ALCLOMETASONE DIPROPIONATE

Alclometasone Dipropionate Cream USP, 0.05% and Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP, 0.05% contain alclometasone dipropionate, USP (7α-chloro-11β,17,21-trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate), a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Chemically, alclometasone dipropionate, USP is C 28 H 37 ClO 7 . It has the following structural formula: Alclometasone dipropionate, USP has the molecular weight of 521.04 g/mol. It is a white to almost white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in alcohol, acetone, ethyl acetate and acetonitrile. Each gram of Alclometasone Dipropionate Cream USP contains 0.5 mg of alclometasone dipropionate, USP in a hydrophilic, emollient cream base of propylene glycol, white petrolatum, cetearyl alcohol, mono and di-glycerides, PEG 100 stearate, ceteth-20, monobasic sodium phosphate, chlorocresol, phosphoric acid, and purified water. Each gram of Alclometasone Dipropionate Ointment USP contains 0.5 mg of alclometasone dipropionate, USP in an ointment base of hexylene glycol, white wax, propylene glycol monopalmitostearate, and white petrolatum. structure-formula

Alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment are low to medium potency corticosteroids indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Alclometasone dipropionate cream and 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 (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use ). Since the safety and efficacy of alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment have 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 cream or ointment to the affected skin areas 2 or 3 times daily; massage gently until the medication disappears. Alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment may be used in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older. Safety and effectiveness of alclometasone dipropionate cream or 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 cream or ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Alclometasone dipropionate cream or ointment should not be applied in the diaper area if the child still requires diapers or plastic pants as these garments may constitute occlusive dressing. Geriatric Use : In studies where geriatric patients (65 years of age or older, see PRECAUTIONS ) have been treated with alclometasone dipropionate cream or ointment, safety did not differ from that in younger patients; therefore, no dosage adjustment is recommended.

Alclometasone dipropionate cream and ointment are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components in these preparations.

The following local adverse reactions have been reported with alclometasone dipropionate cream in approximately 2% of patients: itching and burning, erythema, dryness, irritation, and papular rashes. 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 between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F).