Ciclopirox

The Basics

What is Ciclopirox?

An antifungal medication that works by stopping the growth of fungus.

Brand names for Ciclopirox

Loprox

How Ciclopirox is classified

Anti-Infective Agents, Antifungal Agents

Ciclopirox During Pregnancy

Ciclopirox pregnancy category

Category BNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Ciclopirox while pregnant

Reproduction studies of ciclopirox revealed no significant evidence of impaired fertility in rats exposed orally up to 5 mg/kg body weight (approximately 5 times the maximum recommended topical human dose based on surface area). No fetotoxicity was shown due to ciclopirox in the mouse, rat, rabbit, and monkey at oral doses up to 100, 30, 30, and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively (approximately 37.5, 30, 44, and 77 times the maximum recommended topical human dose based on surface area). By the dermal route of administration, no fetotoxicity was shown due to ciclopirox in the rat and rabbit at doses up to 120 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively (approximately 121 and 147 times, respectively, the maximum recommended topical human dose based on surface area). There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of topically applied ciclopirox in pregnant women. LOPROX® Gel (ciclopirox gel) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Taking Ciclopirox While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ciclopirox?

Topical ciclopirox has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only about 1.3% is absorbed after topical application, it is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1] Avoid application to the nipple area and ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Topical ciclopirox has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only about 1.3% is absorbed after topical application, it is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1] Avoid application to the nipple area and ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream or gel products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2]

Possible effects of Ciclopirox on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Ciclopirox

Efinaconazole, Tavaborole, Terbinafine.