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Curanail 5% Medicated Nail Lacquer – 3ml is an antifungal medicine designed to treat mild fungal infections affecting one or two fingernails or toenails in adults aged 18 years and over.
Containing amorolfine 5% w/v, Curanail works by penetrating the nail plate and targeting the fungi responsible for fungal nail infections, medically known as onychomycosis.
Fungal nail infections can cause nails to become discoloured, thickened, brittle or difficult to trim. They often develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time.
Curanail provides a convenient, once-weekly treatment for mild infections affecting the outer or side portions of up to two nails.
Unlike antifungal skin creams, which are generally designed to treat infections of the skin, Curanail is specifically formulated to penetrate the nail plate.
How Does Curanail Work?
Curanail contains amorolfine, a broad-spectrum antifungal medicine.
Amorolfine interferes with the production of essential substances called sterols, which help maintain the structure and function of fungal cell membranes.
By disrupting the fungal cell membrane, amorolfine inhibits fungal growth and can kill susceptible fungi.
The lacquer penetrates through the nail plate to reach fungi in areas that are difficult for ordinary topical creams to access.
Its antifungal activity includes certain dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds that can cause fungal nail infections.
Because fingernails and toenails grow slowly, treatment must continue until the infected nail has grown out and been replaced by healthy nail.
What Is Curanail Used For?
Curanail is licensed to treat mild distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis, meaning fungal nail infections affecting the outer edge or sides of the nail.
It is suitable for adults when:
- Only one or two nails are infected.
- The infection is mild.
- The affected area is towards the tip or sides of the nail.
- The nail base or growth area is not affected.
- There is no significant nail destruction, pain or inflammation.
Signs of fungal nail infection can include yellow, white or brown discolouration, thickening, brittleness and changes in the nail surface.
Not every discoloured or damaged nail is caused by fungus. Psoriasis, injury and other nail conditions can produce similar symptoms.
If you are unsure whether your nail changes are fungal, seek advice before starting treatment.
Benefits of Curanail 5% Medicated Nail Lacquer
Once-Weekly Treatment
Apply to affected nails once every week, following the preparation instructions.
Targets Nail Fungus
Contains amorolfine, an antifungal ingredient that acts against susceptible dermatophytes, yeasts and moulds.
Penetrates the Nail
The medicated lacquer is designed to reach fungi within the nail plate.
Treats Fingernails and Toenails
Suitable for mild infections affecting up to two fingernails or toenails.
Convenient Treatment Kit
The 3ml pack includes nail files and cleaning swabs to support correct application.
Can Be Used Under Cosmetic Nail Polish
Ordinary cosmetic nail polish may be applied at least 10 minutes after Curanail, provided the medicated lacquer has dried.
What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?
Fungal nail infections occur when fungi invade the nail or surrounding structures.
The most common causes are dermatophytes, although yeasts and moulds may also be responsible.
Factors that can increase the risk include:
- Having athlete's foot.
- Frequently wearing damp or tight-fitting footwear.
- Sweaty feet.
- Nail damage or injury.
- Sharing contaminated nail-care equipment.
- Increasing age.
- Certain medical conditions affecting circulation or immunity.
A fungal infection may begin at the outer edge of the nail and gradually spread towards the base.
Treating a mild infection before it becomes extensive may help prevent further nail involvement.
How Long Does Curanail Take to Work?
Curanail starts acting against susceptible fungi after application, but visible improvement takes much longer.
The damaged portion of the nail must gradually grow out before the nail can regain a healthier appearance.
The usual treatment duration is approximately:
Fingernails: Six months.
Toenails: Nine to twelve months.
These are typical treatment periods rather than guarantees of complete recovery.
The rate of nail growth, severity of infection and consistency of application all influence treatment results.
Treatment should be reviewed approximately every three months.
If the infection has not cleared after six months for fingernails or twelve months for toenails, seek medical advice.
Who Can Use Curanail?
Curanail is suitable for adults aged 18 years and over who have a mild fungal infection affecting no more than two nails.
It is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 because sufficient clinical experience is unavailable.
When Should You See a Doctor Instead?
Do not rely on self-treatment with Curanail if:
- More than two nails are infected.
- The infection extends to the base of the nail.
- The nail is severely damaged or destroyed.
- The affected nail is painful or inflamed.
- You have diabetes.
- You have poor peripheral circulation.
- Your immune system is weakened.
- You notice unexplained dark streaks or unusual pigmentation.
- You are uncertain whether the problem is a fungal infection.
These situations may require examination, confirmation of the diagnosis or a different treatment.
Curanail vs Antifungal Creams
Curanail is a medicated nail lacquer formulated to penetrate the nail plate.
Antifungal creams, such as those containing clotrimazole or terbinafine, are usually intended for fungal infections of the skin.
A skin cream alone may not adequately penetrate an infected nail.
If you also have athlete's foot, this should be treated with an appropriate antifungal skin treatment to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Curanail vs Oral Antifungal Tablets
Curanail is applied directly to the nail and has very low systemic absorption.
