ciclopirox

This medication is used to treat a certain scalp condition (seborrheic dermatitis). Ciclopirox is an antifungal drug that works by stopping the growth of fungus.

This medication is for use on the hair and scalp only.

Wet hair and scalp with water. Apply about one teaspoonful (5 milliliters) of this product to wet hair and massage it over your entire scalp until it forms a lather. For long hair, two teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) of the product may be used. Leave the medication on the scalp and hair for 3 minutes. Then rinse the medication off completely.

Avoid getting this medication in the eyes, nose, mouth, or vaginal area. If you do get medication into these areas, rinse with plenty of water.

Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times a week with at least 3 days between each use.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Mark the days on the calendar when you need to use the medication.

Continue to use this medication for the full amount of time prescribed, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after 4 weeks.

Burning, redness, or itching at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

In people with light-colored hair, changes in hair color have rarely occurred.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blistering/swelling/oozing at the application site.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using ciclopirox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to catch up. Wait at least 3 days between uses of the drug. If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.