Ciclopirox olamine: in which products can it be found?

The ciclopirox olamine is a hydroxypyridinone derivative with antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts by disrupting iron metabolism within fungal cells, inhibiting the synthesis of enzymes essential for their survival. Unlike many antifungal agents that target cell membranes, ciclopirox has a broader mechanism of action, making the development of resistance difficult. Furthermore, ciclopirox olamine is recognised as a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. Thanks to this favourable pharmacological profile, the ciclopirox olamine is included in several products designed to combat the skin or nail mycoses, dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis.

• Ciclopirox olamine shampoos.

  Ciclopirox olamine is primarily incorporated into antifungal shampoos, often at a 1% concentration. These treatments are intended for scalps affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis or exhibiting dandruff. As a reminder, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis arise from a scalp imbalance associated with accelerated cellular renewal, resulting in a build-up of scales on the surface and promoting the proliferation of yeasts of the genus Malassezia. Ciclopirox olamine can act on these various parameters, hence its presence in anti-dandruff shampoos.

  Shampoos containing ciclopirox olamine are generally used two to three times a week initially, then, once the dandruff has subsided, a weekly application is sufficient to prevent relapses.

• Ciclopirox olamine serums or scalp lotions.

  Ciclopirox olamine can also be found in hair serums or leave-in lotions. These rinse-free formulations provide prolonged contact with the scalp, thereby ensuring extended antifungal activity. Ciclopirox olamine serums or lotions may also be particularly useful for individuals with a sensitive or very dry scalp who cannot tolerate frequent washing but still suffer from dandruff.

• Ciclopirox olamine creams.

  In dermatology, ciclopirox olamine is also present in creams designed to treat fungal infections, whether they occur on the face or in intimate areas (vulvar mycoses). These treatments are often formulated at 1% concentration and applied to clean, dry skin.

  The duration of use of ciclopirox olamine creams varies with the severity of the infection, but generally they are applied twice daily for three weeks.

• Ciclopirox olamine nail lacquer.

  In the context of onychomycoses, that is, nail mycoses, the ciclopirox olamine is available in the form of medical nail lacquers, typically at 8%. This formulation allows localised application and progressive penetration of the active ingredient through the nail plate to the nail bed. Thanks to its antifungal properties and its strong adherence to keratin, ciclopirox olamine can treat the infection without the need to file the nail. Ciclopirox olamine medical lacquers are particularly valuable in moderate cases of onychomycosis or as an adjunct to oral antifungal therapy.

  Ciclopirox olamine nail varnishes are applied once daily to each infected nail for three to six months.

• ROSENMAN D. & al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a ciclopirox olamine 1% shampoo for the treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2000).

• BARAN R. & al. Ciclopirox nail lacquer topical solution 8% in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2000).

• PLOTT T. & al. Ciclopirox: A broad-spectrum antifungal with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. International Journal of Dermatology (2004).

• BUDZISZ E. & al. Ciclopirox and ciclopirox olamine: Antifungal agents in dermatology with expanding therapeutic potential. Applied Sciences (2024).