Oral antifungal tablets, such as prescription terbinafine, work throughout the body and may be considered for more extensive or difficult-to-treat infections.
Oral treatments have different risks, contraindications and monitoring requirements.
A healthcare professional can determine which approach is appropriate.
How Can You Help Prevent Fungal Nail Infections?
Alongside Curanail treatment, good foot and nail hygiene can help reduce reinfection.
Keep feet clean and dry, change socks regularly, allow shoes to dry between uses and avoid sharing nail clippers or files.
Treat athlete's foot promptly and avoid using the same nail-care tools on infected and healthy nails.
Active Ingredient
Amorolfine 5% w/v (50mg/ml), as amorolfine hydrochloride.
Amorolfine is an antifungal medicine that interferes with the production of sterols needed for fungal cell membranes.
It penetrates the nail plate and acts against susceptible fungi responsible for nail infections.
Other Ingredients
Curanail 5% Medicated Nail Lacquer contains:
- Ammonio methacrylate copolymer A.
- Triacetin.
- Butyl acetate.
- Ethyl acetate.
- Ethanol absolute.
Important Ingredient Information
Contains ethanol (alcohol).
The formulation contains approximately 55.2% w/w ethanol, equivalent to 552mg per gram of product.
Ethanol may cause a burning sensation if it contacts damaged skin.
Flammable product
Keep Curanail away from flames, lit cigarettes, heat sources and certain electrical devices, including hair dryers, during application and until the lacquer has dried.
Allergy warning
Do not use Curanail if you are allergic to amorolfine or any other ingredient.
External use only
Do not swallow the lacquer or apply it to the eyes, ears, mouth or other mucous membranes.
Adults Aged 18 Years and Over
Apply Curanail 5% Medicated Nail Lacquer to the affected fingernail or toenail once weekly.
The product is intended for mild fungal infections affecting no more than two nails.
Children and Adolescents Under 18
Curanail is not recommended for anyone under 18 years of age.
Seek advice from a healthcare professional about suitable treatment.
How to Apply Curanail Nail Lacquer
Step 1: File the Infected Nail
Before the first application, use a supplied nail file to carefully file down the affected parts of the nail, particularly the nail surface.
Do not file so aggressively that you cause pain, bleeding or injury.
Never use a nail file that has touched an infected nail on a healthy nail.
Step 2: Clean the Nail
Use a supplied alcohol cleaning swab to clean and degrease the nail surface.
This helps remove dirt, grease and residual nail products.
Step 3: Apply the Lacquer
Dip the applicator into the Curanail bottle.
Do not wipe the applicator against the bottle neck.
Apply a layer of lacquer over the entire surface of each affected nail.
Step 4: Allow It to Dry
Let the medicated lacquer dry completely.
Avoid touching the treated nails while the product is wet.
Step 5: Clean the Applicator
Clean the applicator using the cleaning swab used for preparing the nail.
Avoid contaminating the bottle with infected nail material.
Close the bottle tightly after use.
Step 6: Repeat Once Weekly
Before the next application, remove any remaining medicated or cosmetic nail lacquer.
File the affected nail again as required, clean it with an alcohol swab and apply a fresh layer.
Continue until the affected nail has grown out and the infection has cleared.
How Long Should Treatment Continue?
For most people:
- Fingernails require approximately six months of treatment.
- Toenails require approximately nine to twelve months of treatment.
Treatment should continue without interruption until healthy nail growth replaces the affected area.
Review progress approximately every three months.
Can You Wear Nail Polish With Curanail?
Yes. Cosmetic nail polish may be applied at least 10 minutes after Curanail application.
Before the next weekly application, remove the cosmetic nail polish and any remaining medicated lacquer.
Prepare and clean the nail before applying the next dose.
Can You Wear Artificial Nails?
No. Artificial nails should not be used during treatment with Curanail.
This includes false nails and similar artificial nail coverings.
Can You Use Curanail With Nail Varnish Remover?
Nail varnish remover may be used to remove cosmetic or remaining medicated lacquer before the next treatment.
Follow the preparation instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet.
Can You Use Curanail While Pregnant?
Curanail should not be used during pregnancy.
The available experience with amorolfine during pregnancy is limited, and the potential risk is not fully known.
Ask a healthcare professional about alternative management.
Can You Use Curanail While Breastfeeding?
Curanail should not be used while breastfeeding.
It is not known whether amorolfine passes into human breast milk.
Interactions With Other Medicines
Formal interaction studies have not been performed.
Because the medicine is applied to the nail and systemic absorption is very low, interactions with oral medicines are not expected to be a major concern.
Nevertheless, tell a pharmacist or doctor about other medicines and nail treatments you use.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 30°C.
- Protect from heat.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed after use.
- Keep away from flames and sources of ignition.
- Do not use after the expiry date.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Most reported reactions involve the nail or surrounding skin.
Rare Side Effects
These may affect fewer than 1 in 1,000 people.
