Antifungal nail lacquer and method using same

Abstract

A nail lacquer for the treatment or prevention of fungal infections, such as, onychomycosis, includes fungicidally effective amount of ciclopirox, econazole, or other antifungal agent in a compatible film-forming lacquer vehicle which includes a water-insoluble film-forming polymer; pentadecalactone, or similar cyclic lactone compound or derivative thereof, and volatile solvent. The pentadecalactone functions as a plasticizer for the film-forming polymer and as a penetration enhancer for the antifungal agent. The composition, when applied to the nails provides a hard, clear, water-resistant film containing the antifungal agent. The compositions are used for the treatment of onychomycosis.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 503,715, filed Feb. 14, 2000, (now allowed) and is incorporated, in its entirety, herein by reference.[0002] This invention relates to antifungal nail lacquer compositions useful in the treatment of onychomycoses or other fungal infestations affecting toe nails or finger nails using the nail lacquer composition. More particularly, the invention relates to antifungal nail lacquers which may be applied to nails to form films from which the antifungal agent will be released and become available for nail penetration; and to the method for treating or preventing fungal infestations of animal nails by applying the antifungal composition to the infected nail or to the fungal susceptible nail.STATE OF THE PRIOR ART[0003] Fungal infection of the nails, commonly referred to as onychomycosis, is most frequently caused by dermatophytes but also can be caused by molds and Candida. Mixed infections also occur. Onychomycosis incl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The compositions provide long-lasting, adherent films that effectively deliver antifungal agents deep into the nail, improving treatment outcomes for onychomycosis and other fungal infections by enhancing skin and nail penetration while maintaining film stability and adherence.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, for example, onychomycosis serves as a reservoir for dermatophytes and contributes to treatment failure and recurrence of tinea pedis.

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