Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum topical antifungal agent used to treat mild to moderate onychomycosis of fingernails and toenails in immunocompetent patients. Ciclopirox olamine (used in preparations called Batrafen, Loprox, Mycoster, Penlac and Stieprox) is a synthetic antifungal agent for topical dermatologic treatment of superficial mycoses.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Unlike antifungals such as itraconazole and terbinafine, which affect sterol synthesis, ciclopirox is thought to act through the chelation of polyvalent metal cations, such as Fe3+ and Al3+. These cations inhibit many enzymes, including cytochromes, thus disrupting cellular activities such as mitochondrial electron transport processes and energy production. Ciclopirox also appears to modify the plasma membrane of fungi, resulting in the disorganization of internal structures. The anti-inflammatory action of ciclopirox is most likely due to inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. ciclopirox may exert its effect by disrupting DNA repair, cell division signals and structures (mitotic spindles) as well as some elements of intracellular transport.
- Primary indication
- Used as a topical treatment in immunocompetent patients with mild to moderate onychomycosis of fingernails and toenails without lunula involvement, due to Trichophyton rubrum.Curator reviewed · 10 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C12H17NO2 · 207.2689 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2008 · United States, 1982
- Code names
- HOE-296B
- Brand names
Resolves to
SCKYRAXSEDYPSA-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC1=CC(=O)N(O)C(=C1)C1CCCCC1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Ciclopirox, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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