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Fungal Infections - Patient's guide

Penlac® (Ciclopirox)

Clotrimazole

Azole: a broad spectrum antifungal developed in 1967. It was one of the first azoles to be developed. Formulations are now generic in a number of countries.
It is effective against Candida albicans and the dermatophytes. Its action is fungistatic or fungicidal, depending upon the concentration used.
This azole drug is available in a variety of dosage forms, including oral lozenges and vaginal formulations. It is also available in a variety of combinations with antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Trade Name:

  • Canesten* Bayer
  • Mycelex* Bayer
  • Desenex* Novartis

Oral:

  • Lozenges: Clotrimazole 10 mg Mycelex*
  • Topical: Cream: Clotrimazole 1% Desenex* Lotrimin*
            - Lotion: Clotrimazole 1% Desenex* Lotrimin*
            - Solution: Clotrimazole 1% Desenex*

Used for

  • Tinea corporis
  • Tinea cruris
  • Tinea pedis
  • Pityriasis versicolor
  • Cutaneous candidiasis
  • Nail and skin infections, fungal or gram positive

Therapeutic Regimen

Adult

Pediatric

Dermatomycoses

Clotrimazole 1% cream, solution, or lotion bid x14-28d, apply in a thin layer to the affected area and surrounding skin.

  • Topical preparations should not be used in children < 2 years old
  • Vaginal preparations are not recommended for children < 12 years old
  • Lozenges should not be used in children < 5 years old


Safety Information

  • Avoid applying dressings that seal the area
  • Elevated liver function tests have been observed in patients using Clotrimazole lozenges.

Side Effects

Local cutaneous effects may include irritation, hypersensitivity, burning, pruritus, erythema, fissuring, or swelling.

FDA Pregnancy Category C
Oral formulation shows toxicity in animal trials. Use is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.

Mechanism of Action / Pharmacokinetics

Clotrimazole damages the fungal cell wall and alters the permeability. It also inhibits the activity of intracellular enzymes, leading to a buildup of toxic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide within the fungal cell, causing death of the cell. Systemic absorption is minimal.

Penlac® (Ciclopirox)

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  • INTRODUCTION
    Penlac is the first topical anti-fungal preparation approved specifically for the treatment of onychomycosis. The product was available for use in Canada in...   |   Read more ...


  • DRUG
    Ciclopiroxs' mechanism of action is fungicidal by affecting intracellular metabolic processes reducing the organisms ability to process nutrients and detoxify toxic metabolites...   |   Read more ...


  • DELIVERY SYSTEM
    Ciclopirox is incorporated into a clear nail lacquer at an 8% concentration which is applied directly onto the nail plate.This transungual delivery system is unique allowing...   |   Read more ...


  • PHARMACOKINETICS
    The penetration of ciclopirox through the nail plate is well documented by invitro studies utilizing cow horn and sheep and bovine nailplate. Studies of penetration in human finger and...   |   Read more ...


  • APPLICATION TECHNIQUE
    Ciclopirox nail lacquer (Penlac) is applied evenly by brush to the entire nail plate including the undersurface at the distal end and at the sites of onycholysis...   |   Read more ...


  • CLINICAL EFFICACY
    The two pivotal US trials were double blind placebo controlled trials involving 549 patients randomized 1:1, placebo:drug who applied ciclopirox daily for 48 weeks to their great toenails...   |   Read more ...


  • SAFETY
    The data gathered from clinical trials and post-marketing reports have not shown any significant systemic side effects related to the topical application of Penlac nail lacquer...   |   Read more ...


  • PATIENT SELECTION
    In my experience, the patients most likely to have the best experience and be most successful with the use of Penlac are...   |   Read more ...

View the entire Penlac® (Ciclopirox) presentation.