Loprox Lotion (Ciclopirox)

(℞) Prescription Required

Top Brand Choice
Top Generic Choice

Loprox Lotion 1%

Product of Canada
Manufactured by: Bausch Health Canada
*Product image for reference use only.
Select Quantity
Loprox Lotion 1%
Product of Canada
Manufactured by Bausch Health Canada
Select your dosage

Loprox Lotion (Ciclopirox) Dosage and Side Effects

LOPROX is an antifungal medication. LOPROX topical (for the skin) cream, gel, and lotion formulations are used to treat skin infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections.

Proper Use of this medication

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are using LOPROX to treat a hand condition.

To apply the cream, gel, or lotion:

  • Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cream (usually twice daily) for 2 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
  • Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate (occlusive dressings) on areas treated with LOPROX cream or lotion, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton).
  • If the infection does not clear up in 4 weeks, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor.

To use LOPROX shampoo:

  • Wet the hair and apply approximately 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of the shampoo to the scalp. Up to 2 teaspoons (10 mL) may be used for long hair. Lather and leave on the hair and scalp for 3 minutes. A timer may be used. Rinse off the shampoo after 3 minutes have passed.
  • Treatment should be repeated twice per week for 4 weeks, with a minimum of 3 days between applications. If no improvement is seen after 4 weeks of treatment, contact your doctor.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using LOPROX.

To use LOPROX nail lacquer:

  • Use on the nails and immediately surrounding skin only. Avoid contact with other areas. Remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or a nail file.
  • Apply LOPROX nail lacquer once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply the lacquer evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, apply the nail lacquer to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Allow the lacquer to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying the medication, wait 8 hours before taking a bath or shower.
  • Apply LOPROX nail lacquer daily over the previous coat. Once a week, remove the nail lacquer with alcohol. Remove as much as possible of the damaged nail using nail clippers or nail a file.
  • To prevent the screw cap from sticking to the bottle, do not allow the solution to get into the bottle treads. To prevent the solution from drying out, close the bottle tightly after every use.

Treatment with LOPROX nail lacquer may require several months before initial improvement of symptoms is noticed. Up to 48 weeks of daily application of the nail lacquer, monthly removal of the unattached infected nail by a health care professional, and weekly trimming by the patient may be required for complete treatment.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Store all forms of this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Once a bottle of LOPROX shampoo is opened, it should be used within 8 weeks.

LOPROX nail lacquer is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

An overdose of LOPROX topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using LOPROX and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, dryness, or irritation of treated skin; or
  • discoloration or other changes in the nails.

Less serious side effects may include mild burning, itching, or redness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Warnings and Precautions

You should not use LOPROX topical if you are allergic to it.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate (occlusive dressings) on areas treated with LOPROX cream or lotion, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

You should not use LOPROX if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely use LOPROX, tell your doctor if you have other medical conditions, especially:

  • diabetes;
  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  • a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicines).

FDA pregnancy category B. LOPROX topical is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether LOPROX topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interactions with this medication

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and inside of the mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with LOPROX topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with LOPROX nail lacquer.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied LOPROX. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Other related products

Sign up to receive exclusive discounts & offers, medication updates, & health news delivered to your inbox.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Back to top