Amorolfine, brand name Loceryl, is a nail lacquer that is used to treat mild nail fungus infections, called onychomycosis, that affect one to two nails. In the U.S., it is available by prescription only, but in the UK, it has been approved for over-the-counter dispensation, according to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. It is a 5% concentrated solution that works as a topical anti-fungal by disrupting the fungus cell membrane, killing the fungus. It is generally well-tolerated by patients and has mild side effects. This treatment is not appropriate for all nail fungus infections, especially more severe forms.
Burning Sensation
The lacquer is applied once or twice per week for up to six months. A slight burning sensation in the nails may be felt after application of the lacquer. Treatment does not need to be discontinued when experiencing this side effect as it quickly diminishes. It is important to continue the treatment without interruption until the infected section of nail has completely grown out, otherwise the infection is likely to return.
Skin/Nail Effects
Scaly skin, dryness, itching and redness, also known as erythema, may occur during treatment. This happens generally at the site of application. These side effects were reported as tolerable, according to the journal "Drugs." If this skin irritation becomes worse, however, a health care practitioner should be consulted. Another effect may be brittle, broken and discolored nails. It is unclear whether this is effect is due to the fungus infection or the medication. Any nail tools used on infected nails, such as files or clips, should not be used on healthy nails in order to avoid the spread of infection.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Oral medications are more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset, compared to a local treatment such as nail lacquer application. With Amorolfine, however, gastrointestinal side effects may occur early during the treatment. These may include abdominal pain and nausea, according to a 2003 study in the "British Journal of Dermatology." These side effects should not be severe; if they are, a physician or health care provider should be alerted.
References
- The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain Amorolfine Information
- Doctor Fungus Information on Amorolfine
- "The British Journal of Dermatology"; A randomized trial of amorolfine 5% solution nail lacquer in association with itraconazole pulse therapy compared with itraconazole alone in the treatment of Candida fingernail onychomycosis; D. Rigopoulos, A.C. Katoulis, D. Ioannides, S. Georgala, D. Kalogeromitros, I. Bolbasis, A. Karistinou, E. Christofidou, D. Polydorou, P. Balkou, E. Fragouli and A.D.Katsambas; July 2003
- "Drugs"; Amorolfine: A Review of its Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential in the Treatment of Onychomycosis and Other Superficial Fungal Infections; Malini Haria and Harriet M. Bryson; January 1995
- Information About Taking Amorolfine
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