Amorolfine nail lacquer is used to treat fungal nail infections. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.

What is this medication for?

Amorolfine nail lacquer is used to treat fungal nail infections. This medication works by killing the fungi and preventing the fungal cells from growing.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Use this medication as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to use this medication correctly.
• Apply the nail lacquer once or twice weekly. Please refer to the product leaflet provided by the manufacturer for the instructions.
• Before applying the nail lacquer, carefully clean the nails and file the affected area of the nail(s) as completely as possible. Be careful not to file the skin surrounding the nail(s).
• Clean the surface of the infected nail(s) with a cleaning pad.
• Dip a spatula into the lacquer. Do not wipe it on the edge of the bottle.
• Use the spatula to apply the nail lacquer over the entire surface of the infected nail(s). Do not apply on the skin around the nail(s).
• Close the bottle tightly immediately after painting the infected nail(s).
• Allow the nail(s) to dry for 3 - 5 minutes.
• After treating all infected nails, clean the spatula and neck of the bottle with a cleaning pad.
• You should continue the treatment until all affected areas of the nail(s) have grown out, been trimmed off and are cured.
• It generally takes 6 months to treat fingernails and 9 - 12 months to treat toenails.
• Do not stop applying your medication without checking with your healthcare professional, as stopping too soon may cause the infection to come back.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not apply two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

• Wash your hands well before and after handling this medication.
• If you are working with organic solvents such as thinners and white spirit, wear impermeable gloves to protect the lacquer on the nails.
• Nail files for affected nails must not be reused on healthy nails.
• Do not use nail polish or artificial nails during treatment.
• Inform your healthcare professional if:
  • You are allergic to this medication or any other ingredients used in this medication.
  • You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

What are some common side effects of this medication?

Mild stinging, itching and redness may occur at the affected area. 

• These side effects are usually mild and go away after some time. However, if the symptoms are bothersome, do not go away or become worse, stop this medication and consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

• You are under 12 years old
• You have medical conditions that make you more likely to get fungal nail infections such as diabetes, a weakened immune system and circulatory disorders
• Signs of fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes at your neck, under your chin, armpits or groin
• The skin surrounding your affected nail is red, painful, blistered, bleeding, swollen or filled with pus
• If more than half of a nail is affected, or the infection reaches the half-moon of the nail
• Little to no improvement after 6 - 12 months of treatment
• Fungal infection symptoms that keep coming back after going away
• Fungal infection symptoms that worsen with or without treatment

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop this medication and see your doctor immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Check with your healthcare professional if other topical medications may be applied together with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

Discard this medication after it has expired unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

How do I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimer

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on September 2024