Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer

Amorolfine 5% w/v medicated nail lacquer is an antifungal treatment for fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails (onychomycosis). The 3ml bottle contains amorolfine, as the hydrochloride, at 50mg per ml. You paint it onto the nail, where it dries to a clear film while the medicine works through the nail plate towards the fungus beneath.

Nails grow slowly, so this is a treatment you stick with rather than a quick fix. It is best suited to mild infections. Infections at the base of the nail, or severe ones, often need antifungal tablets from a GP instead. Because the lacquer is applied to the nail itself, there is nothing to swallow, and the SmPC notes very low systemic absorption and no accumulation in the body with prolonged use.

Key Features:

• Amorolfine 5% antifungal. Kills a wide variety of fungi that cause nail infections, including dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds.
• Works through the nail. Penetrates and diffuses through the nail plate to reach fungi in the nail bed that are hard to get at.
• Applied once or twice a week. Not a daily routine, so it is easy to fit into a weekly habit.
• Unaffected by washing once dry. You can wash your hands and feet normally after the lacquer has dried.
• No known interactions with other medicines. Treats fingernails and toenails, with no restriction on skin-friendly nail varnish once 10 minutes have passed.

How Amorolfine Nail Lacquer Works

Amorolfine belongs to a class of topical antifungals. It damages the fungal cell membrane by interfering with sterol production: the fungus's ergosterol content falls, and unusual, misshapen sterols build up in its place. This is what gives amorolfine its fungicidal action.

The lacquer formulation matters just as much as the active ingredient. A thin film of lacquer holds the medicine against the nail, and amorolfine penetrates into and diffuses through the nail plate, so it can reach fungi lodged in the nail bed rather than only the surface. As the infected nail grows out, healthy nail grows in behind it, which is why treatment has to continue until the whole affected nail has been replaced.

Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Amorolfine 5% w/v (50mg per ml, as 55.74mg per ml amorolfine hydrochloride)
• Other ingredients: Ammonio methacrylate copolymer A (Eudragit RL 100), triacetin, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, ethanol (anhydrous)
• Note: Contains ethanol (around 55% w/w), which may cause a burning sensation on damaged skin and is flammable. Keep away from naked flames, lit cigarettes and hair dryers.

How to Use

1. File the nail. Before the first application, file down the infected areas of nail, including the surface, as much as possible using the nail file supplied. Never use a file from infected nails on healthy nails, and do not let anyone else use it.
2. Clean the nail. Wipe the nail surface with one of the cleansing swabs supplied. Repeat both steps for every affected nail.
3. Load the applicator. Dip the applicator into the bottle without wiping the lacquer off on the neck of the bottle.
4. Apply. Paint an even layer over the entire surface of the nail. Do not apply it to the skin around the nail.
5. Let it dry. Leave it for about 3 minutes, and wait at least 10 minutes before applying any cosmetic nail varnish.
6. Clean up. Wipe the applicator with the same swab you used on the nail, close the bottle tightly, and dispose of the swab carefully as it is flammable.
7. Repeat each week. Apply once or twice a week as directed on your pack leaflet or by your prescriber or pharmacist. Before each new application, remove the old lacquer and any nail varnish with a swab, and file the nail again if needed.
8. Keep going until the nail has grown out. This usually takes around 6 months for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails, with a review roughly every 3 months. Do not stop early, or the infection could return.
9. Protect the lacquer. Wear waterproof gloves when using paint thinners or white spirit, and do not use artificial nails during treatment.
10. Treat athlete's foot too. If you also have athlete's foot, it should be treated with an antifungal cream.

Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it below 30°C, away from heat. Do not use it after the expiry date.

Not suitable for: anyone allergic to amorolfine or any other ingredient, or for use in children. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor or pharmacist advises it is clearly necessary. Avoid contact with the eyes, ears, mouth and nostrils, and do not inhale it.

Shipping

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Returns

Returns are accepted within 28 days on eligible unopened items in their original packaging. Medicines, prescription products, and opened items cannot be returned unless faulty or damaged. For more details read our complete return policy.