Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that can affect either your fingernails or your toenails. It can cause your nails to thicken, discolor, or even crumble.
If you’ve been diagnosed with onychomycosis, your doctor may have prescribed Penlac nail polish, also known as ciclopirox topical. Penlac is an antifungal medication that you apply directly to your nails.
This article will give you a complete overview of Penlac, including what it’s used for, how to apply it, what precautions to take, and what side effects you might experience.
Understanding Penlac Nail Lacquer
If you’re dealing with a stubborn nail fungus, your doctor may prescribe Penlac nail lacquer.
What is Penlac?
Penlac is a topical solution that contains 8% ciclopirox, an antifungal medicine.
It’s formulated as a lacquer, or nail polish, that you apply directly to the affected nail.
How Penlac Works
Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal. That means it works against a variety of different fungi by stopping their growth.
When you apply Penlac to your nail, it delivers the antifungal medicine right to the infection site.
Uses of Penlac Nail Lacquer
Penlac nail polish is primarily used to treat onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects your fingernails or toenails.
Typically, doctors will prescribe Penlac for mild to moderate cases of onychomycosis. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor before starting treatment. You want to be sure that the problem is actually a fungal infection and not something else that looks similar, like nail psoriasis.
How to apply Penlac
Penlac is a topical treatment for toenail fungus. Here’s what you should know about how to apply it.
Preparing the nail
Before each application, you’ll need to get your nail ready.
- Trim away any loose nail material.
- Make sure your nail is clean and dry.
Application instructions
- Apply Penlac once a day, preferably before bed.
- Spread the medication evenly over the entire affected nail and on 5 millimeters (1/5 of an inch) of the skin around the nail.
- Let the medication dry completely before you put on socks or stockings.
How long to use Penlac
It can take up to a year for Penlac to clear up a nail infection or almost clear it up. Be patient and consistent with your applications. It’s important to keep using the medication, even if you think your symptoms are getting better.
Weekly maintenance
Once a week, you’ll need to remove the lacquer with alcohol and trim your infected nails as short as you can.
Precautions and Warnings
Before you use Penlac, you should know about some precautions and warnings.
General Precautions
- Keep Penlac away from your eyes, nose, mouth, and vagina. If you get it in any of those places, flush thoroughly with water.
- Penlac is flammable. Don’t store it near heat or an open flame.
- Don’t use regular nail polish or other topical medications on the nails you’re treating with Penlac.
Medical Conditions
If you have diabetes or nerve damage in your fingers or toes, talk to your doctor before using Penlac.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant, you should only use Penlac if you really need it. Ask your doctor for advice.
If you’re breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using Penlac.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your condition gets worse or doesn’t get better after you’ve been using Penlac for 6 months, follow up with your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Penlac?
Like all medications, Penlac can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Some people may experience mild reactions where they put the medicine on, like:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Irritation
Also, your nail itself may change color or shape.
Serious side effects
If you have an allergic reaction, get medical help right away. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:
- Blistering
- Swelling
- Rash
- Trouble breathing
Is Penlac right for me?
Your doctor prescribed this medicine because they believe it will help you and that the benefits are greater than the risks of side effects. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Drug Interactions
Because Penlac is a topical nail polish, it doesn’t have many known drug interactions. Still, you should avoid using other topical creams or medications on the same area of the nail unless your doctor tells you to.
As always, let your doctor know about everything you’re taking, just to be safe!
Penlac: Overdose and storage
Overdose
Because you apply Penlac right on your toenail, it’s highly unlikely you’d overdose on it. However, if you swallow a large amount of Penlac nail lacquer, call your doctor or get medical help right away.
Storage
Store Penlac nail lacquer at room temperature, and keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. Be sure to properly dispose of any unused medication or medication that has expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Penlac or Jublia?
“Better” really depends on the individual and the severity of the fungal infection. Penlac (ciclopirox) is a topical nail lacquer, while Jublia (efinaconazole) is also topical but often considered more effective for some due to its ability to penetrate the nail better. A doctor can help determine which is most suitable for your specific situation.
What is the strongest over-the-counter medicine for toenail fungus?
There aren’t really strong over-the-counter options for toenail fungus. Most OTC treatments have limited effectiveness because they struggle to penetrate the nail. Look for products containing ingredients like tolnaftate or undecylenic acid, but keep in mind that prescription treatments are often necessary for stubborn infections.
Who should not use ciclopirox?
You shouldn’t use ciclopirox (Penlac) if you’re allergic to it or any of its ingredients. It’s also important to discuss with your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions before starting treatment.
What works better than ciclopirox?
Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are generally considered more effective than ciclopirox for treating toenail fungus. Jublia (efinaconazole) is another topical option that may offer better results for some. Laser therapy is also a growing option.
Is there a nail polish called ciclopirox?
Yes, ciclopirox is available as a medicated nail lacquer, and the brand name for that is Penlac. It’s applied like regular nail polish and works to kill the fungus directly on the nail.
Key Takeaways
Penlac nail polish, like Medinail Spray, can be an effective treatment for nail fungus when you use it the right way. It’s important to be consistent and use the product exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you think you have a nail infection, or if you have any questions about using Penlac, talk with your doctor.