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Usage: Penlac is an antifungal medication. Penlac topical prevents fungus from growing. Penlac topical 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 topical nail lacquer is used to treat fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails.
Directions: Use Penlac topical 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 topical cream or lotion: Wash your hands before and after using this medication, unless you are using Penlac topical 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 topical nail lacquer:
Remove any loose nail or nail material using nail clippers or a nail file. Apply Penlac topical 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 topical nail lacquer daily over the previous coat. Once a week, remove Penlac topical nail lacquer with alcohol. Remove as much as possible of the damaged nail using nail clippers or nail a file. Use Penlac topical nail lacquer on nails and immediately surrounding skin only. Avoid contact with other areas. Treatment with Penlac topical 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 topical 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 topical in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Store Penlac topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Penlac topical nail lacquer is flammable, keep it away from heat and flame. Protect the Penlac topical nail lacquer from light by storing the bottle in the carton after every use. Once a bottle of Penlac topical shampoo is opened, it should be used within 8 weeks.
Side Effects: Serious side effects of Penlac topical use are not expected to occur. Stop using Penlac topical 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 topical 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.
Precautions: 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 topical nail lacquer.
Drug Interactions: 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 topical formulations.
Do not use nail polish, artificial nails, or other cosmetic nail products on the nails treated with Penlac topical nail lacquer. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Penlac topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
If You Take Too Much: An overdose of Penlac topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that a much larger than normal dose has been used or that Penlac topical has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.
Missed 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 topical. Do not use a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage: Store Penlac topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Penlac topical nail lacquer is flammable, keep it away from heat and flame. Protect the Penlac topical nail lacquer from light by storing the bottle in the carton after every use. Once a bottle of Penlac topical shampoo is opened, it should be used within 8 weeks.
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