Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects your nails. It’s more common in toenails than fingernails, but it can show up anywhere. One treatment option is Penlac (ciclopirox), a topical antifungal medication that’s applied directly to the infected nail.
If you’re curious about treating your nail fungus with Penlac, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the first is probably, “Can I buy Penlac nail lacquer over the counter?” This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Penlac, including how it’s used, precautions, and any possible side effects.
Ciclopirox and Penlac
If you’ve got a nail fungus, your doctor may suggest a prescription treatment like ciclopirox, also known as Penlac.
What is ciclopirox?
Ciclopirox is a kind of antifungal medication that comes in many forms, like a cream, gel, or even nail polish.
Ciclopirox works by getting in the way of a fungus’s metabolism, which stops it from growing.
Penlac is a type of ciclopirox
Penlac is a nail lacquer that contains 8% ciclopirox topical solution.
You apply it right onto the affected nails, like painting them with nail polish.
How to Use Penlac Nail Lacquer
Penlac is a prescription medication for mild to moderate onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) of the fingernails and toenails; however, other types of nail infections like Proximal Subungual Onychomycosis, may require alternative treatments.
How to apply
Before applying Penlac, remove any loose nail material with clippers or a nail file.
Then, apply Penlac evenly over the entire affected nail and also on the skin around the nail, about 5 mm (1/5 inch) out from the nail itself. Apply once a day, preferably at bedtime.
Allow the medication to dry thoroughly before you put on socks or stockings. It’s also important not to wash the treated areas for at least eight hours after applying Penlac.
How to maintain
Once a week, remove the lacquer with rubbing alcohol and trim your nails as needed.
Important Precautions and Warnings
Before you start using Penlac, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- Flammability: Penlac is flammable, so you need to keep it away from heat, open flames, and cigarettes, both while you’re applying it and right after.
- Contact with Mucous Membranes: Be careful not to get Penlac in your eyes, nose, mouth, or, uh, other delicate areas. If you do, rinse it off with plenty of water.
- Concomitant Use of Nail Products: Don’t use nail polish or other nail products on nails that you’re treating with Penlac.
- When to Consult a Doctor: If you have diabetes or nerve damage in your fingers or toes, talk to your doctor before using Penlac.
What are the side effects?
As with any medication, Penlac can cause side effects.
Common side effects
The most common side effects are mild and don’t last long. You may notice some burning, itching, redness, or irritation where you’ve applied the medication.
Serious side effects
In rare cases, Penlac can cause an allergic reaction. Get medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- blistering
- swelling
- difficulty breathing
Drug interactions
It’s best to avoid using other topical medications on the nails you’re treating with Penlac unless your doctor tells you it’s OK. You want to make sure that one treatment doesn’t interfere with the other.
Treatment Duration and Expectations
Be prepared to commit to the treatment plan for many months. It can take anywhere from several months to a year to see any noticeable improvement when using Penlac nail lacquer. You need to apply it regularly, even if you think your nail looks better.
It’s really important to stick to the treatment for as long as your doctor prescribed it, so you don’t end up with a resistant infection.
Follow up with your doctor if your nail looks worse or isn’t getting better after six months of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
While some people use hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy for toenail fungus, its effectiveness is debatable. It might help to lighten the nail and kill some surface bacteria, but it likely won’t penetrate deep enough to eradicate the infection. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proven treatments.
What is the strongest over-the-counter antifungal?
Several over-the-counter antifungal medications are available, but their strength varies, so it is important to understand potential risks and benefits, which you should also do if considering prescription medications such as Lamisil. Products containing ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine are generally considered among the more potent options. However, for severe or persistent infections, a prescription-strength antifungal may be necessary.
Why, for example, is Jublia 10% so expensive?
Jublia (efinaconazole) is a prescription antifungal medication often used for toenail fungus. Its high cost is often attributed to factors such as the research and development costs associated with bringing a new drug to market, patent protection, and the cost of marketing and distribution.
What size bottle does Penlac nail lacquer come in?
Penlac (ciclopirox) nail lacquer is typically available in a 6.6 mL bottle. This size is intended to provide a sufficient supply for the recommended treatment duration, which can be several months.
Can you buy tolcylen over-the-counter?
Tolcylen is a combination antifungal and nail renewal solution. It is available without a prescription. It often contains ingredients such as tolnaftate.
The Bottom Line
Penlac Nail Lacquer is a prescription topical medication that treats fungal infections of the nails. If you use Penlac, be sure to apply it correctly, and continue using it for as long as your doctor recommends. Also, be aware of the possible side effects.
If you think you have a fungal nail infection, talk to your doctor. They can diagnose your condition and decide whether Penlac is right for you.