How to treat fungal nail infections: Curanail, Loceryl and Amorolfine

A fungal nail infection can leave your fingernails, or more commonly your toenails, thickened and discoloured. It's relatively common and there are multiple options available for the condition at a pharmacy: Curanail, Loceryl and unbranded Amorolfine nail lacquer are the primary options. What's less well known is that a single active ingredient, amorolfine, is behind three of these treatments.

This guide explains how amorolfine works, what actually separates Curanail, Loceryl and Amorolfine from one another, and how to use a nail lacquer correctly so you give it the best chance of working. For a broader look at every fungal nail treatment option, including oral antifungals, see our complete guide to fungal nail treatment.

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What is a fungal nail infection?

A fungal nail infection, medically known as onychomycosis, develops when fungi that normally live harmlessly on your skin multiply and take hold in a nail. It usually affects toenails rather than fingernails, and tends to thrive in the warm, moist environment inside shoes and socks¹.

Common signs include:

• Discolouration - the nail can turn white, yellow, green or brown
• Thickening - the nail becomes harder to trim and may look distorted
• Brittleness - the nail crumbles or breaks more easily than usual
• Separation - in more advanced cases, the nail can lift away from the nail bed

Fungal nail infections aren't usually serious, but they don't tend to clear up on their own and can take several months to treat¹. You're more likely to develop one if you have a weakened immune system, diabetes, poor circulation, or if you regularly wear damp or tight footwear.

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How does amorolfine treat nail fungus?

Amorolfine is an antifungal medicine formulated as a medicated nail lacquer. When you paint it onto the nail, it dries to form a thin film that clings to the nail surface even after washing your hands or feet. The active ingredient then works its way through the nail plate to reach the fungus underneath, where it disrupts the fungal cell membrane and stops the fungus from growing².

Because the lacquer has to penetrate the nail itself rather than acting on the skin, results build up gradually. You won't see an improvement overnight. Instead, the aim is to stop the infection spreading further while a new, healthy section of nail grows through underneath, eventually replacing the infected part.

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Curanail, Loceryl and Amorolfine: what's the difference?

All three products contain exactly the same active ingredient, amorolfine hydrochloride 5%, and work in the same way. What differs is the licensing, the pack contents and which nails each one is suitable for.

Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer

This is the unbranded, generic version of the medicine. It contains the same 5% amorolfine hydrochloride as Curanail and Loceryl and is used in exactly the same way, but is sold without the branding of either product.

Curanail

Curanail is a branded version of amorolfine that's licensed specifically for mild infections affecting the top or outer edge of up to two nails³. If your infection covers more than two nails, or has reached the base of the nail (the nail matrix), Curanail isn't considered suitable, and you'll need a different treatment.

Loceryl

Loceryl contains the same active ingredient and is applied in the same way, but is available in larger pack sizes than Curanail and isn't restricted to the same two-nail limit⁴. It's generally the more appropriate option if your infection is more extensive or affects more nails than Curanail is licensed to treat.

If you're not sure which of the three is right for your infection, Pharmica's online consultation asks about how many nails are affected and where, so our pharmacists can recommend a suitable option.

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How to use amorolfine nail lacquer

Whichever of the three products you use, the application method is the same:²

• File the nail - gently file down the surface of the affected nail using the file provided, to help the lacquer penetrate
• Clean the nail - wipe the nail with the cleansing swab provided to remove dust and grease
• Apply the lacquer - paint a thin, even layer over the entire affected nail using the applicator
• Let it dry - allow a few minutes for the lacquer to dry fully before covering your feet or hands
• Repeat weekly - reapply once a week, or twice a week if your pharmacist advises it
• Before each new application - remove any remaining lacquer with the cleansing swab and file the nail again

Do not apply cosmetic nail polish over amorolfine nail lacquer, and do not use artificial nails while you're being treated, as these can interfere with how the medicine works.

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How long does it take to work?

Treatment takes patience. Fingernails typically need around six months of regular use, and toenails can take nine to twelve months, because the lacquer only clears the infection as the nail grows out⁵. You should keep using the treatment for the full course, even once the nail looks like it's improving, and your progress should be reviewed roughly every three months.

If you've used amorolfine nail lacquer consistently for three months with no visible improvement, you should speak to a pharmacist or your GP about whether a different treatment, such as an oral antifungal, might be more suitable.

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Side effects

Amorolfine nail lacquer is generally well tolerated, but as with any medicine, some people notice side effects:

• Skin irritation - redness, itching or a mild burning sensation around the treated nail is the most commonly reported reaction
• Nail changes - brittle, fragile or discoloured nails have been reported rarely
• Allergic reaction - swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, is rare but serious⁶.

If you notice any skin irritation, stop using the lacquer and speak to a pharmacist. If you experience swelling or breathing difficulties, remove the lacquer with nail varnish remover or the swabs provided, and seek urgent medical help straight away.

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Who shouldn't use amorolfine nail lacquer?

Amorolfine nail lacquer is not suitable for everyone. You should not use it if you:

• Are under 18 years old
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are allergic to amorolfine or any of the other ingredients in the lacquer
• Have more than two nails affected, or an infection that has reached the nail matrix (Curanail only, in this case Loceryl or Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer may still be an option)

If you have diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation, speak to a pharmacist or your GP before starting treatment, as fungal nail infections can behave differently and may need closer monitoring in these circumstances.

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When to seek medical advice

Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if:

• There's no improvement after three months of regular use
• The infection spreads to more nails, or the skin around the nail becomes red, swollen or painful
• You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation
• You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need advice on a suitable treatment

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References

1. NHS. Fungal nail infection. NHS England; 2026. nhs.uk
2. Electronic Medicines Compendium. Amorolfine 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer, Summary of Product Characteristics. eMC. medicines.org.uk/emc
3. UCL School of Pharmacy. Painting Medicines on the Nail. UCL Discovery. discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk
4. Electronic Medicines Compendium. Loceryl 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer, Summary of Product Characteristics. eMC. medicines.org.uk/emc
5. Patient.info. Amorolfine for fungal nail infections. patient.info
6. Electronic Medicines Compendium. Curanail 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer, Patient Information Leaflet. eMC. medicines.org.uk/emc

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.