, or redness
• Changes in the nails

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, dryness, or irritation of treated skin
• Discoloration or other changes in the nails
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Penlac nail lacquer,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies to ciclopirox (the active ingredient in Penlac) or its other ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing health conditions, especially diabetes or numbness in your fingers and toes (which can be a symptom of diabetic neuropathy).

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Penlac) before any surgery.

Discuss risks and benefits of Penlac with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It's unknown if Penlac passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Medications can interact with each other, affecting how they work or increasing the risk of side effects. Maintain a list of all medications you use, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products. Share this list with your healthcare provider. Never adjust your medication dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.