Love our website? We do too. Did you know we're a charity? Donate now to help us keep it free for everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ciclopirox

Ciclopirox is also called Rejuvenail

Key points about ciclopirox

Ciclopirox is used to treat fungal infections in toenails or fingernails.
Ciclopirox is also called Rejuvenail®.
Find out how to apply it safely and possible side effects.

Print this page

Ciclopirox is used to treat fungal nail infections, of the toenail or fingernail. It works by killing the fungus. It belongs to a group of medicines known as antifungals.

In Aotearoa New Zealand it’s available as a liquid (8%) that's painted onto the nail. Ciclopirox can be bought from a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription or it can be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Ciclopirox isn’t 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 infections on the end, or on the surface of the nail, that aren’t very severe.

It’s not suitable if you are under 18 years of age or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ciclopirox is available as a medicated nail paint or lacquer.
Apply ciclopirox to the infected nail at bedtime.
Treat infected fingernails for 6 months, and infected toenails for 9 to 12 months.

The following is a guide for how often to apply ciclopirox:

First month: Apply every second (alternate) day.
Second month: Apply 2 times a week.
Third month onwards: Apply once a week.

If you have diabetes or problems with numbness in your toes or fingers, talk to your healthcare provider before using ciclopirox.

Before starting treatment, remove as much infected nail as possible using nail clippers or a nail file.
Apply ciclopirox to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply the paint evenly over the infected nail and 5 mm of skin around the nail. If you can, apply ciclopirox on the underside of the nail and the skin under the top of the nail.
Allow the paint to dry (about 30 seconds) before putting on socks, stockings or gloves.
After applying ciclopirox, wait 6 hours before taking a bath or shower.

What to know while you are using ciclopirox

Ciclopirox washes off in water so you don’t need to use nail polish remover or file the nail to remove the lacquer between applications.
Trim infected nails once a week using clean nail clippers or a nail file.
Avoid the use of cosmetic nail varnish (nail polish) or artificial nails during treatment with ciclopirox.
Keep using ciclopirox regularly: It may take a few months after you finish treatment to see the full benefit of ciclopirox. When used to treat nail infections, it takes time for your new healthy nails to grow out and replace the infected nails.
Storage: The lacquer should be stored with the bottle tightly closed. Keep it out of the reach of young children in a cool, dry place.

Like all medicines, ciclopirox 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 not common. Tell your healthcare provider if these bother you.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itches, swelling of the face, lips, mouth and tongue or problems breathing	This is rare. Stop using ciclopirox. Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.

Fungal nail infections (o nychomycosis)
Amorolfine

The following links have more information about ciclopirox. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

Rejuvenail(external link) Medsafe Consumer Patient Information NZ
Fungal nail infections(external link) DermNet, NZ
Fungal infections of the nail(external link) British Association of Dermatologists, UK