What are the directions for use of ciclopirox olamine?

How should ciclopirox olamine be applied to the skin in the event of a cutaneous infection?

The ciclopirox olamine is a broad-spectrum antifungal commonly used to treat cutaneous infections caused by fungi, yeasts or dermatophytes. It is effective against conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, intertrigo, a mycosis of the skin folds, candidiasis and athlete’s foot. The mechanism of action of ciclopirox olamine relies on its ability to disrupt the intracellular homeostasis of fungi via the chelation of essential metal cations required for their metabolism, such as iron. It also possesses anti-inflammatory activity that helps relieve symptoms such as redness and itching.

The ciclopirox olamine is typically formulated as a cream or emulsion. It is applied once or twice daily, usually in the morning and/or evening, to clean, dry skin for several weeks until the infection resolves. Concurrently, we recommend covering not only the affected area but also a small margin of surrounding healthy skin to prevent spread. Once the infection is controlled, a maintenance application of the ciclopirox olamine treatment once weekly is generally recommended.

Note : The ciclopirox olamine must not be applied to open wounds or mucous membranes. Regarding pregnancy, the available data have not shown any teratogenic risk or proven harm associated with its use during this period, but as a precautionary measure it is preferable to seek prior medical advice.

What is the use of ciclopirox olamine for the scalp and dandruff?

The ciclopirox olamine is also highly prevalent in hair care and is commonly applied to the scalp to combat certain fungal disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, or simply to treat dandruff. Thanks to its antifungal and anti-inflammatory actions, ciclopirox olamine effectively reduces itching, scaling and redness typical of these conditions. As a reminder, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis result from a scalp imbalance associated with accelerated cellular turnover, leading to an accumulation of scales on the surface and promoting the proliferation of yeasts of the genus Malassezia.

Note : Ciclopirox olamine is an active agent intended for application to the scalp rather than to the hair lengths.

Ciclopirox olamine is generally supplied in the form of a shampoo. It is applied directly to the wet scalp, where it is gently massaged to achieve uniform distribution. It should be left in place for 3 to 5 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. During the initial treatment phase, it is used two to three times per week, then reduced to once weekly for maintenance, in accordance with medical guidance and symptom severity. The use of ciclopirox olamine shampoos must remain confined to the scalp: these products are not intended for use on the face or other areas of the body.

Ciclopirox olamine: how to use it against nail fungal infections?

Finally, it is possible to use the ciclopirox olamine in cases of onychomycosis, that is a fungal infection of the nail, whether caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or moulds. The value of this active agent lies in its ability to penetrate nail keratin to reach the pathogen while limiting inflammation of the nail matrix. Ciclopirox olamine is generally formulated as a medicated nail lacquer, applied directly to the affected nail. This treatment is often preferred in moderate, localised forms of nail mycosis, particularly when only one or two nails are affected, or as an adjunct to an oral antifungal to optimise results

Ciclopirox olamine nail lacquers are generally applied in a thin layer to each previously cleaned infected nail, once daily, preferably in the evening to allow for optimal nocturnal absorption. Once a week, it is recommended to use a nail polish remover to remove the film-forming layer on the nail surface that could, over time, impede the penetration of ciclopirox olamine. At this time, it is also advisable to trim and file the nails. Management of onychomycosis is often lengthy: the application of the medicated lacquer must be continued without interruption for several months, typically three months for a fingernail and six months for a toenail, depending on the rate of regrowth. Throughout this period, the use of cosmetic nail lacquers is, of course, contraindicated.