The information on this site is intended to supplement and enhance, not replace, the advice of a physician who is familiar with your medical history. Decisions about your health should always be made ONLY after detailed conversation with your doctor.
Generic drug name:
betamethasone
(bay ta METH a sone)
Brand name(s):
BETA-VAL,
DERMABET,
DIPROLENE,
LUXIQ,
SERNIVO,
VALNAC
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Generic drug name:
desoximetasone
(des ox i MET a sone)
Brand name(s):
TOPICORT
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Generic drug name:
fluocinolone
(floo oh SIN oh lone)
Brand name(s):
CAPEX,
DERMA-SMOOTHE/FS,
SYNALAR
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Generic drug name:
fluocinonide
(floo oh SIN oh nide)
Brand name(s):
LIDEX,
LIDEX-E,
VANOS
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Generic drug name:
hydrocortisone [topical]
(hye dro KOR ti sone)
Brand name(s):
ALA-CORT,
ALA-SCALP,
ANUSOL HC,
CORTAID,
CORTIZONE 10,
HI-COR,
HYTONE,
LOCOID,
NEACLEAR LIQUID OXYGEN SCAR ADVANTAGE,
PANDEL,
PENECORT,
STIE-CORT,
SYNACORT,
TEXACORT
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Generic drug name:
triamcinolone [topical]
(trye am SIN oh lone)
Brand name(s):
KENALOG,
TRIDERM
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Limited Use
[what does this mean?]
Generic drug name:
clobetasol propionate
(kloe BAY ta sol)
Brand name(s):
CLOBEX,
CORMAX,
EMBELINE,
EMBELINE E,
IMPEKLO,
IMPOYZ,
OLUX,
OLUX E
GENERIC:
available
FAMILY:
Adrenal Steroids
Find the drug label by
searching at DailyMed.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding Warnings [top]
Pregnancy Warning
Corticosteroids, when applied to the skin of pregnant animals, are capable of causing harm including stillbirths, cleft palate, and skeletal abnormalities at very low drug exposures. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects to the fetus, these drugs, particularly those with high potency, should not be used by pregnant women.
Breast-feeding Warning
No data are available on secretion of topically administered corticosteroids into breast milk; however, corticosteroids that are given by mouth or injection are secreted into breast milk. To avoid potential risks, women taking topic corticosteroids, particularly those with high potency, should talk to their doctor about whether to discontinue the drug or discontinue nursing.
Facts About This Drug [top]
Topical glucocorticoids (also called corticosteroids) are applied to the skin and are commonly used to reduce inflammation (redness and swelling) and relieve itching caused by many kinds of skin conditions (for example, eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis).
Topical glucocorticoids are classified into seven groups based on their potency (see Table below).[1] The potency is determined by the chemical makeup of the active ingredient, the strength and the formulation. Glucocorticoids...
Topical glucocorticoids (also called corticosteroids) are applied to the skin and are commonly used to reduce inflammation (redness and swelling) and relieve itching caused by many kinds of skin conditions (for example, eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis).
Topical glucocorticoids are classified into seven groups based on their potency (see Table below).[1] The potency is determined by the chemical makeup of the active ingredient, the strength and the formulation. Glucocorticoids that contain fluorine are more potent than those that do not contain fluorine.
