Penlac Nail Lacquer

0 Comments | Family Practice News, Feb 15, 2000 | by Elizabeth Mechcatie

(ciclopirox topical solution, 8%, Aventis)

An antifungal for immunocompetent patients with mild to moderate nail onychomycosis, without lunula involvement, due to Trichophyton rubrum. The first topical agent approved for nail onychomycosis.

* Recommended Dosage: Applied once a day like nail polish to affected nails and immediately adjacent skin; removed with alcohol once a week.

* Special Considerations: To be used as part of a comprehensive management program, including removal of the unattached, infected nail as often as monthly by a professional competent in managing nail disorders. Avoid using with systemic antifungals; no studies have assessed possible interactions with systemic drugs. No experience yet in type 2 diabetics.

* Comment: In two 48-week studies of patients with 20%-65% involvement of the great toenail plate, the proportion of "complete cures" (dear nail, negative mycology) or "almost clear" responders (10% or less nail involvement, negative mycology) was 12% or less, compared with less than 1% of those treated with vehicle. Available in March.