Ciclopirox olamine is a synthetic anti-fungal agent. It’s an olamine salt of ciclopirox, an N-hydroxypyridone. It is uniquely designed for vital treatment of superficial mycoses (fungal infection affecting the skin) and is also active against tinea versicolor (a skin condition caused by the fungus Malassezia globosa).
Table of Contents
Chemical Structure and Properties
| PROPERTIES | |
|---|---|
| Name of Product | Ciclopirox Olamine |
| IUPAC Name | 2-aminoethanol;6-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxy-4-methylpyridin-2-one |
| Synonyms | Ciclopirox ethanolamine; ciclopiroxolamine; Batrafen; Micoxolamina; Brumixol; Mycoster; Ciclopiroxolamin; Ciclochem; Dafnegin |
| CAS No | 41621-49-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C12H17NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 268.35 g/mol |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Density | 1.2 – 1.4 g/cm3 |
| Solubility | Soluble in DMSO at 6 mg/L , H2O at 1 mg/L and ethanol at 30 mg/L |
| Melting Point | 144°C |
| Pubchem CID | 38911 |
Mechanism of action
Ciclopirox olamine binds to metal ions Fe3+ & Al 3+ which are vital for fungal growth. By chelating these metal ions, it inhibits the growth of metal-dependent enzymes i.e. cytochromes, catalase, and peroxidase which are essential for fungal cellular activities. Additionally, it affects fungal growth & survival by disrupting mitochondrial electron transport, energy production & nutrient intake across the cell membrane. It changes the permeability of the fungal cell membrane and blocks the transport of essential precursors and nutrients. At higher concentrations, it can disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane leading to the leakage of potassium ions and other intracellular material affecting the internal structures of fungi.
Pharmacokinetics
- Ciclopirox olamine gets absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream when taken orally. However, the absorption is limited when applied directly to the skin & nails.
- After absorption, it gets distributed throughout the body and penetrates various tissues of hair, epidermis, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and dermis and reaches the site of infection where it exhibits its therapeutic effect.
- Ciclopirox olamine is primarily metabolized through glucuronidation, via which the drug is converted into a glucuronide conjugate. This metabolic pathway is responsible for the majority elimination of drug from the body.
- It is eliminated from the body through the kidneys with the majority either being unchanged or as glucuronide conjugates. This elimination helps to minimize the risk of adverse effects on the human body. The half-life of ciclopirox olamine is approx. 1.7 hours for the 1% topical solution. This means the concentration of the drug in the body decreases by half every 1.7 hours after utilization.
Uses
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails, typically caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or non-dermatophyte molds. The condition is characterized by nail discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed.
Ciclopirox olamine is used for the treatment of Onychomycosis. It is generally used in the form of nail lacquer and is greatly effective in treating finger and toe onychomycosis.
Athlete’s foot disease (Tinea pedis)
Athlete’s foot disease also known as Tinea pedis, is caused by Trichophyton rubrum (a fungi) is a fungal infection that makes the skin of the feet itchy, flaky & causes cracking on the skin. It also results in white and soggy skin between the toes and blisters all over the foot.
Ciclopirox olamine cream USP 0.77% is one of the most effective treatments for Athlete’s foot. This topical cream is directly applied on the skin and is much more effective in contrast to placebo for fungal skin infections. It’s frequently used with allylamines and azoles to increase its potency.
Jock itch (Tinea cruris)
Jock itch also known as Tinea cruris, is caused by dermatophytes (a fungi). This is similar to ringworm. It mostly affects the groin area skin including the genital, pubic, perineal, and perianal skin, and causes red, itchy, and scaly rashes.
Ciclopirox olamine cream USP 0.77% is a vital cream that is effective in the treatment of Jock itch, by targeting the fungal infection and inhibiting it from spreading.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease caused by an overactive immune system in which skin cells multiply too quickly, exhibiting itchy patches on the skin.
Ciclopirox Olamine Cream is a therapeutic approach for psoriasis treatment.
Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea versicolor)
Pityriasis versicolor, also referred to as Tinea versicolor, is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia. This condition is often triggered by a warm and humid climate and may also be associated with vitamin D deficiency. For treatment, Ciclopirox olamine 1% has proven to be both efficacious and safe, providing a reliable solution for managing this skin disorder.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is mainly caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast (found on the skin). It affects the areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp and face.
Ciclopirox olamine shampoo acts as an anti-fungal medicine and is used in treating Seborrheic dermatitis owing to its anti-inflammatory & antimycotic properties which inhibit the growth of fungus.
Comparison with other anti-fungal agents
Ciclopirox olamine is an antifungal agent which is active against a broad range of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. When it comes to the treatment of fungal infections, it has proven to be much more effective than other drugs:
- Luliconazole & Ciclopirox olamine both are effective against fungal infections but Ciclopirox olamine reduces inflammation and redness which makes it an effective drug with a soothing effect on itchy and irritated skin. Also, it kills the fungal cells and prevents them from spreading. Furthermore, when used with Itraconazole (an antifungal medication), its effectiveness is enhanced.
- Ciclopirox Olamine and Clotrimazole cream both are used in the treatment for dermatophyte infections and shows parallel cure rate clinically and mycologically. However, Ciclopirox has better and quick onset effects during the treatment.
- Both Ciclopirox olamine & Tolnaftate are anti-fungal medications. When compared to Tolnaftate, Ciclopirox olamine is prescribed for a broader range of infections such as onychomycosis, seborrheic dermatitis, cutaneous candidiasis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea pedis, and tinea versicolor. Also, it has proven to be more effective as compared to tolnaftate.
Available Formulations
Ciclopirox olamine comes in several formulations, such as:
- Lotion & creams especially, Ciclopirox olamine cream USP 0.77% which is effective against a span of skin infections counting tinea corporis/cruris, tinea pedis, cutaneous candidiasis, pityriasis (tinea) versicolor, and seborrheic dermatitis.
- New ciclopirox gel 0.77% specially originated for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, Athlete’s foot and ringworm (tinea corporis) infections.
Side effects
- Ciclopirox olamine may cause redness, irritation, burning, swelling or oozing after the application.
- It also causes pain in the affected area or nails when applied.
- Discoloration, change in the shape of nails, or ingrown nails are the symptoms that can also be observed upon application.
- It can also react with certain other medications and cause side effects.
FAQs
Q. Is Ciclopirox olamine cream a steroid?
Ciclopirox olamine belongs to the class of medications called antifungals.
Q. Can Ciclopirox olamine cream be used on the face?
According to some research, topical 1% Ciclopirox olamine cream is a safe and effective treatment for mild-to-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis. However, one should use it with prior consultation from a medical professional and avoid contact with eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
Q. How long should Ciclopirox olamine be used?
Apply a small amount of cream for 2 to 4 weeks or as per your prescription advised by the doctor.
Q. How to use Ciclopirox olamine?
Firstly, wash your hands. Then clean and dry the affected area properly. After that apply a small amount of cream or gel gently, all over the affected area.
Q. What does Ciclopirox olamine treats?
It’s a medication for the treatment of fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, pityriasis, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis.
Q. What is Ciclopirox olamine cream USP 0.77 used for?
This medication is used to treat a wide-range of fungal and yeast infections of the skin. It’s generally safe to use directly on the skin to the affected area and has few side effects.
Q. Can Ciclopirox olamine be used for yeast infection?
It’s an antimycotic that is effective against a wide range of dermatophytes, yeast, and fungal saprophytes.
Disclaimer-
The information provided here is based on general knowledge, articles, research publications etc. and we do not claim the authenticity of any of the information provided above. We do not claim or suggest/advise any medical, therapeutic, health or nutritional benefits of Ciclopirox olamine. We do not supply or promote our Ciclopirox olamine product for the applications which are covered by valid patents and which are not approved by the FDA.
Macsen Labs is a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality Ciclopirox Olamine.
