Alclometasone

What Is Alclometasone ?

• Alclometasone Dipropionate Cream contain alclometasone dipropionate ,a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use.

What are the uses of this medicine?

• Alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment are low to medium potency corticosteroids indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

How does this medicine work?

• Like other topical corticosteroids, alclometasone dipropionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.
• The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear.
• However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins.
• It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid.

Who Should Not Use this medicine ?

This medicine cannot be used in:

• In those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components in these preparations.

Is this medicine FDA approved?

• Yes, it is FDA approved.

How should this medicine be used?

• Apply a thin film of alclometasone dipropionate cream or ointment to the affected skin areas 2 or 3 times daily; massage gently until the medication disappears.
• As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved.
• If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary.

What are the dosage forms and brand names of this medicine?

This medicine is available in fallowing doasage form: Alclometasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 0.05% is supplied in:

• 15 gram tubes
• 45 gram tubes
• 60 gram tubes

Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is supplied in:

• 15 gram tubes
• 45 gram tubes
• 60 gram tubes

This medicine is available in fallowing brand names: ACLOVATE®

What side effects can this medication cause?

Common possible side effects of this medicine include:

• itching and burning
• erythema
• dryness
• irritation
• papular rashes

Possible serious side effects with the use of occlusive dressings may include:

• folliculitis
• acneiform eruptions
• hypopigmentation
• perioral dermatitis
• allergic contact dermatitis
• secondary infection
• skin atrophy
• striae
• miliaria

What special precautions should I follow?

• This medication is to be used as directed by the physician.
• It is for external use only.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• The treated skin area should not be bandaged, otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive, unless directed by the physician.
• Alclometasone dipropionate cream or ointment should not be applied in the diaper area as diapers or plastic pants may constitute occlusive dressing
• This medication should not be used on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by the physician.
• As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact the physician.

What to do in case of emergency/overdose?

• Topically applied alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment can be absorbed in sufficient amounts ,so no overdosage has been reported.

Can this medicine be used in pregnancy?

• There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
• Alclometasone dipropionate cream or ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Can this medicine be used in children?

• Alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older.
• Since the safety and efficacy of alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment have not been established in pediatric patients below 1 year of age, their use in this age-group is not recommended.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Store between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F).

• Dailymed label info on Alclometasone
• FDA Alclometasone