Clioquinol (Topical)

Clioquinol is part of a group of medicines known as anti-infectives. Clioquinol (Topical) is used to treat skin infections.

Clioquinol is available without a prescription.

This medicine should not be used for more than 1 week. If your skin problem does not improve in 1 week, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

Clioquinol should not be used to treat large areas of the skin or large open skin lesions. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

This medicine may turn yellow when exposed to air. It may stain clothing, skin, hair, and nails yellow. Avoid getting this medicine on your clothing since bleaching may not remove the stain.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are using this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits of the medicine. Here are important things to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your health care professional about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Clioquinol is not recommended for children younger than 2 years old. While there is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in children 2 years and older with its use in other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear whether they work the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in elderly patients with its use in other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older individuals than it does in younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used at or around meal times or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines can also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may impact the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Kidney disease or
• Liver disease—Use caution with clioquinol in patients with liver or kidney disease.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Burning, itching, rash, redness, swelling, or other signs of skin irritation that were not present before using this medicine or that become worse during treatment.

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada

• Vioform

Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.

Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes. If accidental contact occurs, flush eyes with water.

Do not bandage or apply an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) over this medicine, since it may increase the infection and may cause unwanted drug absorption into the body. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

To use the ointment form of this medicine:

• Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area and rub in gently. The ointment is recommended for use on dry, crusted lesions.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (ointment): For bacterial or fungus infections: Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two or three times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.