Clioquinol
Clioquinol is a topical antimicrobial agent belonging to the halogenated hydroxyquinoline class, used to treat various skin infections. It has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against a range of pathogens.
A topical antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D08AH02
- RxNorm
- 2128
- Generic
- Clioquinol
- Class
- atc-d08
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- topical, otic, rectal
- Forms
- cream, ointment, ear drops, suppository
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Europe
- Monitoring
- local skin irritation, allergic contact dermatitis
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
all trimestersuse lowest effective dose
avoid use on large body surface areas or for prolonged periods during pregnancy
monitor for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid application to breast area
avoid use on nipples or wash thoroughly before breastfeeding
monitor infant for any adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
standard dosing applies but monitor for skin irritation due to potentially thinner skin
regular skin assessment
pediatric_age
children under 2use with extreme caution
avoid use in infants and young children unless specifically prescribed by pediatrician
close monitoring for systemic absorption and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2-12use lower strength formulations if available
use for shortest duration necessary
monitor for skin reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard topical dosing applies
no specific monitoring required
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
avoid use on large surface areas or with occlusive dressings
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard topical dosing applies
no specific monitoring required
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
avoid use on large surface areas or for prolonged periods
monitor liver function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Topical antimicrobial formulation approval period
Drug class
Antiseptic and antifungal agent classification
Common uses
Therapeutic applications for skin infections
Safety concern
Subacute myelo-opticoneuropathy associated with long-term use
Clioquinol is used topically to treat bacterial and fungal skin infections, including cases of dermatitis complicated by secondary infections, otitis externa, and wound infections. It has historically been used orally for intestinal infections, though this use has been largely discontinued in many countries due to safety concerns.
Clioquinol exerts its antimicrobial effects by disrupting microbial cell membranes and interfering with essential enzymatic processes in bacteria and fungi. Its iodine content contributes to its broad-spectrum activity against various microorganisms.
For topical use only; avoid application to large body surface areas or broken skin for prolonged periods. Oral use has been associated with serious neurological effects and is restricted or withdrawn in many regions. May stain clothing and skin. Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to iodine or halogenated compounds.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy