Products
Fluocinolone acetonide is commercially available as an ointment, cream, and suppositories (Synalar, Procto-Synalar N). It has been approved in many countries since 1963.
Structure and properties
Fluocinolone acetonide (C24H30F2O6, Mr = 452.5 g/mol) exists as a white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a fluorinated and fused glucocorticoid.
Effects
Fluocinolone acetonide (ATC D07AC04) has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antiallergic, and immunosuppressive properties. The effects are based on interaction with intracellular glucocorticoid receptors.
Indications
For the treatment of noninfectious, inflammatory, inflammatory-itchy, and allergic skin conditions for which topical glucocorticoids are indicated.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Medications are applied once or twice daily. Because of the potential for adverse effects, dermocorticoids should be used for as short a time as possible and applied only thinly. The duration of use is dictated by the professional information. If dermocorticoids are needed for a longer period of time, breaks in therapy must be taken or cortisone-free skin care products must be applied in the meantime. Topical glucocorticoids should not be applied over large areas and should not be overdosed.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Bacterial or viral skin infections, fungal skin infections.
- Vaccination reactions
- Rosacea, perioral dermatitis
- Acne
- Pregnancy
- Children under one year
- Application to the eye
- Occlusive dressings
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Drug interactions
Drug-drug interactions are not known.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Local skin reactions such as skin irritation, burning, itching, dry skin.
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Improper use of dermocorticoids can lead to skin damage such as thinning of the skin (atrophy), skin striae, and telangiectasias. In addition, systemic glucocorticoid side effects are possible; see topical glucocorticoids.