Clioquinol Topical (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Clioquinol is used to treat skin infections such as eczema, athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Clioquinol comes as a cream, lotion, and ointment to apply to the skin. Clioquinol is usually used two to four times a day for 4 weeks (2 weeks for jock itch). Follow the directions on the label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use clioquinol exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than indicated on the product label.

Thoroughly clean the infected area, allow it to dry, and then gently rub the medication in until most of it disappears. Use just enough medication to cover the affected area. You should wash your hands after applying the medication.

Special precautions

Before using clioquinol:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clioquinol or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are about to take a thyroid function test.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using clioquinol, call your doctor.

What to do if you forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects

Clioquinol may cause side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• itching
• burning
• irritation or stinging
• redness
• swelling

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze. Protect it from light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Clioquinol is for external use only and may stain your clothes, hair, skin, and nails yellow. Do not let clioquinol get into your eyes or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply cosmetics, lotions, or other skin products to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. If you still have the symptoms of infection after you finish the clioquinol, call your doctor.

Brand names

• Vioform®