Basic Information
- Habit forming? No
- Prescription needed? For some
- Available as generic? Yes
- Drug class: Adrenocorticoid (topical)
Uses
Relieves redness, swelling, itching, skin discomfort of hemorrhoids;
insect bites; poison ivy, oak, sumac; soaps, cosmetics; jewelry;
burns; sunburn; numerous skin rashes; eczema; discoid lupus
erythematosus; swimmers' ear; sun poisoning; hair loss; scars;
penphigus; psoriasis; pityriasis rosea.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to use:
Cream, lotion, ointment, gel--Apply small amount and rub in
gently.
Topical aerosol--Follow directions on container. Don't breathe
vapors.
Other forms--Follow directions on container.
When to use:
When needed or as directed. Don't use more often than directions
allow.
If you forget an application:
Use as soon as you remember.
What drug does:
Reduces inflammation by affecting enzymes that produce inflammation.
Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 20 minutes.
Don't use with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
None expected.
WHAT TO DO:
If person swallows or inhales drug, call doctor, poison-control
center or hospital emergency room for instructions.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
Common:
Infrequent:
Infection on skin with pain, redness, blisters, pus; skin
irritation with burning, itching, blistering or peeling; acne-like
skin eruptions.
Rare:
None expected. Note: Side effects are unlikely if topical
adrenocorticoids are used in low doses for short periods of
time. High doses for long periods can possibly cause the adverse
reactions of cortisone (see CORTISONE).
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any topical adrenocorticoid (cortisone)
preparation.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you plan pregnancy within medication period.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have infection at treatment site.
- If you have stomach ulcer.
- If you have tuberculosis.
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons, especially thinning of the
skin.
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Breast-feeding:
No problems expected.
Infants & children:
- Use only under medical supervision. Too much for too long
can be absorbed into bloodstream through skin and retard
growth.
- For infants in diapers, avoid plastic pants or tight diapers.
Prolonged use:
- Increases chance of absorption into bloodstream to cause
side effects of oral cortisone drugs.
- May thin skin where used.
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical
examinations or laboratory studies to check complete blood
counts (white blood cell count, platelet count, red blood
cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit), adrenal function.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
Others:
- Don't use a plastic dressing longer than 2 weeks.
- Aerosol spray--Store in cool place. Don't use near heat
or open flame or while smoking. Don't puncture, break or
burn container.
- Don't use for acne or gingivitis.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
