Penlac is an antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails in patients with a normal immune system (immunocompetent). Penlac may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
What is the most important information I should know about Penlac?
Avoid getting Penlac in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate (occlusive dressings) on areas treated with Penlac cream or lotion, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton).
Use Penlac nail lacquer on nails and immediately surrounding skin only.
Penlac nail lacquer is flammable, keep it away from heat and flame.
Use Penlac for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed however, it is important to use the medication for the full amount of time.
What is Penlac?
Penlac is an antifungal medication. Penlac prevents fungus from growing.
Penlac cream and lotion formulations are used to treat skin infections such as athlete`s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and yeast infections. Penlac shampoo is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (inflammatory skin condition) of the scalp. Penlac nail lacquer is used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails.
Penlac may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Penlac?
Do not use Penlac if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.
Before using Penlac, tell your doctor if you
· have diabetes;
· are immunosuppressed (e.g., have received an organ transplant or have AIDS);
· take medication to control epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
· use a topical corticosteroid on a regular basis; or
· use a steroid inhaler on a regular basis.
You may not be able to use Penlac nail lacquer or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment .
Penlac is the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Penlac without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Penlac passes into breast milk. Do not use Penlac without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Penlac?
Use Penlac exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
To use Penlac cream or lotion:
· Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are using Penlac to treat a hand condition.
· Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a small amount of the cream (usually twice daily) for 2 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor`s instructions.
· Do not use bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate (occlusive dressings) on areas treated with Penlac cream or lotion, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Wear loose-fitting clothing (preferably cotton).
· If the infection does not clear up in 4 weeks, or if it appears to get worse, see your doctor.
To use Penlac shampoo:
· Wet the hair and apply approximately 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of the shampoo to the scalp. Up to 2 teaspoons (10 mL) may be used for long hair. Lather and leave on the hair and scalp for 3 minutes. A timer may be used. Rinse off the shampoo after 3 minutes have passed.
· Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and inside of the mouth.
· Treatment should be repeated twice per week for 4 weeks, with a minimum of 3 days between applications. If no improvement is seen after 4 weeks of treatment, contact your doctor.
To use Penlac nail lacquer:
· Remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or a nail file.
· Apply Penlac nail lacquer once daily (preferably at bedtime) to all affected nails with the applicator brush provided. Apply the lacquer evenly over the entire nail. Where possible, apply the nail laquer to the underside of the nail and to the skin beneath it. Allow the lacquer to dry (approximately 30 seconds) before putting on socks or stockings. After applying the medication, wait 8 hours before taking a bath or shower.
· Apply Penlac nail lacquer daily over the previous coat. Once a week, remove Penlac nail lacquer with alcohol. Remove as much as possible of the damaged nail using nail clippers or nail a file.
· Use Penlac nail lacquer on nails and immediately surrounding skin only. Avoid contact with other areas.
· Treatment with Penlac nail lacquer may require six months or more before initial improvement of symptoms is noticed. Up to 48 weeks of daily application of the nail lacquer, monthly removal of the unattached infected nail by a health care professional, and weekly trimming by the patient may be required for complete treatment.
· To prevent the screw cap from sticking to the bottle, do not allow the solution to get into the bottle treads. To prevent the solution from drying out, close the bottle tightly after every use.
Use Penlac for the full amount of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely healed however, it is important to use the medication for the full amount of time.
Avoid getting Penlac in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Store Penlac at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Penlac nail lacquer is flammable, keep it away from heat and flame. Protect the Penlac nail lacquer from light by storing the bottle in the carton after every use. Once a bottle of Penlac shampoo is opened, it should be used within 8 weeks.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of Penlac. Do not use a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Penlac is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used or that Penlac has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.
What should I avoid while using Penlac?
Avoid wearing tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn`t allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until the infection is healed.
Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with Penlac nail lacquer.
What are the possible side effects of Penlac?
Serious side effects of Penlac use are not expected to occur. Stop using Penlac and contact your doctor if you experience unusual or severe itching, redness, burning, dryness, or irritation of the skin or discoloration or other changes in the nails.
Mild burning, itching, or redness may occur with use of Penlac shampoo.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Penlac?
Avoid using other topical products at the same time unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of Penlac formulations.
Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with Penlac nail lacquer.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Penlac. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about Penlac written for health professionals that you may read.
