TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

CICLOPIROX

Protein Synthesis Inhibitors
Infectious Disease Approved 1997-07-21

Ciclopirox Topical Solution, 8%, is indicated as a component of a comprehensive management program for the topical treatment of mild-to-moderate onychomycosis of the fingernails and toenails (without lunula involvement) in immunocompetent patients, specifically when caused by *Trichophyton rubrum*. The comprehensive management program requires the frequent removal (as often as monthly) of unattached, infected nails by a healthcare professional. The safety and efficacy of daily use beyond 48 weeks have not been established. It has not been studied in patients who are pregnant, nursing, immunocompromised, or those with insulin-dependent diabetes or diabetic neuropathy.

Source: FDA Label • PADAGIS US

How CICLOPIROX Works

Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that operates through a unique mechanism compared to azoles or allylamines. It acts primarily by chelating polyvalent cations ($Fe^{3+}$ and $Al^{3+}$), which results in the inhibition of metal-dependent enzymes within the fungal cell, such as cytochromes, catalase, and peroxidase. These enzymes are essential for mitochondrial electron transport and the cellular degradation of peroxides. Furthermore, ciclopirox disrupts fungal cell membrane integrity by inhibiting the transport of essential nutrients (amino acids) and electrolytes, leading to fungal cell death.

19
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
28
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1997-07-21
Routes
TOPICAL
Dosage Forms
SOLUTION, CREAM, SHAMPOO, SUSPENSION, GEL

CICLOPIROX Approval History

1998
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2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
51 FDA actions from 1997 to 2025
Apr 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Mar 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Oct 2023 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What CICLOPIROX Treats

1 indications

CICLOPIROX is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1997. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Onychomycosis
Source: FDA Label

CICLOPIROX Competitive Set

Pro

Three rings of competition based on shared molecular targets and treated indications.

Indication competitors

2

Same indication, different mechanism — what else might this patient receive?

Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to CICLOPIROX

3 of 8

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

FULVICIN P/G
GRISEOFULVIN, ULTRAMICROSIZE
1 shared
CHARTWELL RX
Shared indications:
Onychomycosis
FULVICIN P/G 165
GRISEOFULVIN, ULTRAMICROSIZE
1 shared
CHARTWELL RX
Shared indications:
Onychomycosis
FULVICIN-U/F
GRISEOFULVIN, MICROSIZE
1 shared
CHARTWELL RX
Shared indications:
Onychomycosis
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Clinical Trial Registry

1 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT01646580 CPO_08_01 2008-003560-19 Ph 4 terminated Safety Study of Ciclopirox Olamine Cream for Dermatomycoses in Children
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Active Pipeline

Pro

Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

Pro

Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

CICLOPIROX FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

CICLOPIROX is indicated for the treatment of Onychomycosis.

Looking for the branded version?

LOPROX

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for ciclopirox.

See LOPROX

Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.