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Home > Drug Category > Anti-Fungal > Loceryl Nail Lacquer and Equivalent

Loceryl Nail Lacquer (Amorolfine) Information

Loceryl Nail Lacquer (amorolfine), an antifungal agent belonging to the morpholine class, is formulated as a 5% nail lacquer. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) affecting the fingernails and toenails, caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and moulds. This medication is typically available over-the-counter (OTC). Loceryl is designed to create a drug reservoir within the nail, allowing the medication to penetrate the hard nail plate and reach the nail bed where the fungal infection is established. The treatment regimen requires once-weekly application for an extended duration—typically six months for fingernails and nine to twelve months for toenails—due to the slow growth rate of nails.

The mechanism of action for amorolfine is fungicidal (killing the fungus). It is highly effective due to its interference with the fungal cell membrane. Amorolfine achieves this by blocking key steps in the production of ergosterol, the primary fatty substance required to build the fungal cell wall. Specifically, the drug has a unique, multi-target action: it interferes with the enzymes delta-14-reductase and delta-7-isomerase, and in some fungal species, it also inhibits squalene epoxidase. By preventing the fungus from manufacturing vital ergosterol, amorolfine causes the accumulation of an abnormal, toxic sterol called ignosterol within the fungal cell instead. This severely compromises the membrane's structure, permeability, and function, leading directly to the death of the fungal organism. Because Loceryl is a topical lacquer, systemic absorption is extremely low.

Loceryl Nail Lacquer Side Effects

As a topical medication applied to the nails, Loceryl's side effects are generally localized to the immediate application site. Common side effects are typically mild and rare, including minor burning, itching, or stinging sensations, as well as redness (erythema) of the skin immediately following application. The nail itself may exhibit symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from the underlying fungal infection, such as discolouration, brittleness, or breakage.

However, more serious side effects can occur, although they are infrequent due to the minimal systemic absorption of the drug. Suppose any of the following symptoms are experienced. In that case, the patient should stop applying the medication, remove the lacquer, and seek immediate medical attention:

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A delayed hypersensitivity reaction characterized by severe irritation, blistering, severe redness, or acute inflammation of the skin immediately surrounding the treated nail.

• Hypersensitivity/Systemic Allergic Reaction: Although infrequent, systemic reactions (e.g., severe rash, facial swelling, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing) are possible in highly sensitive individuals.

• Nail Dystrophy/Deterioration: In rare cases, the use of the lacquer may be associated with more severe nail damage, such as significant discolouration or detachment of the nail plate (onycholysis).

Loceryl Nail Lacquer Precautions

Loceryl (amorolfine) is for external use on the nails only and must not be used on the skin, eyes, ears, or mucous membranes. Because the lacquer contains ethanol (alcohol), it is flammable. It must be kept away from heat, open flames, or any source of ignition, including a lighted cigarette or hair dryer, during application and while drying. Before each application, the nail must be correctly prepared by filing the infected areas and cleaning the nail surface with a provided alcohol swab. This swab serves to clean and degrease the nail, and crucially, to remove the residue of the previous week's lacquer layer, which is necessary for effective drug penetration with the new dose. Files used on infected nails should never be used on healthy nails or other patients' nails to prevent the spread of the fungus.

Additionally, artificial nails must not be used during treatment. While patients must wear impermeable gloves when handling organic solvents (such as paint thinners) to prevent the solvents from removing the lacquer, they can use cosmetic nail polish to apply it. However, it should only be applied at least 10 minutes after Loceryl has dried and must be removed before the next Loceryl application. Patients should consult a doctor if the infection involves more than two nails, is widespread/severe, or shows no sign of improvement after three months of treatment. Consultation is also required if the patient suffers from diabetes, a weakened immune system, or poor blood circulation in the hands and feet. Loceryl is generally not recommended for use in children, or in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and should only be used in these groups under the direct supervision and advice of a healthcare professional.

Do I need a prescription to order Loceryl Nail Lacquer?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Loceryl Nail Lacquer.