Alclometasone dipropionate

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. 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.

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 USP, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components in this preparation.

General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids while on treatment. Patients applying a topical steroid to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression. This may be done by using the ACTH stimulation, A.M. plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol tests. The effects of alclometasone dipropionate ointment on the HPA axis have been evaluated.

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.

Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).