Amorolfine

Amorolfine is also called MycoNail or Loceryl.

Key points about amorolfine

  • Amorolfine is used to treat fungal nail infections of the toenail or fingernail.
  • It belongs to a group of medicines called antifungals.
  • Amorolfine is also called MycoNail or Loceryl.
  • Find out how to apply it safely and possible side effects.
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Amorolfine is used to treat some types of fungal nail infections, of the toenail or fingernail. It works by stopping the growth of the fungus. It is one of a group of medicines known as antifungals.

Amorolfine is not effective for all fungal nail infections – it may not be effective if the infection is present in the deeper part of the nail. It's best used for superficial fungal infections (infections on the surface of the nail), that are not very severe. Amorolfine can be bought from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. It is available as a liquid that is painted on to the nail. 

  • Amorolfine is available as a medicated clear nail paint or lacquer.
  • Apply amorolfine to the infected nail once or twice a week.
  • Treat infected fingernails for 6 months, and infected toenails for 9 to 12 months. 

  • Before applying amorolfine file down the infected areas of the nail using a nail file.
  • Clean the nail surface with a cleaning pad or cotton wool. Do this each time just before you apply amorolfine and file if needed to remove any remaining lacquer.
  • Using the spatula provided, apply the amorolfine paint over the entire surface of the infected nail. Do not apply to the skin around the nail.
  • Allow the paint to dry for about 3 to 5 minutes. 
  • Avoid the use of cosmetic nail varnish (nail polish), artificial nails or dressings over the nail during treatment with amorolfine.  
  • It may take several months after you finish treatment to see the full benefit of amorolfine. When used to treat nail infections, it takes time for your new healthy nails to grow out and replace the infected nails.

Like all medicines, amorolfine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects What should I do?
  • Burning feeling around the treated nail
  • Redness or itching of the skin around the nail
  • These are quite common when you first start using amorolfine and usually go away with time. Do not apply to the skin around the nail.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist if troublesome.
Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.

Loceryl(external link) Medsafe consumer information
Fungal infections of the nail(external link) British Association of Dermatologists

References

  1. Amorolfine(external link) NZ Formulary
  2. Loceryl(external link) Medsafe datasheet

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Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.

Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland

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