Allergic Reactions
Do not use Penlac if you are allergic to ciclopirox or any ingredient in the medication.
Stop using it and contact your healthcare provider if you develop significant itching, swelling, redness, or a rash. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing.
Drug Interactions
Because Penlac is applied to the nail, only a small amount of ciclopirox is absorbed into the body, so significant drug interactions are not expected.
However, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications and products you use, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Skin and Nail Irritation
Penlac may cause mild irritation around the treated nail.
Possible side effects include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Swelling
- Irritation of the surrounding skin
Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms become severe, do not improve, or continue to get worse.
Treatment May Take Several Months
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat because nails grow slowly.
It may take several months before you notice clear improvement. Continue using Penlac for the full treatment period recommended by your healthcare provider.
If the infection does not improve or becomes worse, your healthcare provider may recommend another treatment.
Pregnancy
There is limited information about the use of topical ciclopirox during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before using Penlac. Your provider can help determine whether the benefits of treatment outweigh any possible risks.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether ciclopirox from Penlac passes into breast milk in clinically significant amounts.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using Penlac while breastfeeding.
Apply Only to the Nail Area
Penlac should be applied only to the affected nail and the skin immediately surrounding it.
Avoid applying it to other areas of the skin. Do not get the medication in your eyes, mouth, or inside your nose.
If significant skin irritation develops, contact your healthcare provider.
Nail Removal and Professional Nail Care
In some cases, infected or loose nail material may need to be trimmed, filed, or removed by a healthcare professional as part of treatment.
Do not try to remove large portions of the nail yourself unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.
Preventing the Infection From Returning
Fungal nail infections can come back after treatment.
To help reduce the risk of another infection, keep your nails clean, dry, and properly trimmed. Avoid sharing nail clippers or files, change damp socks regularly, and wear footwear in public showers or changing areas.
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