Seven Classes of Topical Corticosteroids and Examples of Each
|
Potency Group |
Active ingredient, formulation(s), strength(s) |
Brand Name(s) |
|
Super-high potency (group 1) |
betamethasone dipropionate, augmented; gel, lotion and optimized ointment; 0.05 percent |
DIPROLENE |
|
clobetasol propionate, multiple formulations, 0.05 percent |
CLOBEX, CORMAX, EMBELINE, OLUX |
|
|
fluocinonide, cream, 0.1 percent |
VANOS |
|
|
halobetasol propionate; cream, lotion and ointment; 0.05 percent |
ULTRAVATE |
|
|
High potency (group 2) |
amcinonide, ointment, 0.1 percent |
generic only |
|
betamethasone dipropionate, cream (augmented formulation), 0.05 percent |
DIPROLENE AF
|
|
|
clobetasol propionate, cream, 0.025 percent |
IMPOYZ |
|
|
fluocinonide; cream, gel, ointment and solution; 0.05 percent |
LIDEX |
|
|
High potency (group 3) |
amcinonide, cream and lotion, 0.1 percent |
generic only |
|
fluticasone propionate, ointment, 0.005 percent |
CUTIVATE |
|
|
mometasone furoate, ointment, 0.1 percent |
ELOCON |
|
|
triamcinolone acetonide, cream, 0.5 percent |
TRIDERM |
|
|
Medium potency (group 4) |
betamethasone dipropionate, spray, 0.05 percent |
SERNIVO |
|
flurandrenolide, ointment, 0.05 percent |
CORDRAN |
|
|
hydrocortisone valerate, ointment, 0.2 percent |
generic only |
|
|
mometasone furoate, cream and lotion, 0.1 percent |
ELOCON |
|
|
Lower-mid potency (group 5) |
betamethasone valerate, cream, 0.1 percent |
BETA-VAL, DERMABET, VALNAC |
|
desonide, gel and ointment, 0.05 percent |
DESONATE, DESOWEN |
|
|
flurandrenolide, cream and lotion, 0.05 percent |
CORDRAN, CORDRAN SP |
|
|
hydrocortisone valerate, cream, 0.2 percent |
generic only |
|
|
Low potency (group 6) |
alclometasone dipropionate, cream and ointment, 0.05 percent |
generic only |
|
betamethasone valerate, lotion, 0.1 percent |
generic only |
|
|
desonide; cream, foam and lotion; 0.05 percent |
DESOWEN, VERDESO |
|
|
triamcinolone acetonide, cream and lotion, 0.025 percent |
TRIDERM |
|
|
Least potency (group 7) |
hydrocortisone; cream, foam, lotion, ointment and solution; 0.5, 1, 2 and 2.5 percent |
ALA-CORT, ALA-SCALP, ANUSOL HC, CORTAID,* CORTIZONE 10,* STIE-CORT, TEXACOR |
*Available over-the-counter
However, the fluorinated preparations are more likely to cause adverse effects such as skin thinning (particularly on the face, armpits and groin), loss of pigment and acne. In general, one should use the least potent preparation that is effective. Fluorinated glucocorticoids, in particular, should not be used for prolonged periods on the face or around the eye. The highest-potency glucocorticoids should not be applied to the face, underarms or groin areas. Higher-strength glucocorticoids also should be spread in a very thin layer, covering only the area requiring treatment. For most conditions, applying the medication once daily will suffice. If the area that you are treating becomes irritated, stop using the drug and call your doctor. More potent versions should be avoided in children whenever possible.
Super-high-potency glucocorticoids, such as clobetasol, generally are reserved for treating severe cases of skin diseases, such as severe psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) and contact dermatitis (for example, poison ivy), that have not responded to corticosteroids with lower potency. Therefore, we have designated clobetasol as Limited Use.
Adverse effects beyond the skin (caused by absorption into the blood system) are related to the amount and strength of the drug used and can pose a problem when large areas of skin, especially in children, are treated. In principle, any adverse effect that can be caused by an oral glucocorticoid could also result from topical use. For example, use of high- and super-high-potency topical glucocorticoids can reversibly suppress the production of natural glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol, by the adrenal glands. As a result, patients may experience signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency during or shortly after treatment.[2] However, such effects are rare if these preparations are used correctly.
For a given formulation, ointments are likely to be more effective than creams or lotions. However, some people find ointments too greasy, especially for hairy areas. In this case, a cream, lotion or gel may be a better option.
Sometimes doctors use occlusive techniques (for example, gloves, plastic film) to cover the topical glucocorticoid. Although this increases effectiveness, it also leads to more absorption into the body and potentially to more adverse effects. These techniques should be used only with a physician’s order.
Hydrocortisone (CORTAID) can now be purchased without a prescription in two strengths: 0.25% and 0.50%. However, the lowest concentration of this drug that is generally considered effective is 0.50%.
Some manufacturers combine topical glucocorticoids with topical antifungals (for example, betamethasone and clotrimazole [LOTRISONE CREAM]).
In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved revisions to the product labeling for betamethasone to show that use of topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and other eye disorders.[3]
Before You Use This Drug [top]
Tell your doctor if you have or have had:
Tell your doctor about any other drugs you take, including aspirin, herbs, vitamins, and other nonprescription products.
When You Use This Drug [top]
How to Use This Drug [top]
Interactions with Other Drugs [top]
In general, any interaction that might occur with an oral glucocorticoid is theoretically possible with a topical formulation. However, the frequency and severity of such interactions are likely to be reduced and can be reduced further by the measures mentioned in this section. See section on oral glucocorticoids for a list of interactions reported for these drugs.
Adverse Effects [top]
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
With long-term use of more potent formulations or if substantial absorption occurs:
Call your doctor if these symptoms continue:
Signs of overdose:
If you suspect an overdose, call this number to contact your poison control center: (800) 222-1222.
Periodic Tests[top]
Ask your doctor which of these tests should be done periodically while you are taking this drug:
last reviewed November 30, 2023
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