In December, the FDA announced the approval of Penlac Nail Lacquer Topical Solution 8%, the first topical treatment approved for the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus in the United States. The nail lacquer contains ciclopirox, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes, a type of fungus that grows on the hair, skin, and nails. 

The lacquer is applied to the affected nail and surrounding skin every day for as long as 48 weeks. Daily applications are applied on top of previous layers for seven days, after which all layers are removed and the process repeated.

For 25 years, ciclopirox has been marketed worldwide in cream, lotion, and gel formulations. The agent has been marketed in the United States since 1982.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.

Read more about