Drug Reference
Alclometasone
Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II)
Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Corticosteroids, moderately potent (group II)
- Action class
- Corticosteroid
- Mechanism
- Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Available as
0.5 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.0005 MG/MG · Topical Ointment
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is a low to medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, although the safety and efficacy of drug use for longer than 3 weeks have not been established (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use ). Since the safety and efficacy of alclometasone dipropionate ointment has not been established in pediatric patients below 1 year of age, their use in this age-group is not recommended.
How it works
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 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 A 2 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. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A 2 . Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption. A study utilizing a radio labeled alclometasone dipropionate ointment formulation was performed to measure systemic absorption and excretion. Results indicated that approximately 3% of the steroid was absorbed during 8 hours of contact with intact skin of normal volunteers. Studies performed with alclometasone dipropionate ointment indicate that this product is in the low to medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
How to use / dosing
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Apply a thin film of Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% to the affected skin areas two or three times daily; massage gently until the medication disappears. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older. Safety and effectiveness of alclometasone dipropionate ointment in pediatric patients for more than 3 weeks of use have not been established. Use in pediatric patients under 1 year of age is not recommended. 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. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should not be applied in the diaper area if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants as these garments may constitute occlusive dressing. Geriatric Use In studies where geriatric patients (65 years of age or older, see PRECAUTIONS ) have been treated with alclometasone dipropionate ointment, safety did not differ from that in younger patients; therefore, no dosage adjustment is recommended.
Side effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions have been reported with alclometasone dipropionate ointment in approximately 1% of patients: itching, burning, and erythema. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., at 1-866-923-4914 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
BreastfeedingCaution
Nursing Mothers Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of topical corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when alclometasone dipropionate ointment is administered to a nursing woman.
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components in this preparation.
Pediatric use
Pediatric Use Alclometasone dipropionate ointment may be used with caution in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, although the safety and efficacy of drug use for longer than 3 weeks have not been established. Use of alclometasone dipropionate ointment is supported by results from adequate and well-controlled studies in pediatric patients with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Since the safety and efficacy of alclometasone dipropionate ointment has not been established in pediatric patients below 1 year of age, its use in this age-group is not recommended. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse effects, including striae, have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. Pediatric patients applying alclometasone dipropionate ointment to >20% of the body surface area are at higher risk for HPA axis suppression. HPA axis suppression, Cushing syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include low plasma cortisol levels and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Alclometasone dipropionate ointment should not be used in the treatment of diaper dermatitis.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Overdose
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied alclometasone dipropionate ointment can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
- ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE OINTMENT [SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.]
- ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM [E. FOUGERA & CO. A DIVISION OF FOUGERA PHARMACEUTICALS INC.]
- ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM [SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES, INC.]
- ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE OINTMENT [GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS INC., USA]
- ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM [PHYSICIANS TOTAL CARE, INC.]
Authoritative sources
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.