Ciclopirox, known by the brand name Penlac, is the only FDA approved topical (brush-on) treatment for nail fungus. It was approved in December 1999. Penlac is a lacquer which is applied to the nails with a brush. The treatment regimen is quite strict. First, all infected nail is to be removed, without harming the skin or nail bed. It then calls for strict and regular daily application of the solution to the entire nail and surrounding skin, covering the previous layer. Each week, the layers of existing lacquer are supposed to be removed with alcohol. The nail is then to be trimmed again, and as much as possible of the nail fungus section is removed. This is the basic cycle that the treatment regimen consists of.
The frequency and method of removal of infected nail seems to be somewhat open to interpretation by your physician. The removal may be performed monthly by your doctor, but this probably needs to be determined on an individual basis. Like most nail fungus treatments, penlac can take a very long time to be effective. Six months for fingernails, and up to 48 weeks of treatment for toenail fungus should be expected.
Penlac may be a good option for people who can't use Lamisil or other prescription oral tablets. Since it is a brush-on medication, it generally has less side effects than systemic treatments. People who have liver problems are not supposed to take Lamisil, so this medication may be a viable alternative. However, Penlac is still a prescription medication, meaning that you need to tell your doctor about ANY medical conditions you have ,or drugs you are taking.
