TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

LOPROX (ciclopirox)

Protein Synthesis Inhibitors
Infectious Disease Approved 1982-12-30

Loprox (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) caused by *Trichophyton rubrum* in immunocompetent patients. This comprehensive program must include 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, and it has not been studied in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, immunosuppression, or severe plantar tinea pedis.

Source: FDA Label • BAUSCH

How LOPROX Works

Ciclopirox is a hydroxypyridone antifungal agent that acts through a unique mechanism compared to azoles or allylamines. It functions primarily by chelating polyvalent cations ($Fe^{3+}$ and $Al^{3+}$), which results in the inhibition of metal-dependent enzymes within the fungal cell. These enzymes (such as cytochromes, catalase, and peroxidase) are essential for mitochondrial respiration, cellular transport, and the degradation of toxic peroxides. The resulting disruption of these metabolic processes leads to the loss of fungal cell membrane integrity and cell death.

3
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
43
Years on Market

Details

Status
Discontinued
First Approved
1982-12-30
Routes
TOPICAL
Dosage Forms
SHAMPOO, CREAM, SUSPENSION

Companies

Active Ingredient: CICLOPIROX

LOPROX Approval History

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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
29 FDA actions from 1982 to 2025
Nov 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Oct 2016 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Apr 2016 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)

What LOPROX Treats

1 indications

LOPROX is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 1982. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Onychomycosis
Source: FDA Label

LOPROX Competitive Set

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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 LOPROX

3 of 8

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

CICLOPIROX
CICLOPIROX
1 shared
PADAGIS US
Shared indications:
Onychomycosis
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
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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

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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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.

LOPROX FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

LOPROX is indicated for the treatment of Onychomycosis.

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Data Sources

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