Loprox Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Loprox Cream is a prescription topical antifungal medicine containing ciclopirox. It is applied to the skin to treat certain fungal and yeast infections, including athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm, and tinea versicolor. It is typically applied twice a day, and common side effects include mild burning, stinging, redness, or itching at the application site.

What is Loprox Cream

Loprox Cream is a prescription antifungal cream containing ciclopirox. It is applied to the skin to treat certain fungal and yeast infections.

Loprox Cream uses

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
• Jock itch (tinea cruris)
• Ringworm (tinea corporis)
• Skin yeast infection (cutaneous candidiasis) caused by Candida albicans
• Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor, a yeast skin infection

Benefits of Loprox Cream

• Treats fungal skin infections.
• Helps relieve itching.
• Reduces redness and irritation caused by fungus.
• Treats athlete's foot.
• Helps treat ringworm and other susceptible fungal infections.

How Loprox Cream works

Ciclopirox works by binding to certain metal ions that fungi need. This blocks enzymes the fungus needs to break down harmful peroxides inside its cells, which stops the fungus from growing.

Loprox Cream dosage

Clean and dry the affected area before applying. Gently massage the cream into the affected area and the surrounding skin twice a day, in the morning and evening. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings that block air circulation unless your doctor tells you to. Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably cotton, over treated areas.

Keep using the cream for the full time your doctor prescribed, even if your symptoms improve earlier. Tell your doctor if there is no improvement after four weeks of treatment. This product has not been studied for use in children under 10 years old. Wash your hands before and after use, unless you are treating a hand condition.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (0.77%)
• Cream (1.0%)
• Gel
• Shampoo
• Topical solution (nail lacquer)

Side effects of Loprox Cream

Common

• Mild burning at the application site
• Stinging at the application site
• Redness at the application site
• Itching at the application site

Serious

• Blistering at the application site
• Swelling at the application site
• Oozing at the application site
• Increased irritation suggesting sensitization
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, or trouble breathing

Warnings and precautions

• Do not get this cream in your eyes; it is not meant for use in or around the eyes.
• Do not use this cream if you are allergic to ciclopirox or any of the other ingredients in the product.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
• Avoid covering the treated skin with airtight bandages or dressings unless your doctor says to.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system before using this medicine, as these conditions may need to be considered.
• There is not enough research in pregnant women to know for certain how this medicine affects pregnancy. It should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides the benefit is worth the possible risk.
• It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Caution is advised if you use it while breastfeeding, and you should tell your doctor if you are nursing.
• Stop using it if severe irritation, swelling, or rash develops.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
• It isn't known whether alcohol affects this medicine, but drinking heavily can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight the infection.
• Do not cover the treated area with a tight bandage unless advised.

Storage

• Store at 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C).
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store away from moisture, heat, and light.

When to see a doctor

• Stop using the cream and get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Contact your doctor if the treated skin becomes more irritated, with increased redness, itching, burning, blistering, swelling, or oozing, which could mean you are becoming sensitized to the medicine.
• Tell your doctor if your infection has not improved after four weeks of treatment, since the diagnosis may need to be reviewed.
• If someone swallows this medicine by accident, get emergency medical help or contact a poison control center right away.

Alternatives

• Econazole
• Ketoconazole
• Clotrimazole