Nail Discolouration
The treated nail may change colour.
However, nail discolouration may also be caused by the underlying fungal infection.
Brittle Nails
Some people may notice increased nail brittleness during treatment.
Broken or Damaged Nails
The nail may become more prone to splitting or breaking.
These changes can also occur as part of fungal nail disease.
Very Rare Side Effects
These may affect fewer than 1 in 10,000 people.
Burning Sensation
A burning sensation may occur on the skin, particularly if the lacquer contacts damaged surrounding tissue.
Avoid applying the medicine to the skin around the nail.
Side Effects With Unknown Frequency
The following reactions have been reported, but their frequency cannot be reliably estimated.
Skin Redness
Redness, also called erythema, may develop around the treated area.
Itching
Some people may experience itching or irritation.
Contact Dermatitis
An inflammatory skin reaction may occur after contact with the lacquer.
Hives
Raised, itchy patches may appear on the skin.
Blisters
Blistering around the treated area has been reported.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Allergic reactions, including systemic reactions, are possible.
What Should You Do If You Have an Allergic Reaction?
Stop using Curanail immediately.
Carefully remove the lacquer using a suitable nail remover and seek medical advice.
Do not reapply the medicine after a suspected allergic reaction unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
Can Curanail Damage Healthy Nails?
Curanail should only be used as directed on affected nails.
Avoid excessive filing, as this may damage the nail plate.
Do not use nail files from infected nails on healthy nails, because this could spread fungal contamination.
What Happens If You Apply Too Much?
No systemic signs of overdose are expected from normal topical application.
However, using excessive amounts or applying the lacquer more frequently than directed is unlikely to improve results and may increase local irritation.
Follow the once-weekly schedule.
What If Curanail Is Accidentally Swallowed?
Curanail is for external use only.
If swallowed, seek prompt medical advice and show the packaging to a healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report suspected medicine side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme at:
You can also speak to a pharmacist, doctor or nurse.
Frequently asked questions
2. What is the active ingredient in Curanail?
Curanail contains amorolfine 5% w/v, equivalent to 50mg/ml, as amorolfine hydrochloride.
Amorolfine is an antifungal medicine that disrupts fungal cell membranes.
How does Curanail work?
Curanail penetrates the nail plate and targets susceptible fungi.
Amorolfine interferes with the production of sterols needed to maintain fungal cell membranes, inhibiting fungal growth and helping eliminate infection.
How often should I apply Curanail?
Apply Curanail once weekly to each affected nail.
Follow the preparation and application instructions supplied with the product.
How long does Curanail take to work?
Curanail begins acting against fungi after application, but visible improvement takes time because damaged nail must grow out.
Fingernail treatment usually takes around six months, while toenail treatment may take nine to twelve months.
How long should I use Curanail on toenails?
Toenail infections generally require nine to twelve months of consistent weekly treatment.
Seek medical advice if the infection has not cleared after twelve months.
How long should I use Curanail on fingernails?
Fingernail infections usually require approximately six months of treatment.
Seek medical advice if the infection has not cleared after six months.
Can Curanail treat more than two infected nails?
Curanail is licensed for mild fungal infections affecting up to two nails.
If more than two nails are infected, consult a healthcare professional.
Can Curanail treat severe fungal nail infections?
Curanail is intended for mild infections.
Severe nail thickening, nail destruction, pain, inflammation or infection extending towards the nail base requires medical assessment.
Can Curanail be used on fingernails and toenails?
Yes. Curanail can be used on affected fingernails or toenails, provided the infection is mild and limited to no more than two nails.
Do I need to file my nail before using Curanail?
Yes. File the affected areas of the nail before the first application.
Before subsequent applications, remove remaining lacquer, file again as required and clean the nail.
Do not use infected nail files on healthy nails.
Can I wear nail polish while using Curanail?
Yes. Cosmetic nail polish may be applied at least 10 minutes after Curanail.
Remove the cosmetic polish before the next weekly treatment.
Can I use artificial nails while using Curanail?
No. Artificial nails should not be used during treatment.
Is Curanail the same as amorolfine nail lacquer?
Curanail is a branded medicine containing amorolfine 5%.
Other brands and generic amorolfine nail lacquers may contain the same active ingredient, but their licences, packs and instructions should be checked individually.
Can I use Curanail if I have diabetes?
People with diabetes should consult a doctor before treating a fungal nail infection.
Diabetes can increase the risk of complications involving the feet and nails.
Can I use Curanail during pregnancy?
No. The UK product information states that Curanail should not be used during pregnancy.
Ask a healthcare professional about appropriate alternatives.
Can I use Curanail while breastfeeding?
No. Curanail should not be used during breastfeeding because information about exposure and potential risk is limited.
What is included in the Curanail 3ml pack?
The commonly supplied 3ml retail pack contains:
- One 3ml bottle of medicated nail lacquer with applicator.
- 30 cleaning swabs.
- 30 nail files.
- Patient Information Leaflet.
Check the supplied carton for the exact accessories included.
