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Buy amorolfine 5% nail lacquer
Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer is an easy-to-apply treatment containing amorolfine hydrochloride that helps deal with fungal nail infections. It treats your infection while also preventing it from spreading to other, healthy nails.
How does amorolfine work?
When applied to the nail, the active ingredient within the lacquer (amorolfine hydrochloride) works to kill the fungi that's infected your nail.
The lacquer soaks through the nail to damage the outer membrane of the fungal cells. Without an intact membrane, the cells can’t survive or spread.
How long does it take to work?
Due to the nature of nails growing back so slowly, you may need to apply the lacquer for a long time. This can be about six months for fingernails, and up to 12 months for toenails.
You shouldn’t stop using the treatment until the infected nail has completely grown out and been replaced with healthy nail.
How effective is amorolfine 5% nail lacquer?
Amorolfine is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for fungal nail infections. However, this can depend on how consistently you are able to apply it, as continuous and uninterrupted application is essential for effectiveness.
How to use amorolfine 5% nail lacquer
You should apply the nail lacquer to the affected fingernails or toenails once or twice a week, or as you’ve been directed by a doctor.
Applying the lacquer correctly is the best way to make sure the treatment is working as effectively as possible. The patient information leaflet contains full instructions for use with images – we’ve summarised them here:
- File the nail. Before the first application, using one of the files provided, file down the infected area of your nail. You should not use this nail file on any healthy nails, as you risk spreading the infection.
- Clean the nail. Using one of the swabs in the pack, clean the surface of the nail. Don’t throw the swab away yet as you’ll need it later.
- Treat the nail. Dip the applicator in the bottle of nail lacquer and make sure not to wipe the lacquer off the edge before it’s applied. You can now apply the lacquer on the nail, making sure it’s evenly spread across the surface of the nail.
- Let it dry. Let the treated nails dry for about three minutes. Once the lacquers dried, you can wash your hands or feet as normal, as it’s not affected by soap and water. If you’re going to apply cosmetic nail varnish, you should wait at least 10 minutes after it’s applied.
- Clean the applicator. After you’ve put the lacquer on, making sure your re-usable applicator is clean is important so the infection doesn’t spread. You should use the swab you used to clean your nails, but do not touch the treated nails with the swab. After the applicator is clean, close the bottle tightly and throw the swab away carefully as it can easily set on fire.
The treatment should be applied weekly, so for every time you use the treatment after the first use, you should:
- Remove the old lacquer and any nail varnish using a swab.
- File down the nails again if needed.
- Re-apply the lacquer as described above.
- Clean the applicator.
Amorolfine side effects
Like any medication, amorolfine can cause side effects. Not everyone gets side effects, and they tend to be quite rare, meaning that only 1 in 1000 people may be affected by them. They include:
- nail damage
- discoloured nails
- fragile, or brittle nails
If you get any side effects, even ones not listed here or within the patient information leaflet, you speak to a doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, you can report any side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme.
When not to use amorolfine nail lacquer
You should not use this medicine if:
- you are allergic to amorolfine or any other ingredients in the medicine
- your nail is moderately or severely damaged/infected
- you have more than 2 infected nails
- you have diabetes
- you are under the age of 18
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding then you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this treatment.
Storage information
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
You should always make sure that the bottle is tightly closed and kept away from heat, fire and flames, as the product/solution is flammable.
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date stated on the pack, referring to the last day of the month. For advice on how to throw away this medicine, speak to a pharmacist.
Alternatives to amorolfine
If you can’t use a topical treatment, you should look into oral antifungal tablets, if you’re unsure about which, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or foot health specialist.
Frequently asked questions about amorolfine
What is the strongest antifungal toenail treatment?
Stronger antifungal treatments tend to be oral medicines as opposed to topical solutions. This is because they can target the interaction from within. An example might include oral terbinafine.
Can you buy amorolfine over the counter?
Yes. Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer is available over the counter in the UK without a prescription.
Does amorolfine work for nail fungus?
Yes, though it works best for mild to moderate infections affecting less than 50% of the nail and not affecting the nail root.. It is less effective for severe or deep-seated infections, where oral antifungals may be needed.
Is it okay to leave nail fungus untreated?
Without treatment, the infection typically worsens and can spread to other nails or skin. For people with diabetes or a weakened immune system, untreated nail fungus carries a higher risk of complications.
Sources
- Amorolfine for fungal nail infections (2022). Patient.info. [Accessed 25th March 2026]
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How to treat your fungal nail infection
You don’t spend a whole lot of time examining your nails but you have to admit that something’s up.
It’s looking a little bit yellow and, if you’re completely honest with yourself, it smells a bit funky.
Looks like you could have a fungal nail infection, but what does that actually mean? Let’s take a look at that nail fungus and what you can do to treat it.