Ciclopirox is NOT Used for Psoriasis
Ciclopirox is a topical antifungal agent with no established role in psoriasis treatment. The evidence provided discusses cyclosporine (also spelled ciclosporin), which is an entirely different medication—an immunosuppressive agent approved for severe psoriasis 1.
Critical Distinction Between Two Different Medications
- Ciclopirox is a hydroxypyridone antifungal agent used for dermatophyte infections, onychomycosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and vaginal candidiasis 2
- Cyclosporine/Ciclosporin is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant used for severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis 1, 3
These are completely unrelated drugs with different mechanisms, indications, and chemical structures 2, 4.
Why Ciclopirox Has No Role in Psoriasis
- Ciclopirox works by chelating trivalent metal cations to inhibit metal-dependent enzymes in fungal cells, making it purely antimicrobial 2
- While ciclopirox demonstrates mild anti-inflammatory effects through scavenging reactive oxygen species, these effects are minimal and have only been shown in small biochemical studies—not in psoriasis treatment 2
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune T-cell mediated disease requiring immunosuppression or immunomodulation, not antifungal therapy 4
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The similar spelling of "ciclopirox" and "ciclosporin" creates confusion, but prescribing ciclopirox for psoriasis would be a medication error. If you intended to ask about cyclosporine for psoriasis, that is a well-established treatment with strong evidence 1, 3, 5.
What IS Used for Psoriasis
If seeking systemic therapy for severe psoriasis, the British Association of Dermatologists recommends cyclosporine (not ciclopirox) at 2.5-5 mg/kg/day, achieving 50-70% PASI 75 response within 8-16 weeks 1, 5. However, this requires careful monitoring for nephrotoxicity and hypertension 1, 6.