What Is Ciclopirox? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Ciclopirox is a prescription topical antifungal medication that's been used in the United States since the mid-1980s. It treats a wide range of fungal infections affecting the skin, scalp, and nails. In 2023 alone, more than 700,000 prescriptions were written for it in the U.S., making it one of the more widely used antifungal agents. Here's a complete plain-language guide to what ciclopirox is, what it treats, how to use it, and what to expect.

What Is Ciclopirox?

Ciclopirox is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antifungal agent in the hydroxypyridone class. It's unique among antifungals because its mechanism of action doesn't target ergosterol biosynthesis the way most other antifungals do — instead, it works by disrupting multiple essential cellular processes in fungi (see our how does ciclopirox work guide for more on mechanism). This makes it active against a wider range of organisms, including dermatophytes, yeasts (Candida), and some bacteria.

Brand names include Penlac (8% nail lacquer), Loprox (cream and shampoo), and Ciclodan (8% nail solution). Most patients now use generic ciclopirox, which is equally effective and significantly less expensive.

What Is Ciclopirox Used For?

Ciclopirox is FDA-approved for the following conditions:

Onychomycosis (nail fungus) — fungal infection of fingernails or toenails caused by Trichophyton rubrum; treated with the 8% nail lacquer solution

Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) — fungal infection between the toes and on the soles of the feet

Tinea cruris (jock itch) — fungal infection of the groin and inner thighs

Tinea corporis (ringworm) — fungal infection of the skin that doesn't involve the scalp, feet, or groin

Cutaneous candidiasis — yeast (Candida) infections of the skin, including skin folds

Tinea versicolor — a skin discoloration condition caused by Malassezia yeast

Seborrheic dermatitis — a common inflammatory scalp condition involving Malassezia yeast; treated with the 1% shampoo

What Formulations Does Ciclopirox Come In?

Cream 0.77%: Apply to affected skin twice daily for 2-4 weeks (varies by indication)

Gel 0.77%: Apply to affected skin or scalp twice daily; same indication as cream

Shampoo 1%: Apply to wet hair, lather, leave on scalp for 3 minutes, rinse; use twice weekly for 4 weeks

Topical suspension 0.77%: Liquid formulation for skin infections; applied twice daily

Nail lacquer solution 8% (Penlac, Ciclodan): Apply once daily to all affected nails; used for 48 weeks (up to 11 months) for nail fungus; remove weekly with alcohol; monthly nail debridement recommended

How Long Does Ciclopirox Take to Work?

Skin infections (cream, gel, lotion): May start improving within 1 week of starting treatment; full treatment typically 2-4 weeks.

Nail fungus (8% lacquer): May take at least 6 months before you notice visible improvement in nails; full treatment is 48 weeks. Complete nail clearance may not occur even with proper treatment.

Important Usage Tips

Complete the full course. Even if symptoms improve, stopping early increases the risk of the infection coming back — and can lead to resistance.

Keep affected areas dry. Fungi thrive in moist environments. Especially for athlete's foot, dry thoroughly between the toes after bathing.

No nail polish during nail lacquer treatment. Don't apply nail polish or artificial nails over treated nails — it blocks the medication's access to the nail bed.

Flammability warning. The 8% nail lacquer solution is flammable — do not use near flame or while smoking.

Want to understand how ciclopirox works? Read our guide on ciclopirox's mechanism of action. If you're having trouble filling your prescription, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to locate it in stock.