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Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Loprox and Equivalent

Loprox Information

Loprox (ciclopirox topical) is an antifungal medication available in various topical forms like cream, gel, lotion, and shampoo. It's primarily used to treat a variety of fungal and yeast infections of the skin, nails, and scalp. Common conditions it addresses include tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea corporis (ringworm), cutaneous candidiasis (yeast infection of the skin), and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Ciclopirox works by interfering with the synthesis of essential cellular components of fungi, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, as well as inhibiting certain enzymes. This disrupts the growth and replication of the fungal cells, leading to their eradication and resolution of the infection.

Loprox Side Effects

The most common side effects of Loprox may include mild irritation, itching, redness, burning, or stinging at the application site. These local skin reactions are usually mild and temporary. Other possible side effects include increased redness, swelling, or changes in hair colour (with shampoo). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions (e.g., severe rash, hives, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, difficulty breathing);
• Blistering or peeling of the skin at the application site;
• Severe burning, itching, or irritation that worsens after applying the medication;
• Signs of worsening infection (e.g., pus, fever, spreading redness) despite treatment.

Loprox Precautions

Do not use Loprox if you are allergic to ciclopirox or any of its ingredients. Before starting this medication, inform your doctor about your medical history, particularly if you have a compromised immune system or any other allergies. Loprox is for external use only and should not be used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse immediately with water. Do not apply to open wounds, severely irritated skin, or mucous membranes. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There are generally no significant systemic drug interactions with topical ciclopirox due to minimal systemic absorption. However, always inform your doctor about all topical products you are using, especially if they are applied to the same area of skin. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Loprox. The safety of topical ciclopirox during pregnancy has not been fully established. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Loprox. It is unknown if topical ciclopirox passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Your doctor will help you decide whether to continue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication. The safety and effectiveness of Loprox in pediatric patients have been established for specific forms and indications (e.g., for adolescents 13 years and older for seborrheic dermatitis shampoo, or children over 10 years for other topical forms, including creams). Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for use in children.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Loprox comes as a cream, gel, lotion, or shampoo. For skin infections, wash and gently dry the affected area of skin before applying the treatment. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected skin and the surrounding area, typically twice daily, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Rub it in gently and thoroughly. For seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, use the shampoo as directed, typically twice to three times per week. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve quickly. Stopping early can lead to the infection returning. The typical treatment duration varies by condition (e.g., 2-4 weeks for skin infections, up to 4 weeks for seborrheic dermatitis). If there is no improvement after a few weeks or if the disease worsens, contact your doctor. Store Loprox at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Loprox?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Loprox.