Ciclopirox skin cream or gel

What is this medicine?

CICLOPIROX (sye kloe PEER ox) is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat certain kinds of fungal or yeast infections of the skin.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. If treating infections on the hand, only wash hands before use. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not use an airtight bandage to cover the affected area unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Use at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think you are better. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age or older for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• skin peeling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• mild burning, stinging, itching, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation

• redness of skin

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products without telling your doctor or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or take extra doses without advice.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• large areas of burned or damaged skin

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ciclopirox, mineral oil, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or of they get worse.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly. If your skin infection returns after you stop using this medicine, contact your doctor or health care professional.

If you are using this medicine for jock itch, do not wear underwear that is tight-fitting or made from synthetic fibers such as rayon or nylon. Instead, wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear. Dry the area completely after bathing.

If you are using this medicine to treat athlete's foot, carefully dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing. Do not wear socks made from wool or synthetic materials such as rayon or nylon. Wear clean cotton socks and change them daily or more if your feet sweat a lot. Try wearing sandals or shoes that are well-ventilated.

An absorbent powder such as talcum powder or an antifungal powder may be applied to the skin to keep it dry. Apply the powder to the affected skin in between applications of this medicine.

Tinea versicolor (sun fungus) may cause you to have patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin areas. Treatment with this medicine will not restore normal skin coloring right away. It may take a few months for the skin appearance to improve.