Halcinonide

Products

Halcinonide was commercially available as a solution, cream, and fat cream, and was also combined fixedly with urea and salicylic acid (Betacorton, Betacorton S). It was approved in many countries in 1981. It was discontinued from 2018 to 2019.

Structure and properties

Halcinonide (C24H32ClFO5, Mr = 454.96 g/mol) exists as a white powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is a chlorinated and fluorinated glucocorticoid and structurally related to fluocinonide.

Effects

Halcinonide (ATC D07AD02) has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antipruritic, and immunosuppressive properties. The effects are due to binding to glucocorticoid receptors.

Indications

For the treatment of inflammatory and noninfectious skin diseases.

Dosage

According to the professional information. Medicines are usually applied thinly and rubbed in gently once or twice daily. The duration of treatment should be kept short because of the possible adverse effects.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Skin infections
  • Skin ulcers
  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Perioral dermatitis

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Drug-drug interactions have been described with fusidic acid and quaternary ammonium bases.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include skin irritation, itching, dryness, and hypersensitivity reactions. If used inappropriately, skin reactions and systemic adverse reactions may occur, as with all topical glucocorticoids.