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Ciclopirox NL
Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits fungal enzyme systems by chelating polyvalent cations, disrupting cellular respiration and biosynthesis.
Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits fungal enzyme systems by chelating polyvalent cations, disrupting cellular respiration and biosynthesis. Used for Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), Tinea pedis (athlete's foot), Tinea corporis (ringworm).
At a glance
| Generic name | Ciclopirox NL |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer |
| Sponsor | Galderma R&D |
| Drug class | Topical antifungal agent |
| Target | Fungal cytochrome P450 enzymes (via metal ion chelation) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Dermatology/Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Ciclopirox works by forming a complex with iron and other metal ions essential for fungal cytochrome P450 enzyme function. This disrupts multiple metabolic pathways including energy production, nucleic acid synthesis, and cell wall integrity, making it effective against a wide range of fungi and some bacteria. The mechanism allows it to be used topically for superficial fungal infections with minimal systemic absorption.
Approved indications
- Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection)
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot)
- Tinea corporis (ringworm)
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Candidiasis (yeast infections)
- Pityriasis versicolor
Common side effects
- Local irritation or burning at application site
- Erythema
- Pruritus
- Contact dermatitis
Key clinical trials
- Treatment of Onychomycosis With Loceryl (Amorolfine) Nail Lacquer 5% Versus Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Ciclopirox NL CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Ciclopirox NL updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Galderma R&D portfolio CI