From the Guidelines
Ciclopirox can be used for fungal infections on fingers, specifically for the treatment of onychomycosis, with a recommended duration of treatment of up to 24 weeks. Ciclopirox is a hydroxypyridone derivative with broad-spectrum antifungal activity against various fungal species, including T. rubrum, S. brevicaulis and Candida species 1. The medication is available as an 8% lacquer, which is applied once daily to the infected nails and surrounding skin. Some key points to consider when using ciclopirox for fungal infections on fingers include:
- The recommended duration of treatment is up to 24 weeks on the fingernails 1
- Ciclopirox lacquer once daily was shown to be more effective than placebo in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis, with a mycological cure rate of 34% and a clinical cure rate of 8% 1
- Periungual and nail fold erythema are the most common side-effects of ciclopirox treatment 1 It is essential to follow the recommended treatment duration and application instructions to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize the risk of side effects. If symptoms worsen or don't improve after several weeks of treatment, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for reevaluation.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ciclopirox Topical Solution, 8%, (Nail Lacquer), as a component of a comprehensive management program, is indicated as topical treatment in immunocompetent patients with mild to moderate onychomycosis of fingernails and toenails without lunula involvement, due to Trichophyton rubrum
- Key points:
- Ciclopirox can be used for the treatment of onychomycosis of the fingernails.
- The treatment should be part of a comprehensive management program.
- The program includes removal of the unattached, infected nails as frequently as monthly, by a health care professional. Ciclopirox can be used for fingers, specifically for the treatment of mild to moderate onychomycosis of fingernails without lunula involvement, due to Trichophyton rubrum 2.
From the Research
Ciclopirox Use for Fingers
- Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity 3.
- The lotion and cream formulations of ciclopirox are effective in many types of infection, including tinea corporis/cruris, tinea pedis, cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and seborrheic dermatitis 3.
- However, the provided studies primarily focus on the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails, and do not specifically address the use of ciclopirox for fungal infections of the fingers.
- Nevertheless, given its broad-spectrum antifungal activity, ciclopirox may be used to treat fungal infections of the fingers, such as tinea manuum, which is a fungal infection of the palmar surface of the hand 3.
- It is essential to note that the effectiveness of ciclopirox for finger infections may vary depending on the specific type of infection and the formulation used 4, 5, 6, 7.
Formulations and Efficacy
- Ciclopirox 8% hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH) nail lacquer has been shown to be effective in treating mild-to-moderate fungal infections of the nails 4.
- The concentration of ciclopirox reached in subungual fluids after application of ciclopirox 8% HPCH was sufficient for inhibiting fungal growth 4.
- Poloxamer 407-based formulations containing ciclopirox olamine have been found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of Trichophyton rubrum, a common causative agent of onychomycosis 5.
- Combining terbinafine with amorolfine or ciclopirox may have additive or synergistic effects against pathogenic fungi in onychomycosis 6.
Safety and Tolerability
- Ciclopirox 8% HPCH has been found to be generally well tolerated, with no treatment-related adverse events reported in patients using this nail lacquer 4.
- The safety and tolerability of ciclopirox for finger infections may be similar to those observed for nail infections, but this has not been specifically studied 3, 7.